JudyAnticola

I am quite sure there is nothing metal on the lap band, at least I hope not. I fly a lot and no one has mentioned it. Actually, I crossed through with change in my pocket last week and it did not sound an alarm. I was told that they give you a card that allows you to order off the childs menu in a restaurant, so perhaps that would explain the band for your travels in the case of an emergency. Have not heard of any other types of "identification", but might be a good idea.

Val, I went to CJ Banks today after walking in the park, got some great sales. They are hiring, I will think about it.

After the 3 hour blitz he felt he could move things up, so do like you said, ask for an appointment with him right away, if they do not help you page him or call Lisa or go up to her office, 319. Don't worry about the colonoscopy, you are under 50. I am the oldie but goodie of the group so I get the honors. I am pretty sure you will not need one. It would be so cool if we could get banded the same day. If you get a surgery appointment let me know and I will ask for it as well. It seems like I am running only a week or two behind you. He said he will be at the park next Saturday, you would get some time with him there as he is usually careful about spending time with each one of us as we walk.

Thanks for all you said, it helped me a lot. I was feeling like such a loser patient because of all my whining and although I am not glad you are having the same problems, it will help me to keep from thinking it is just me. Yes, I did talk to Hoffman about the delay and he thinks we can move things along after the initial visit, which is the same plan that you suggested. I plan on asking for a surgery date at the initial visit if all my tests are completed which I think they will be. You will be the pathmaker for me I guess. Funny, we started the whole process at the same time, back in February. We talked about you today too, as I thought he knew you. You have not met him right? He will help you to move it along once he meets you. My initial appointment is June 2. I already have insurance approval. I do not know what the deal is with a month here and a month there, but I think between you and I we will surely get an answer. I have shrink and colonoscopy this month and then hopefull I will be set. Hope to see you at the park one of these days. I would walk during the week if I am in town, would even come out your way. Keep in touch. You are only a little over a week away from your new life, I am so happy for you!

Sally, did you get your 3 hour blitz yet? I am wondering if you were able to schedule a surgery date. I have done almost all the testing and have insurance approval, but today they told me it will still be a few months! I am annoyed to say the least. Just wondering if they are going to drag it out for you or if you will get a surgery date asap after your 3 hr meeting. I am hoping for early July, two months away, and they are giving me a hard time about that. I am not sure what to do. I have started looking into some other places. I really want Hoffman to do it, but I do not like this "one month between each appointment thing". It is such a waste of everyone's mind. It almost seems like the BGH has not made a real commitment to this program. Heck, I was ready for a hysterectomy in two weeks and I had never met the doctor. So why six months? I just don't get it. Perhaps the 3 hour visit will make sense. Call me after yours so I can see if they made anything clear or explained the delays. Take care.

Be careful because there are variations in what a particular company will cover. For example, I have United Health Care Choice Plus. For many members on this chat it covered their surgery. Because my employer did not have the rider for the lapband UHC does not cover it for me. You need to check with your employer and read your policy benefits. Confirm with Human Resources or call the prior authorization number on the back of your card.

Hi Sally, we walk around twice, usually finish about 9:30 am. We start at the Juicery and finish there as well so if any one will stick around to talk it would be there. So far there has not been a formal talk session, except while we are walking. I know some of the ladies are interested in a "sit and chat". I am not sure when that will start though. We probably come by the Juicery at about 8:45 or so, you could join us for the second time around. I usually take off right after the walk because camping season is starting and I usually head out to the campgrounds after picking up my dog. I have a lot of tests completed as well, just by chance. I am hoping for an August surgery if not sooner. See you Saturday.

Loraine, can you tell I was busy these two days? I did not bug you at all. How did your appt go? I just got back from Philadelphia tonight, I am beat!

Seems like it might be a big group. Hope you are feeling well. See you then.

How did you know what pre-op testing to do without having your 3 hour blitz? Did they give you that info over the phone? Just curious, it seems different for each of us!

I called them and have an appointment but had to pay $200 up front. I found someone else so I think I can get the $ back from Suburban.

Efran, do not get too excited over the possibility of summer. I began all of this in February, and I doubt that I will even have it in the summer, possibly August. Most of my testing is already done. But keep trying. I have a blank copy of the application and could get it to you faster than the office. Send me an address or a fax number.

Actually I found out that CHAMPVA will probably cover it. You were right about the employer and the cost to them. Happy Cinco de Mayo.

You have lost almost ten pounds a month though, that is really fantastic! Since use of the Realize band in new in the US it may take a while to figure out where you should be but I think you are doing great and I hope that you feel great!! Take care.

They do not do the Realize band in Buffalo yet. I think it will begin in June. The efficacy is supposed to be the same, but who knows. I am glad to hear that it is being used in the US.

Lorraine, the psychology visit is $200 cash. Did you experience the same thing? I am going to Suburban in Amherst. I am sure my company will reimburse some of it. At least things are moving along. Take care.

I already know Hoffman, I am just trying to get the shrink and dietician etc. scheduled. I am waiting for them to call me back now with the names of the various psychologists so I can get an appointment with one in May. Thanks for getting back to me.

When did you go to the seminar? What psychologist did you see? I have already had my sleep study, am already diagnosed with sleep apnea. I hope you come to the park. Thanks for the information.

Who is Melissa? I have talked to Lisa and Marietta but have not met Melissa. I made my first call on 2/4/08 so I am anxious to know who else I can call to get this moving. Hope to see you at the park Saturday.

I am going to the May 1 seminar. When will they give me the appointment for the dietitician, that evening? Just wondering which of the psychologists any of you went to. Any suggestions or favorites? With going to the seminar on May 1, how long do you think it will take to get the surgery scheduled? Insurance will be approved quickly, CHAMPVA, they really do not require much and I have already had sleep study.

I have the same concerns. I have not been banded yet, but I wonder what excuse I will use for all those things I blamed on my weight. I think I will still be funny, and I am sure I will be very happy. But no change comes without a price, I am ready for the change though, and am sure I can figure out the rest. Do not be worried though Boo Boo, you are truly the same great person you were, you will see that soon.

Does anyone have any experience with approval from CHAMPVA? I am going that route and hope the approval is quick. Just wondering if anyone else has experience with CHAMPVA.

Has anyone done any research or have any knowledge of the longest amount of time anyone has had a lap band in? Sharon Osborne was 10 years, wondering if there was any information on longer then that. Europe has been doing this for a long time. Thanks.

Just seems kind of scary that is all. What if you have a problem after you get back home? That is great that you are all doing it together, you will all have a lot of support. Best wishes.

I need a DRG code so my hopital billing group can give me a price for out of pocket cost. Any know the DRG code? It is three digits, that is all I know about it.