kfgates

Hi Capegirl, I am just starting out and have chosen one of the two Docs in Augusta. How long did you have to wait from your PCP referral to the actual banding?? Did they require a 6 month diet for you? I have been extra large for 40 years so i am not concerned with an extra 6 months...lol. When they made your appts...ie: nutritionist, psyc, and psyc trainer....were they able to do them in the late afternoon? I am a teacher and can get out of school by 1pm. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. Kimberly

Hi, I noticed your low BMI...was it difficult for you to get approval? I have Cigna and am just starting out of the gate. I also have Gerd, Pain in my joints, stress incontinence, herniated discs in my back and plantar fasiatis (fallen arches) all due to so much extra weight. My blood pressure is not high enough for medication, but is slightly elevated. I am just curious if you had any problems. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer....Kimberly

That list is wonderful....all you are missing is "getting the help you need to be at a healthy weight.....priceless"! Thank you for the list! Kimberly

Sarah, What is the program fee? I assumed I would have to pay a co-pay, but is the program fee additional? Kimberly

Hi Janet, You are a wealth of information and I appreciate you taking th time to answer all our questions. Your last post was just wonderful. I am 43 and know there is no "magic" cure for obesity. I was approved for a GB 5 years ago but did not want major surgery and decided to diet and loose it myself...i lost 43lbs....I gained all that back plus 8lbs. I know I have the commitment I just need a little extra help. What is "jury" and "sliming"? Can you still drink coffee? Do you need to eliminate caffeine? What do Docs recommend for the liquid proteins that you need to drink for the first two weeks? I am also reading that things get "stuck"....I can see why people are nervous about starting whole foods...I have my PCP appt today to see if he will write a referral..Thanks again. Kimberly

I do have insurance...Cigna. I have BMI of 36 with other issues, so my approval may take a little longer. I keep reading about "Jury" and "Sliming", what are these? What are you using for your liquid diet? 6 months seems to be the average time. I don't think that is unreasonable. My PCP appt is this afternoon and I will know more later. I am surprised they do not submit to Insurance BEFORE you go thru all the appts to make sure you will be accepted. Once again thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Kimberly

What was your BMI....why were you denied?? Cigna has been very good to us, but this is an expensive procedure and I can understand them researching it. How long did it take to get a denial? Kimberly

Did you have an extensive wait to get in to see him? From your visit with your PCP to get a referral to actual surgery date what was the actual time you waited? I was approved aprox 5 years ago in Portland but did not want a GB. I am hoping I can still get approval. I see you were recently banded...how are things going? Would you do it again? Do you know when the support group meet...i know i have to attend one and would like to get started. I hope i can be of help one day to someone else as you are being of great help to me. Kimberly

I have Cigna. My appt with my PCP is tomorrow and I am prepared. That is another thing...I am actually worried about "loosing" weight because I am at 35 now. Kimberly

Hi Sarah, I was looking into Portland Docs, but have changed and really like the Augusta Docs. I noticed you too used Mckeen. Do you mind if I ask some questions?? I am just taking the first steps now. Thank you Kimberly

I too have Cigna and am just starting the long process. It looks like you have been thru a great deal already without even getting approved yet. Is that true? I wish you all the best and keep posting...I have found Cigna to be very fair in the past and am praying this holds true. Kimberly

Thank you for replying...you have given me new found hope. I was approved aprox 5 years ago for Gastric Bypass, but changed my mind and wanted to loose the weight...well we all know how that turned out...lol. I have an appt with PCP Monday..he is very supportive so wish me the best. If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them. Kimberly

Hi, It is very kind of you to offer your support...I am just starting out and am full of questions. My BMI is 35, but as I am reading that is ok with additional medical issues. I have terrible reflux, a low active thyroid, and suffer from depression...I am being medicated for the above mentioned. I had some success with WW, but was rewarded with fallen arches...after 14 months of visiting non surgical routes I had surgery this last Feburary. It is still very painful for me to do anything that involves being on my feet...I am a teacher in the fall and winter and wait tables in the summer..two weeks ago I had an MRI because my back pain was intolerable with out pain meds....I have budging discs...when it rains it pours. I have set up an appointment with my PCP to discuss lap band surgery with him and because of my back have an appt with a nero surgeon in two weeks. Do you have any advice?? You have been on the site for some time..do you see people with my unique issues??? Thank you in advance for your help. Kimberly

I live in Maine as well am just beginning the long process of looking into lap banding. Does anyone have any advice for meeting with the docs in Portland. I am leaning towards Renee (only because she is a female)...What is the waiting period? Is there anything I can do or meetings I can attend to better prepare? I did notice a Meeting in July at the hotel near the airport. I appreciate any help you can offer. Kimberly

Hi GaLina, I am just getting started with information. I noticed you used Dr. Renee...how was the first appointment...what does your wait look like? Was it hard to get in once your PCP got things underway?? I live in Maine as well. Kimberly

I am just getting started. I am 43 with a BMI of 35. A Little History....I have dieted since I was 18 years old. I will not boar you with the multiple kinds..you know what they are. I had some success with Weight Watchers only to be rewarded with Fallen Arches. After 14 months of trying different non surgical routes i had surgery this past year. I am sorry to say it is still quite painful to do exercises that require being on my feet (my exercise of choice). I had an MRI because my back pain had been intolerable with out pain medication...it showed bulging discs. In addition to the above mentioned I also have painful Reflux, an very low active thyroid, and suffer from depression...I am teated with meds for these. I am a teacher in the fall and winter and wait on tables for the summer. Waiting tables is a nightmare, but due to financial constraints I have no choice. My question to anyone that has input or advice is....do you think I would be approved for a lap band? I have an appointment with a Nero Surgeon next week and will follow up with my GP. Where do I begin? Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.