MarySJ

Are you getting enough protein? You should probably be eating more lean meats rather than pasta. The dietician I've been seeing has said to stay away from breads, rice & pasta. I'm 4 months post-op - haven't had any bread, pasta or rice and I've only had one fill so far. I've lost 42 pounds so far.... Also, are you getting any form of exercise in to your daily routine? That could help jump start your metobolism too.

I know everyone's doctor & dietician tells them something different so I thought I'd share what mine have said - do not have red meat and bread until 6 months after surgery. And if you have to eat bread, make sure it's 100 whole wheat.

Rather than Flintstones chewables - I bought the Walmart generic brand - worked just as well and were a bit cheaper!

Received a letter from Carefirst Blue Choice that they made an "error" and my fills will be covered, as long as I have the proper referral from my primary care doctor.

If your doctor's office is submitting claims to the insurance company for appointments that were cancelled - that's insurance fraud and you should notify your insurance carrier immediately. Also, check with your insurance plan and see what other bariatric doctors are in your area that you could switch to. Good luck to you.

Hockeyson - my doctor's office received approval from Care First Blue Choice within 3 days of submitting the request for surgery. I had my lap band surgery on Friday June 13, 2008 (along with a hiatal hernia repair) and I went back to work on Tuesday, June 17. I have a desk job so I'm not lifting or doing anything strenous. I could see having one week off - but I know I definitely didn't need any more time than that. Re Carefirst - every time I call them I'm put on hold forever, then usually the customer service rep never knows what she is talking about so she always has to consult with her manager. Apparently the manager doesn't know much either since I was told that fills were covered but they are declining to pay the bills. Hope you surgery goes well! Keep me posted.

His office is located on the campus of the hospital - at the Comprehensive Obestity Management Program (which I believe is part of the bariatrics program at GBMC). They also do fills on patients that didn't have their surgery done there - but they expect payment at the time of the visit.

My BMI was only 36 and I was still approved for the surgery. Do you have any co-morbidities - such as sleep apnea, thryoid problems, high cholesterol, depression? My surgery was approved based on having these problems (insurance is Carefirst Blue Choice.).

Yes. I had my surgery done at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson. I was given those booties to wear on my feet, one to put over my hair and the usual hospital gown. It's not that bad though - they are used to seeing people like that.

Dr. Babak Moeninolmolki at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson did my lap band surgery, and continues to do my fills at the hospital. If insurance doesn't cover the fills, they charge $250 each fill. Not sure if he takes patients in which he didn't do their surgeries though. Telephone number is 443-849-3779.

I had my surgery on Thursday, June 13, 2008 - and also had a hiatal hernia repaired. Didn't effect my recovery time - I was back to work on Tuesday of the following week.

Do you know what size band you have? That does make a difference too. I've only had one fill, and I only got one-half of a cc- but my doctor told me I've also only have a 5cc band. On the down side though, my insurance doesn't cover the fills and he charges me $250 for each.

Think I was around 205 before my surgery on June 13, 2008. To date I've lost 34 pounds - which seems to be a lot less than others. I guess may be because the total amount of weight in total I need to lose is around 70 pounds, so I only have about 35 more pounds to go.

Carefirst Blue Choice approved the lap band surgery for me in June 2008, but are denying the fills - even though I've called them and was told that so long as Carefirst approved the surgery, they would cover the fills. Has anyone out there dealt with Carefirst - Maryland? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I had my surgery done on a Friday and went back Tuesday. I probably was well enough to go back on Monday, but the incision spots were still pretty sore and I wasn't looking forward to my dress slacks rubbing the sore spots. If you can take another day, I would.