dwrd73

Actually I'm glad to hear this b/c I usually end up eating more when I'm stressed. Perhaps the band will also help me learn not to go to food and find other ways, that are more healthy, to deal with problems and situations. The more I read and hear about the lap band the more I'm convinced that this is going to be the tool I will need to help me finally be successful.

After deciding to get surgery I received a few strange reactions and comments from some friends and family members. For example: 1. "That's just silly." 2. "You really don't have that much to lose." And my personal favorite... 3. "Are you really prepared to eat less." :embaressed_smile: (Isn't that the point.) What other strange, weird, or purely ignorant comments did you receive before getting your surgery?

Congratulations! :embaressed_smile: I just got scheduled for the 25th. Good luck. There's lots of valuable information on this forum. Keep reading and I'm sure you will learn more of what to expect.

I agree Bigrick I can't wait to be one of them. We'll get there.

Congratulations! I just got scheduled for surgery today too.

:embaressed_smile: I'm Approved! :huh2: I posted this in the Indroductions section but I thought I would post it again here. I found out earlier this afternoon, after calling my insurance company, that I am approved for surgery. I also called my doctor and I'm scheduled for August 25th.

:embaressed_smile: I'm approved! :huh2: I called my insurance and found out I was approved today for surgery. I called my doctor's office and I am now scheduled for surgery on August 25th. I guess this makes me and August All Star.

Good job with making your first goal! Great idea to create small goals to work on instead of just focusing on the end goal.

Thanks for letting me know. I love ranch too and it's hard to find a healthy low fat option that actually tastes great. The other day I tried the new low calorie ranch and it tasted awful and looked like watered down milk. :confused_smile: I give your recipe a try.

Thanks DavidB. I'm hoping I can also get off the BP meds as well. I'm still waiting to hear from my insurance. I see your stats are similar to mine. Some friends and family members don't think I need this surgery. It's nice to see others with similar BMI's and high BP getting banded. I can't wait.

This must be the longest thread. Has anyone read all 175 pages of it?

:party: Congratulations!! :tt1: Do you have a date for surgery? I'm also still waiting (impatiently I might add) for approval.

The other day I went to GNC to check out their Protein shakes for the two week pre-op diet. The clerk mentioned that they have a taste guarantee on all their store brand mixes and if you do not like the taste you can exchange it for something else. Has anyone taken advantage of this guarantee or if it is too good to be true? Are there any other stores with similar programs? Some of these shakes are expense to only find out you don't like the taste.

The clerk at GNC told me they have a taste guarantee on all their store brand protein drinks. If you don't like the taste you can exchange it for something else. I was thinking of using GNC so I can take advantage of taste guarantee. Maybe I should start a thread to see if anyone has taken advantage of this.

I'm also a teacher and hoping to get banded before school starts. My paperwork was submitted on last Friday. I will be calling BCBS tomorrow to make sure the received it. The doctor's office said it usually only takes a few days for approval. I'm hoping they are correct.

What's the other forum where your friend posted? Perhaps banders from this site will respond to your friend's thread and mention all the positive results that came from being banded. Continue doing your research and make your final decision based on what's best for you. It's your life and your body.

Sorry I can't answer your questions b/c I'm not banded yet. However, I wanted to let you know that my wife and I are both getting the band. Currently we are waiting for approval. We finished all the pre-op tests and we are hoping to hear soon. I wonder how many other married couples or even friends that went through the surgery together.

:party: Great job! :tt1: I'm curious to know what Mr. Plastic Abs wears in my local store.

I didn't realize I would have to give up soda forever :party:. I thought I would be able to have some from time to time a few months after the surgery. Oh well! It's a small price to pay for loosing weight and becoming healthy. Ice tea (with splenda) here I come!

Mrsezova I hope by now you found out what was in the packet. Let us know. I'm curious. If not, i would definitely go into the doctor's office and talk to them face-to-face.

I would call the number on the back of your insurance card to make sure your paperwork arrived. Sometimes faxes get lost. My paper was suppose to be submitted last Friday and I plan on calling tomorrow to make sure it was received. I would hate to wait a week or two just to find out the BC/BS never got it and then wait for the doctor's office to send it all again.

I like August All-Stars. Remember men will also be banded in August. Please keep that in mind when creating banners, etc.

Hi guys, just thought I would introduce myself. All my paperwork and tests are done. I'm now waiting to here back from my insurance. I have a BMI of 35.6 with hypertension. I shouldn't have any problems getting approved. My wife is also getting banded. We are hoping we can get the surgery before the end of summer. I'm enjoying reading all the previous threads. It's encouraging hearing your stories.

I'm not a veteran yet but I do understand b/c currently I'm waiting for the insurance company to say I'm approved and I'm starting to get nervous too. However I enjoy reading this forum and hearing all the positive results. Remember the lap band is not a weight lose cure but a weight lose aid. It will still take some time to loose the weight but if your band is filled properly you will not be as hungry and you will not be able to eat like you use too. I can't wait.

I also had to gain weight to meet the BMI requirement, but you have some time and there are some tricks. First of all your BMI is based on your weight and height. Generally you will have to take off your shoes but be careful when you get measured. Most people straighted themselves up to be the tallest they can, don't do that because even just half and inch can make a difference. Wear jeans instead of shorts b/c they are heavier. Wear a shirt that goes over your pockets so you keys, cell phone, or anything else in your pockets are not noticeable. Just before your appointment eat a meal and drink as much as you can. I even continued to drink from the doctor's Water fountain as I sat in the waiting room. I know eating up sounds strange and many will discourage it and I would too if a person has to gain 10 plus pounds but when you are talking only a few pounds, what's the big deal. In the past every time I diet I eventually gain it all back plus some more. When I'm on a diet I never fill full. I hate dealing with always feeling hungry. The lap band will help me fill full sooner and after only a small amount of food. So gaining a few pounds so my insurance will pay for it was completely worth it, plus I saved over 16,000. My wallet is also glad. And now after I enjoyed all my favorite foods I'm prepared to start the two week liquid diet. In a strange way I feel like I had the opportunity to say good-bye to my old life style. Plus, remember the doctor wants to give you the surgery, he/she wants to help you. It is the insurance companies that have created these BMI requirements.