Dizneycrzd68

I didn't need a referral with our Insurance... I was recommended to Dr. Pilcher by everyone I talked to, so I just signed up for the seminar with New Dimensions Weight Loss Center here in San Antonio, Tx... I had to go through the formal seminar & then I had my first appt. I was scheduled for Jan 23rd, but I'm a student & I couldn't do the surgery with the Spring semester starting, so I've rescheduled for Mid-May after Finals...

I have Aetna PPO... It was an easier process than I expected... My only problem was the Dr's office waited so long after the approval to schedule my surgery it put my surgery right in the middle of the Spring Semester & being a senior graduating in Dec 09 I couldn't take a chance of any complications that could keep me out of class. So, I rescheduled the surgery mid-May after finals...

It seemed easy for me. I met with the Dr, Psyc, & Dietician all in the same visit. Went for 3 months in a row to meet with dietician. I originally had show 5 years of previous weight history, but Aetna changed there rules and I only needed 2 yrs previous weight history. Once the dr's office submitted all the paperwork 12/4, I had my approval letter on 12/24. It seems like such an easy process compared to what I've heard others go through. The hardest for me was lossing the 5 lbs the dr said I needed to lose for surgery. Finally managed to do that with Slimfast optima. Now I'm set for surgery on Jan 23rd...

I didn't have to go on a liquid diet before surgery - I just have to stay under the target weight the dr set for me. I'm currently 1 lb under & I'm doing slimfast optima for 1 or 2 meals a day in order to maintain... I also have to do this around a hectic school schedule. I'm a Senior at the University with classes starting Jan 12th. With my surgery being on Friday the 23rd, I'm going to have to get back on my feet & make it to class that next Monday. But it will be ok... No worry except keeping hydrated...

I'm being banded Jan 23rd & a friend who had it done gave me some ideas on dealing with the 6 weeks of liquid diet I have to do post-surgery. She went to her fave restaurant where she loves the tortilla Soup. She asked for a quart of the broth off the soup. She said she got the flavor she wanted and it satisfied her. Plus the quart lasted her a few days. I was also hating the idea of not being able to drink with my meals. She said she took small sips here & there with her food and it helped her get through it all...

I'm getting banded on Jan 23rd; Pre-op testing on the 8th; & meeting with Dr on the 12th... Nervous & excited I've been trying to explain it to my 11 & 8 yr old... They are really supportive & want to help any way possible - it's so sweet...

I'm a Senior - graduating Dec '09... I have classes Mon - thru Thursday... I'll talk to my professors & get a better idea on how much I can miss without it hurting me... Thanks for sharing & letting me know I'm not the only student going through this...

Hey All - I just got off the phone with my Dr's office & I've been set to have surgery on Friday - Jan 23rd... :tongue2: Now the nerves are kicking in now that reality has set in... I tried to have the surgery before my Spring semester started but that's not going to happen... Praying that I can get back on my feet and make it to class the following week... I know it's the best option to shed this weight, but I'm still trying to get use to the idea...

I haven't been scheduled for surgery yet, but I received my approval letter on Christmas Eve... I'm having the same feelings. I've been doing well on the pre-diet, but I realize that I can't keep it up for long periods of time. I'm just as nervous, but I know this will be the only way I'll be able to lose that Extra person I'm carrying in weight... Stick with it - I'll be there with you very soon... Just wanted to let you know that I was feeling the exact same way. You are definately not alone in this...

The only surgery I was told that my Dr would do with the band is my unbilical hernia surgery. That's covered under my insurance so it won't be a problem to get done... The Tubal might have to be don't separately but I would ck with your dr & insurance

Well - After following all of Aetna's guidelines over the last 3 months, I've been approved to have the lapband procedure done. Now I just have to wait until the 29th when the Dr's office opens... My name is Lynda and I have also been heavy since I was a kid and now at 40 I've hit 338 with a BMI of 46. I was diagnosed with PCOS & Insulin Resistance over the last few years and I refuse to give the next 40 years over to this obesity. Now that the surgery is getting closer to reality, I've had my ups & downs. I'm excited over this opportunity, but I'm also nervous about the whole change of life style. Especially since I still have to cook for my two kids & hubby... It's definiately going to be a New Beginning for the whole family. New Year - Major Life Change - 2009 is going to be interesting...

I really appreciate your insight... Lynda