Sherrie

My BMI was 36 when I started this process. My insurance would pay for it - no questions at 40; or they would pay at 35+ with 2 comorbidities. They are VERY strict about the co-morbidities. They have to be documented and diagnosed by a physician. For example... hyperlipidemia is a comorbidity - so I had my cholesterol checked. It was 236, which is not normal, but my doc said I did not need meds - so that didn't count. I am not on ANY other meds... no HBP, no diabetes. sleep Apnea is a comorbidity (which I don't have) but you need a sleep study to document it. Osteoarthritis is one, but you have to prove it. I went to an orthopedist and he says my knee pain was not OA= that my XRAYS looked great. The moral of my story ... self pay. Good luck!!!

Hey Courtney! Welcome to the board. I am new here too. I was just banded on 10/6/05. Hope to meet you at lunch!

Well - I post on OH - and I am a newbie... luckily I have not experienced hate mail or anything terrible like that. There are several regular posters that have been there a few years. I guess once you get the hang of it - you don't need as much support.

Hey - I just ordered the book Lap Band for Life by Dr. Ortiz, and Sharon Osbourne's photo is on the back of it. I thought she had bypass too. Cool to know she has the band. It's crazy. There are lots of overweight stars out there - just look at Celebrity Fit Club - I am shocked more of them don't try the band.

Hey all... I am in Elon, which is about 80 minutes from Charlotte - I am more than willing to drive down there ... you go right by Concord Mills afterall. However, I can't make it on a Tuesday... I work :-) Any chance of planning a weekend get-together for the future??

Hmmm - I will be able to eat FOOD then. Okay - it's on my calendar!! I will be there,

Melissa - I was not allowed to drink Protein shakes or anything with yogurt in it until day 7 - so if you feel gassey, that may be why. I have found I feel better if I avoid milk. Good luck!! I'm at day 11 and counting!!! "-)

What are you drinking to get your Protein? Congrats on your surgery! :banana

Trust me... don't let starvation push you to push your band. I ate some cream of potato soup too soon and I thought I was going to die. It was like an ice pick was stabbing me all over.

As a new bandster... this was a great post! Thanks for doing it.

Hey everyone! My name is Sherrie and I live in Elon, NC. I just got back from Monterrey where Dr. Sanchez performed my surgery. I look forward to getting to know everyone!!!! Sherrie 10/6/2005 sw: 249 gw: 149 "To not be the fattest soccer mom on the field..."

My doc recommended the following: Day 1-5: clear liquid Day 6-12: add applesauces, cream soups, cottage cheese & yogurt Day 13-21: add oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes.. etc Sounds like some of you went more solid sooner. Just curious!

Hey there - I was banded 10/6 and gas pains creep up around my left shoulder blade at times. My husband rubs and gently pounds on my back. Helps a lot. What are you eating?

I love Dos Equis draft with mexican food. Once I get over the hump, it will probably be my one guilty pleasure.

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Elon used to be Elon College. When Elon College became a university a few years ago, the city dropped "College" and just became Elon. This is also where Elon Homes for Children (orphanage) is. I am between Greensboro and Burlington in Alamance county - right in the middle of the state. I am about 80 minutes are so from Charlotte I guess. Sounds like it would be fun to get together!