FinallyFree

Hang in there, it will be worth it!! I had to go through the same process. I asked the insurance company what would happen if I lost too much wgt. The agent reassured me the wgt loss would be good for me, but the 6 mo. program is set up to filter out the ones who can't follow the plan for 6 mo. I gained 9 lbs. and over 6 months lost 13, but because I kept the appts. and filled out the necessary paperwork when it was due, I was approved. 6 months is a short period of time, and it will go fast!

The broth in the box tastes much better than the canned broth. :cursing:

Hi Jan, Who is your surgeon? Dietician? Good luck!

T. With the gastric bypass, etc. people have to be careful of mal absorbption for the rest of their lives. That was a major concern to me. I was also worried because I knew in my heart of hearts I could eat around gastric by pass. With the band I will be able have a fill when I need it. Just my opinion.

Why do you ask, Kathy? What concerns do you have that we can help you with?

Miralax worked for me along with a daily Activa yogurt. The benefiber chewable and powder did nothing.

T. I've sent you a pm!

Tangerine, How is it going?

Tamihott, I spoke with a rep. at 3 insurance companies, and all told me the same thing....It's not if you lose nor how much you lose during the 6 mo. wgt loss program but if you can stick to it and show you are trying to lose. As for the year you are missing....did you have an annual pap or mamogram, visit to the public health nurse you could provide? Best of Luck to you hang in there!! I did and was approved!

Did you not have an annual pap or mamogram during the 3 yrs? I used any and all dr. records I could find for the 5 yr period.

I had to stay overnight too. Ronwifey, make sure you get up and walk as much as possible!! It will help relieve gas and help get the anesthesia out of your system sooner.:thumbdown:

Please call your insurance company and find out what is covered. They will tell you what the guidelines are for qualifying. Make sure you get the name of the person you talk to. Good luck!!

What did your dr. say when you told him/her about only losing when you stuck to liquids? How did the fill go? How are you feeling now?

Cathy, the same thing happened to me. I called the hospital and insurance company, it turned out to be what QTkidsmom described. The insurance company was waiting for paperwork, and according to both the hospital and insurance co. this can take up to 3 weeks before being received. Don't freak out, especially since you have your approval letter. Be nice on the phone, it will be ok.

It must be because I had the same problem!!:biggrin: For months I felt like my body was shedding old fat dead cells, my husband would scratch my back several times a night. Eventually the itching stops.

Angeleyes, Do you know what is going on with your thyroid? Do you think you had thyroid problems before your band? I have a friend who is interested in the band, but she has thyroid problems and is wondering if she could still have the band. slcmommy!!:biggrin: You go!! I've posted before I added a ticker to my signature. I've lost 75 lbs since Jan. 07, was banded June 07. My bmi dropped from 38.7 if I remember correctly to 24. Keep us updated on your progress!

My journey started in Oct. 13, 06 and finally ended with surgery June 20, 2007 if this is any consulation! 9 1/2 mo.! Have patience, in talking with my insurance the lady on the other end told me it was so detailed and lengthy to week out the ones who aren't "really serious" about losing the wgt. Hang in there! Follow the directions to a T. Make copies, document all phone calls with dr. offices, insurance companies, etc! Good luck!

My starting bmi was 38.6, and I was approved. Have you contacted yourv insurance co. to find out what thr requirements are for coverage?

I attended a seminar before my surgery and was told chewing gum generates as much as a quart of saliva which is way too much for a newly banded pouch to hold. I found this to be true the first few months post banding but now I can chew gum for a little bit before needing to spit it out.

HI Ladies! I was 53 when I had my surgery and so thankful I did! Thanks to the exercise videos of the 70's and 80's todays 50's is yesterday's 40's and I believe it. One of the benefits of having the surgery at our age is maturity with dieting ...having all those past years of trying to lose wgt and failing or having limited success and then gaining the wgt. back! Sound familiar?? I am proud to say I weigh less and look better than I have in decades! And another plus.....all those skinny young women and men of our generation are getting the middle age spread or worse. They are just starting their battle with weight loss and are confused! How did this happen? They used to be able to eat anything!! We've been there, done that and have the clothes to prove it!! [insert uplifting music here] Well here's to US and the rest of our lives! May they be long and healthy!

No, I'm not treated differently. They've all congratulated me on my weight loss at one time or another, but that's it. It hasn't been over the top with the praise or encouragement. They've given the same amount of praise to someone who has come in with a nice hair style.:eek:

Joan, It's great to hear you're going to give it all you have. You deserve this! Your friend that had it done last year can help you through, and answer any questions you're going to have. Thanks for the compliment on my wgt loss and ticker. I still feel the same inside, just lighter!:eek:

Yes, it was worth it. I started Feb. 28, 2007 to lose the wgt. My daily intake was Protein powder w/1 C. skim milk for Breakfast, Wendy's chili, no cheese for lunch, dinner was protein (steak, salmon, chicken, pork) as much as I wanted, 1 C. frozen strawberries and 1 pop. Between meals I drank coffee w/skim milk. I lost a total of 22 lbs in 3mo. 3 weeks. That's what? 6.6 lbs a month. After my surgery the wgt. loss jumped to 10 lbs a month. I used the tool I was given to my best advantage. I'm within 5 lbs of my goal wgt. now and my bmi is normal. It's great! It was definately worth it.

I've tried a sip 3 times since my surgery. Soda tastes like nasty chemicals to me so it hasn't been a problem. It's not hard to give up the soda when the pouch is so small. I'd rather have quality in there not quanity.

I read a few months ago, where it helps to get on your knees, with your butt in the air higher than your shoulders, elbows on the bed or floor and rock. Hope this helps! Welcome to the other side!!