NikkiD

Does anyone have an anklet rather than a bracelet? I am wondering if an anklet would be noticed like a bracelet is. Any thoughts? Thanks

I have tried Tuna filets and salmon but didn't care for either. I'm not much of seafood eater, I prefer shrimp. I also tried broiled flounder which didn't taste bad but I had issues with the texture. It was mushy. I know that may be wierd. lol Can anyone suggest a fish that has more of a meatier texture? Thanks

I will be having my surgery April 16th and i'm so ready to start my new life. I am curious how others that have the realize band are doing? My doctor gave me the choice of which band I wanted and since the realize band is the newest techology I chose it. Also, I saw where they have a great support program on their website. Thanks

Marisa Thank you for the information! Makes me feel like I made the right choice. Looks like we are starting out about the same. My current wait is also 235. Good luck with everything. Thanks to everyone else that posted on this also.

Hi! I will be banded with realize band on April 16th. Do you mind if I ask why you chose the realize band? I was given the choice of which I wanted. I've heard the realize has a great support program on their website and since my doctor said the performance of both are about the same I picked realize.

I was shown both bands and there wasn't much of a difference. The part of the band that gets filled was one continuous tube on the realize band and the Inamed was in sections. I think they may have hooked together differently to. As far as performance my doctor didn't think there was much of a difference either. So I guess if there are any major difference i'd like to know them to? lol

I will be banded on April 16th. My major worry is that I will fail. The band is just a tool to help you lose weight. Just like any tool if it isn't used correctly it won't work. Can I stick to healthy eating and excerise? If I can't how will I face everyone that knows I have the band and still can't lose weight? I think all the concerns i've read here are normal and its normal for us to have them.

Hello everyone I added myself to the spreadsheet..hope no one minds. Last week I received my surgery date of April 16th. I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. I go for my pre-op visit with the surgeon Wednesday so i'm not sure what to expect as far as any type of pre-op diet. I wish you all good luck and I can't wait to see all the results.

I had to pay $245 or around that even with my insurance...very expensive.

My insurance plan requires a psych evaluation. A lot of them do so I assume if that is a requirement you have to see a psych doctor.

Ronwifey....010308 is correct. The doctors you see must be Preferred Providers not just participating. Participating providers have a contract that says they agree not to balance bill over the contracted rates and they agree to file your claim. Other than that they are paid out of network. From what yours shows if you go to a participating or non par provider you pay it all. Make sure you see a PPO provider to avoid paying a lot more out of pocket. Good luck Also, some BCBS plans do require the surgery by done in a center of excellence. I have CareFirst BCBS and it does not (thankfully). Make sure inquiry about that.

My psych eval took 3 hours..it took 2 hours to complete questionaires and do some kind of personality test. After speaking with the doc she advised that there should be no problem for me to go on with the surgery and then she scheduled me an appt. to come back in 2 weeks. During that appt we discussed the results of my personality test and the fact that I have to quit smoking. She once again scheduled me for another appt 1 month out. I'm not sure why as she has signed off on my paper work and it has been submitted to the insurance for approval. It seems it just depends on the doc you see. I wouldn't read much into it.

The reason I ask is because I have one of the BCBS plans and their requirement state you quailify with a bmi over 40 but if it is 35 you need co-morbities

Rascal Who's your insurance carrier?

I had this also. I took a prevpac..biaxin, amoxicllian and previcid. My doc said if i wasn't having any syptoms there was no need to go any further with it. He did tell me it can cause ulcers and lead to stomach cancer so make sure you finish the course of treatment.

I am in the same boat as you. I understand your worries. My information was submitted to BCBS yesterday for approval. I will be sure to let you know the outcome once I get it. Good luck

My info was also submitted to bcbs for approval. It was sent yesterday and i was told they should have an answer by Monday. I'm thinking that's a little unrealistic but hope they are right. Good luck everyone

bthin...instead of copying the text for your ticker just right click on the image itself and select copy. Then go to edit your signature and paste it. Right click where you want the ticker and click paste.

Staind..check out this web page. Its the medical coverage guidelines for BCBS FL. Just type bariatric sugery in the search box. It does state most policies don't cover this but it also lists the criteria you would have to meet for it to be considered medically necessary. Might give you something to work if should ever decide to do the band. By know means am I pushing you toward that, i'm not even banded yet myself. I just thought it maybe helpful. BCBSF Medical Coverage Guidelines (MCG)

Hey Staind I agree with shortgal, if you can do this without weightloss surgery by all means go for it. You seem to have a very positive attitude and that will make all the difference. CONGRATS!!!! What you have done on your own so far is AMAZING!! By the time your insurance decides to cover the band you probably won't even need it. What part of Fl do you live in? I have family in the Vero Beach area.

Hi....yes tht does sound right. St. Mary's is in Huntington...do you know who her doc is? A co-worker is seeing Dr. Neese? I believe he is in the Hungtington area. You should definitely encourage her to visit this sight, it has been very helpful to me. People have asked/answered questions I would have never thought of. I assume you have been banded? Looks like you have had success. That is reassuring to me. Thanks

Hi Staind....when is the last time you checked w/your insurance to see if they cover it. Just from reading posts on this website it seems a lot of the bcbs plans are starting to cover the band. I have CareFirst BCBS which is out of MD/DC and they cover it. I actually work for them and know that it has been a recent change. My plan has covered the gastric bypass for quite a few years. If you have checked lately you may want to try back and see if anything has changed. I wish you luck...

Hi staindgal Looks like you are going down the right path. 22.6 lbs that is awesome!! Take that as a positive and run with it. Good luck with your journey

Thanks for the responses I am in the Charleston area. Hopefully it won't be to long before I get a date. My final appt.. is Monday then just have to wait on the insurance approval. I'm excited, impatient and nervous all at once...lol Good luck on your journey Kyla

I have tried the choclote unjury and it isn't to bad. I also have some of the unflavored to try out. So far the choclote has been the best of the protien drinks I have tried.