Bimbabe

Hello gg!

I wanted to give you an update on my status. I went to have the upper GI and GB ultrasound yesterday. While there my surgeon and I began discussing the actual procedural technique as well as the differences between lapband and roux en y (I am a nurse practitioner, I am not sure if you know what that is, it is a RN with specialized training, masters degree, we can see patient and write prescriptions).

So we started talking, I had some questions. At the end we decided that I would be better off with the lap roux en y. My mother is Native American and we carry a gene in which we are prone to type II diabetes. While I am only catagorized as "pre-diabetic', it is just a matter of time before I develop diabetes. The conventional wisdom is not clear but the roux en y is a cure for diabetes! I think if I am going to undergo surgery, I believe that the roux en y is the best choice for me.

Unlike to band there are other considerations, I will need to take several vitamin supplements for the rest of my life. I will also need to have a B12 injection monthly! Not too bad, I can have a collegue or an assistant give it to me. At the worst, I can teach my husband, who is deathly afraid of needles... LOL....

So, while I am not going to be a bandster, I am going to stay on this site, as I have met so many great people (such as yourself) and have read so many inspiring stories, I really feel connected.

Keep vlogging! You don't know how much it helps me. I really look forward to it. My husband, Frank knows you and told me to tell you hello and he wishes you the best, as I do. You are becoming a friend and a part of my family.

Much love and God bless,

Sue AKA Bimbabe.

livingmydream,

Thanks for your input on my blog. I have decided to tell my husband, for obvious reasons. I will tell my parents, I think it will be therapeutic for me. I have some issues with them and for me, telling them will also be telling them that I am a grown woman capable of making decisions for myself. Does that make sense?

One of my issues is that I tend to be a people pleaser, at the detriment to myself at times. My parents want me to loose weight, but they want me to do it THEIR way.

I just really feel it is time for me to step out of the shadow of my silblings and be myself.

Hi philly2dc,

I just checked my blog, thank you for reading and responding.

I have BCBS ppo, and had to do the following;

pulmonary clearence

see a psychiatrist for clearence

see a nutritionist

have a BMI of 40+ OR 35+ with one or more comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea.. for the past 5 years.

have a sleep study done

get a letter of need from my PCP (in my case, I used my OB/GYN as she is the only one I have seen consistantly over the years)

Some insurances also want documentation of previous weight loss attempts-I called weight watchers and was able to get my history, I joined (and failed) 15 times!! Also, I have records of joining (and failing) Jenny Craig and NutriSystem.

Let me know if you have any other questions, I will be happy to answer them if I am able.

Hello Anne!

I just posted another blog and to my shock and surprise, people have read it and responded!!! LOL, what was I thinking?? Isn't that why I am blogging??

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it. Have you been approved yet? If not yet, I hope really soon.

Hi GG!

I just wanted to check in on you. I hope you are doing well and I hope to hear from you soon.

I get my date on Friday 09/05. Good thoughts to you!

Hi Trina!

Keep it up all of you "vets" are a great inspiration.

When are you going to post some more pics? It does not look like the hurricane was not as bad as everyone thought----Thank GOD!

Hey gg!

I just watched your Vlog and I am sooo excited for you!! Have a safe trip and just know that I am sending all kinds of positive thoughts your way.

Ok! It is 08/30!!! You only have 2 days to go! I am so excited for you!! ; )

Thanks! By the way you are looking GREAT!! How are you feeling?

You were so right! The paperwork was submitted on 08/25 and I was approved today 08/27!

I just ned to have my upper GI and GB ultrasound.

I am soo uncool! That's right it is not a blog, but a vlog!

I am looking forward to it, you don't know how much it helps me! Thanks

I am so excited!!! I am just waiting for the xray people to call for an appointment. I will get the surgery date on Friday 09/05/08. Please let me know when you post your next Youtube blog.

I have been approved, just need an upper gi and a gb ultrasound, then I will get a date, it looks like October, my birthday month.

I am soo excited! My surgery has been approved! Now I have to have an upper GI and a GB ultrasound, then, I will get a date for surgery....it looks like October for me.

You don't have much longer!

oops! I didn't realize you had already been banded! congrats on your wgt loss.

I know, right?? Does the scale sometimes call you by name??

Hey Illiana!

Keep us posted, you are doing great....I am anxiously awaiting an answer from insurance company.

Trina,

Bimbabe here, any updates? or are you still anxiously waiting, like I am!!! tick tock.....ugh!

Hey gg!

I loved your You Tube post. There were so many things you said that I can identify with.

The whole scale issue is one. I get so obsessed with that thing. Right now I am between 268-270, depending on when I weigh. I told my husband I am going to put the scale away if and when I have surgery. ( I am still waiting to hear from insurance). The scale can really mess with my head! I try to avoid it when I am dieting mainly because, if I am up or down, that can basically change my mood for the day.

How is the pre-op diet going for you? I look forward to your youtube post on 08/31.

thank you!!!

Thanks!!!! I am trying not to go too crazy with waiting to hear from my ins. co.

Hello NeNe!

I am going to Dr. Steinberg as well. How are you doing?

At this point, I am waiting for Shawna to send in the paperwork to the ins. company, I have BCBS of RI

Hi gg!

I am so happy for you 09/01/2008!!! WooHoo! It will be here before you know it. I am waiting to hear from insurance. Hopefully, my date will be mid to late Sept.

Hi Trina,

I would love to be a friend! I am in Lithonia GA. I am waiting for all of the information to go to my insurance company for approval...i am nervously waiting!

Hello Brownie,

I have BCBS of RI and wanted to know how the process was for you?