*slim*

Welcome to the forum! Good luck to you and MrMitch! :0)

My pre-surgery class was basically going over all of the pre-op and post-op need to know things about being banded. It also went over the food stages and gave examples of each stage (everything that I had to hear from the nutritionist). They also discussed post op follow up appointments. I know each doctor is different so your information will be different. I hope this helps.

Hi. I just wanted to say that sometimes, there won't be a response if they are not familiar with that particular situation. It's not because they aren't willing to help. I have found that anyone that knows, will answer. Anyway, welcome to the forum from another newbie.

Thanks to both of you. I have been so scared of the upper GI. I had a barium swallow a couple of years back and they gave me this stuff that was as thick if not thicker than cooking oil.:confused: They didn't warn me, and I almost puked it right back up.:smile: The radiologist told me i wouldn't have been the first one. gross!

So is mines! I swear it feels like I have two of them now! I had another laproscopic surgery and they cut at the bottom of my belly button. You can't even see that scar, but this one stands at attention! grrr:cursing:

Ok, I went from skipping my TOM to having a 2 week TOM. You know, I really wish for the days that doctors would do a hysterectomy without much provocation. I would have had one 15 years ago.

Neither is my surgeon. He left the worst scars on me. Considering he does bariatric surgery, you would think he would know you can't tape together a fat woman's stomach incisions and expect it to heal well. Each incision spread apart much wider than they would have if he would have used something else. I think I would have rather had sutures and the marks they leave than the scars I have.

What is your heavy duty medicine? I have serious allergy and sinus issues but none of my medicines help.

I have BCBSIL and was approved on the first try. My doctor basically wrote that we discussed my weight and exercise and also noted my weight and bmi for each visit. If they deny it, just have him add more notes concerning your diet and exercise plan. I hope this helps.

I just voted again. You are slightly ahead right now.

I completely understand. I have to do 13 days of glucerna shakes and then clear liquids the day before surgery. It seems pretty standard with my doctor also. I can only hope that post-op is a breeze.

Good luck to you all on Monday!

It was my surgeon. I had all kinds of tests done (ultrasound, hiata (sp?) scan, colonoscopy,etc). My primary doctor sent my results to a gastrointerologist who sent me to see the surgeon for further analysis. He just walked in and said I needed to have it out. I had surgery a week later. They told me to allow a few months for my body to get used to not having the gallbladder. I did, but continued to have the same symptoms that I was having. My primary doctor finally decided to have me try some IBS medicine to see if my symptoms got better. They did get better so I have been on Levsin every since.

I have to admit, that was my experience too. I had my gallbladder out because of stomach issues only to find out I have IBS.:thumbup: Don't get me wrong, there were some issues that got somewhat better after removal, but the actual reasons I had my gallbladder out continued after it was removed. :wink_smile:

Ok. I just ordered two of the books mentioned. I hope I get them soon. I start my pre-op diet on Thursday. I am so nervous about everything. Since my surgery isn't until Oct. 2, I haven't been called to schedule my pre-op testing. I have never had an upper GI, what exactly is that like? Have any of you had it yet?

I don't start my diet until Thursday and I am already hateful. What on earth is my poor family in for?:wink_smile: I wish you all the best of luck with your upcoming surgeries!:thumbup:

Hey, at least you all get toilet paper. My job just cut the hours of the cleaning people. They only come once a week and they lock the doors to their supply closet. After two days, there is no more toilet paper (it doesn't even have 500 sheets). I guess they figure since there are mostly men where I work (no offense men) that there isn't a need for so much toilet paper. I have to keep wet wipes in a locker or ask one of my male coworkers to give me a roll from their bathroom. That sucks.

I'm glad your period seems to be getting better. I have always had horrible periods. I had an ablation at 30. My periods were awsome after that for a while. I had my tubes tied and they went crazy again. My GYN said that it is probably time to do it again. She warned me when I had the first one that because of my age, I would probably end up having to have another one. It is painful at first, but the light periods of a normal person were so worth it.

Call everyday. If they have an email option, send those too.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. File that appeal and also call Blue Cross. I have read at least one post where the person just kept calling them about why it was denied and they just went ahead and approved it without the appeal. They do things like this in hopes of you giving up. Don't give in to that. You have insurance for a reason. They are supposed to be there to help. Keep bugging them until they know your voice when they hear it. I know when my information was sent in, I called everyday. That's what they get paid for, to be of service to you. I wish you the best with all of this.

I hope you are starting to feel better!

Congrats! What an inspiration!

I had to decide too. I finally just flipped a coin (I know, big decision made with a coin toss:blush:). I finally picked the Lap-Band. I am happy with my decision because my surgeon has more experience with it. It is tried and true like others have said. Supposedly there really isn't a huge difference other than the way the port is attatched to your body. The lap band is sutured (sp?) in place and the realize band is stapled some how. Also, the realize band has a lower profile port. I hope this helps.

Good luck today!

That is such an awesome idea! I had thought about getting a tattoo after reaching goal, but the thought of getting one to mark the day of my new start sounds good too.