*slim*

I think just about everyone goes through what you are going through prior to surgery. I know I am going through it right now. I have been eating like there is no tomorrow since my paperwork was turned in. It took reading another post on here that finally made me stop. I don't want to wake up from surgery to find out that I didn't get my band because of my liver. You are strong (you survived everything else to get here). You are almost there! Good Luck to you!:cursing:

Woohoo, I am going to be an October bandster!:cursing: Good luck to us all!

I got my surgery date! Yes, 10/02/08!:w00t:

I called everyday. I think they finally got tired of hearing from me. I got my surgery date today! Good luck to you too. I hope you hear something soon!

Yay for you!:tt1:

I have read so many different opinions on this one. My surgeon requires a 2 week liquid only diet prior to surgery to shrink the liver. Of course, I have been chowing down with a vengence waiting on approval from insurance. I guess it is time to wind down my out of control eating. I hope this helps somewhat.

My process was opposite also. I went to a seminar (required before I could make an appointment with the surgeon) and consult first. Then after the consult, the insurance person at the surgeon's office gathered the information about what was going to be required from my insurance before they would approve (6 month diet, 5 year history of obesity, psychiatric evaluation, nutrition visit, etc) to be sent in for predetermination. I just got word that I am approved today:biggrin2:, but I have been in the process since 07/08/08.

That seems to depend on your surgeon. My surgeon said no more soda ever, but I read where other people's surgeons said none the first year. I was told no soda because the carbination can stretch the pouch. I would follow whatever your surgeon says.

I had 6 visits over a 6 month period back in 2006 that we just happened to discuss my weight. My pcp used that information for my weightloss visits since I did actually lose weight during that time and we did actually discuss my weight. It wasn't exactly a month between each visit, just 1 visit somewhere during the month. I hope that you get a quick appoval too!:biggrin2:

I got approved thru BCBS of Illinois!!!:smile2::thumbup: No denials! No appeals! Yes! WooHoo! I am so doing a happy dance !

I got approved!!!!!!!:smile2::thumbup::thumbup:

Way to go!:smile2:

I love that! Would you be terribly upset if I "borrow" that design?

Congrats! I will keep you and everyone else having their surgery tomorrow in my thoughts! You will do so awesome!

You are right about that price! That is much cheaper than what I have seen elsewhere.

Hi. Of course, I am not not auntlucy, but I saw them on the vitaminshoppe website. Here is the link: Vitamins, Nutritional Health supplements & Herbal Remedies - VitaminShoppe.com It's by IDS sports. You can do a search for that brand and it comes right up. I haven't tried them but every forum that I have been on says that they are great.

Hi. first congrats on your surgery! I am not banded, but I have read several threads about headaches. I don't know if they go away, but it seems to be a common complaint. I wonder if it has anything to do with withdrawal symptons from maybe carbs? I am not completely sure, but it does appear to be common post op.

My doctor gave me a liquid diet to follow 2 weeks prior to surgery. I am to drink to 6 Glucerna weight loss drinks a day plus all of the no calorie liquid I want (i.e. water, diet soda, broth... you get the picture:sad:). I haven't been approved yet, but I was given the diet paper before I left the office so that I am prepared.

I read somewhere else that your doctor can write you a RX for aniti-vomitting medicine just in case or as soon as you come down with it. Every thing I have read says vomitting is not good for bandsters (especially when first banded). That being said, I have also read that some doctors say its no big deal. Which is true? I don't know, but my gut says too much stomach heaving can't be good for a bandster. Since you know you get the bugs, be your own advocate and get a doctor to prescribe something to have on hand. That's what I plan to do.

Way to go! Keep us posted on what they taste like. I haven't started trying any just in case I am not approved by insurance.

I'm not banded yet so I don't know this from experience. My doctor said that with PCOS that after weight loss, your hormones that haven't been being produced the way that they should be can start with a vengence. Since you are taking BC and have lost weight, your body may actually have too much estrogen due to increased production with the weight loss. Your doctor can, of course, be able to tell for sure. I would definitely ask for a hormone level check. I hope this helps.

$250 up front program fee $95 nutrionist & psych evaluation $1000 admin fee 7 days prior to surgery (not billed to insurance) +10% of whatever the doctor charges (insur pays 90%) insurance pays 100% of hospital, pre-testing, etc

It is funny what some companies will pay for. Previously, the company I worked for had BCBS of Alabama. They would pay for gastric bypass (more risk) but would not cover lap band. Now we have BCBS of Illinois and they cover both, BUT my understanding is they make it so VERY hard to get approved. IF they approve me, I have care credit to handle my out of pocket costs. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for the info. I can only hope that I will be so lucky with my tattoo.:biggrin:

Thanks for the info. I can only hope that I never actually have to use it.