QuincyGirl

I did try Meridia for a while and I did lose around 20 pounds however it was not easy. I dont always eat just because I am hungry and all Meridia does is suppress the appetite. I will say however that it did supress the hunger and I did not have any negative side effects from it. Good luck with the 6 month diet, I have just started mine as well.

I went to a web site to see this AP band and it looks pretty nice. I will be asking my Doc about it when/if I get that far with this long long process. Good luck to all of us.:shades_smile:

My insurance does cover it but may not cover mine. I do not have any severe co-morbid problems that I am aware of and my BMI is only 38.4. I think I may have sleep apnea but have not had test done yet. I definately have the symptoms for it. I realy want this help and may just have to be a self pay but I will at least try insurance first. Thanx for the replies.

Does anybody know if you have to have a passport to go to Mexico to have surgery, and also, what happens if there are complications? Will any insurance cover you if problems occur? Even if complications occur months later?:shades_smile:

So what co- morbitities qualifies? I dont have any of the standard ones that I am aware of, no high BP or no diabetes or heart problems. Family history is awful ( all sisters have had by pass surgery or stents and both parents died from heart disease). Does family history count that you are aware of?

I have a BMI of 38.4 and am wondering if I lose too much weight will I still be able to get the surgery? I have to do a 6 month diet with my PCP and I am presently at 220 lbs and if I get below 204 I will fall below the 35 BMI requirement. I feel bad about my weight and want to start losing but I know I can lose weight.......keeping it off is another story. Has anybody lost enough to fall below the 35 BMI mark and still able to get the surgery? I have Health Alliance insurance.:thumbup:

I have not had my surgery yet but was told by my my insurance company and the Dr. that my insurance requires an overnight stay as well. I think it will be fine though, and I will feel better knowing that things are ok the next day before going home.:thumbdown:

Thanks for all the replys. I am going to call the bariatric clinic on Monday and see if we can go ahead and start all the other test that need to be done. I too would like to be able to go ahead with the surgery as soon as the 6 months are up. I am looking so forward to the new me:biggrin:

:unsure:I have gone to my first seminar which was very interesting, I have talked to my insurance agent and was told I do qualify for the procedure and was also informed of the 6 month diet I must do with my PCP. I do have my appointment to see my PCP on monday and I guess begin the waiting game. I am wondering if I will be able to get the other required test done during this 6 month period or if I will have to wait til after 6 months to begin next steps......Does anybody know? Health Alliance is my insurance company.:thumbup:

What kind of shakes is everyone using and how often do you have to drink them? Is it more important to get more fiber or more protien?

I will be atending my seminar on Feb 20th and I am wondering exactly what do these seminars pertain? I mean is it telling us all about the surgery itself or the pre-post diet , etc.? Also has anybody had their surgery in Springfield IL with Dr. Hammer ?

:eek:What happens when you get the stomach flu and need to vomit? I know that was a gross question but I am wondering how things work after being banded. Is it going to be damaging to the band?

I was thinking the same thing. I hope I can do the diet.....I sure have not done so well so far.

What is optifast and is it something you can get without a script for it? Could you drink slimfast in its place?

I have called my insurance company and was told they do cover the lap band surgery and that I do qualify as far as weight ( BMI 38 ). I have my appointment for the seminar at the bariatric clinic and will be getting my referral from my PCP on the 25th. They did mention somthing about requiring that I have tried a 4 month weight loss program through my physician but would look at my last years history with him and possibly accept teh weight loss I have already had being monitored by my Dr. Ayway, I am excited to get things going and have realy learned a lot from all of you out there. Looking forward to chatting with you all and looking for support. Thanks :wink_smile: