Emily'sDad

My doctor has a very strict pre-op diet plan. I'm drinking Lemon Tea Nector, which isn't too bad at all. The only problem is that it is difficult to mix. I am using an electric baby formula mixer that works great (purchased in the baby section of wal-mart $4).

All I'm allowed to eat is four 90 calories each Protein drinks, and two 150 calorie Protein Bars. Thats 660 calories per day!! YIKES that's it? I'm only on day three and having a rough time. I feel weak and generally crummy. In the past four days I have dropped 10lbs...

I've noticed that other doctors pre-op diets aren't nearly as restrictive as mine, but am none the less going to be my best to stick with it.

Hi Newbeginnings

I am scheduled to be banded on the 27th of March..19 more days! I have a one year old daughter (who rocks) and am expecting an other kid in August (don't know the sex yet).

From what I've seen on this website it seems like weight loss is highly variable between differant folks. In my case I have a pretty big frame which means I won't be able to lose as much, at least not easily. My surgeon thought 235 would be a good goal for me (186lb is my ideal weight by the books). I'm hoping to get a little below 235, but it won't be easy I am sure.

The most important thing is how determined you are to stick with the guidlines that we have to follow as new bandsters. Like staying away from the cheater foods like shakes and juice.< /p>

Best of luck to you, let me know how your surgery goes!?!

I can relate, I am wanting to get my fill of all the junk food I won't be able to eat post banding. I'm trying to limit myself to one nice meal this weekend, just haven't figured out what yet.

I'll trade you my Protein drink for your Protein Bar? I'm not looking forward to the diet, but it will be worth it!

Can someone please pass the Protein Kool-aid?! hehe

Good luck in your journey. It's exciting to imagine a smaller you isn't it? Have you looked at the before and after photo section? I find that particularly motivating!

Tantrica

I can relate to how your PCM reacted. My PCM told me, "we all have to exercise regularly, this includes you." No kidding? I actually go to the gym 3 nights a week. I'd say that is pretty darn good in comparison to most folks.

Congrats...my surgery date is on the 25th of March!

tricare doesn't look at BMI just your if your 100+ pounds over your ideal weight. You also have to have one weight related health issues. Unless of course you are 200% of your ideal body weight, then you are automatically elligible.

that is really long. good luck finding an other surgeon!

I've been approved for the surgery too!! March 25th!

I actually didn't have a chance to attend a seminar. From the time I met with my PCM to the surgeon's office consult was about 7 days. As for the surgery I was told it would be about two weeks after I get the surgery approved. The approval "should" come in today or tomorrow.

I actually had trouble with the website. None of my referrals have showed up there. I'm sure I could just call and get it straightened out, but since they just call me when the referral has gone through, I haven't worried about it.

Tricare actually selected the only surgeon in town for me. I'm not sure how it works if you want to choose your own.

The referral for me only took two days. On the second day I called tricare to check and they said it had just been approved. The following day I called the surgeons office to make my appointment.

I didn't even bother picking a PCM. I didn't have one assigned and just made an appointment with whom ever they had. Didn't seem to make a differance I was still approved. Tricare Prime South

Thanks mommyof5 and good luck to you too. Its a very exciting thought to picture yourself blubber free isn't it!

I think I've made it through the hard part, which is getting the initial referral. The final approval for surgery is just a check to make sure your surgeon isn't trying to rip off the insurance company (or at least that is what I've been told). I'm saving the celebrating for the official "approved," from Tricare.

I have tricare prime and the policy regarding Lap-band is standard across the Tricare Prime system.

Once your PCM submits the referral, tricare will then evaluate it to make sure you meet their criteria. Your PCM should already know what the criteria is and will make sure you meet it. A couple of days after the referral is submitted Tricare will fax your referral to the approprite surgeon and most likely the surgeons office will call you to make an appointment. I was a little inpatient and called tricare to check the status to find out if i was approved, and I was. In my case both Tricare and the surgeons office called.

I'm Tricare South and just got done with my surgery consultation for Lap-Band. That means Tricare approved the surgeon referral, but still waiting on the surgery approval (should only be a day or two). I was given a break down of any expenses Tricare does not cover. In my case that was a $35 for a 10 day supply of Protein shakes for the pre op diet, and $65 for a post op vitamine and supplament kit (don't know how long the kit lasts). Many of the extra services I will require are included in the surgeons fee, including meeting with a neutritionist.

Just a note for those of you seeking the initial approval. My PCM didn't weigh me, just asked my weight. They took my BP and said it was boarderline high. I complained of backpain at night and "potential sleep apnea." The point being that my comorbidites weren't well documented and you don't need to be on deaths door step to get approved. A lot depends on your PCM, if they think you will benefit from the surgery then they will probably make sure that you will get approved in the way they submit their referral.

My blog has my experiances so far.

I was an engine specialist on HH-60 pavehawks and c-130s in the AF. I'd love to get a pilots license. I Just don't fit in a cessna right now. I think I'll add that to my to to list (post poundage) :smile2:.

I'm wondering if the AF will let me reenlist after WLS?

Sgt Bob

I think you are the first person to catch the beachcraft connection to my user id. I was a turboprop mechanic in the Air Force and vowed that if I ever won the lottery I was going to buy my very own turboprop.. Beach King air 1900

my referral to the surgeon has been approved. Haven't yet been approved for the actual surgery. 305lbs 6'00" BMI 41. Cormobids; high bloodpressure, sleep apnea, and back pain.

My impression is that I've made it through the difficult part of the approval process. We will see though. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that all contiues smoothly.

I'm approved to see the surgeon! I couldn't wait for the letter I had to call and ask...yeah I'm a big dork.

Lisa,

Thanks for the help, I got set up on the website. No news on the referral yet, but at least now I know where to look.

If you like Italian food then Toscani's is my favorite.

Wow that really is quick. I am still waiting for my PCM referral to be approved.

My wife is an instructor pilot here at Sheppard AFB. What a lovely place Wichita Falls is...not!!! haha

What website do you guys use for checking your approval status?

I went in to meet with my PCM today to ask about LB and we discovered that I now have fairly high blood pressure. That was a bit of a surprise. Maybe just nerves? Anyways he gave me a referral to see a surgeon for LB and have a sleep study. Is that the big hurdle? Or is it getting insurance approval? What can I expect at the surgeons office?

Still can't believe my BP jumped so much.

Brad

I'ts nice to hear from people in the same boat I am. The thought of surgery is a little spooky. Especially after looking at the post op scars pages. I had no idea they poke so many holes in you.

I don't know if I can afford the procedure if my insurance doesn't cover me. I do know that if my health problems aren't severe enough now that they will be a few years from now.

Good luck!

6'0" 300LBS

One day a few months ago my wife brought home a sticky note with a phone number one it. She had heard an add for a LapBand seminar and copied the phone number to register. At first I dismissed it as being foolish. After all I'm responsible for my food intake and my excercise level, aren't I?

Well I never fully dismissed the idea and have been reading and thinking it over. What it boils down to is that I have had a life long weight problem. There have been times when I was able to lose significant weight, only to put it back on +++. Now I have one beautiful 1 year old daughter and an other kid one the way (sex yet to be known :biggrin2:). Maybe it is time I start exploring other options.

I have made an appointment to discuss some of my medical issues and the possibility of Lap Band. I find myself feeling fairly nervous, as though I'm trying to get away with something. You see I don't have diabets, or high blood pressure. I suspect some degree of sleep apnea, but I have yet to be diagnosed. I wake up occasionalllyMy biggest issue is back pain at night. I'm convinced my weight strains my back to the extent that I can not sleep.

Well I just needed to express my situation. If you actually read all this, I thank you! I hope that anyone who reads does well in their journey (maybe wish me luck too?).

Brad

Wichita Falls, TX