lindas0809

I just finished my tests today(yea!) I had to get a chest x-ray, blood tests and ekg. This is standard for my hospital, I've read a lot of people have a lot my tests and some have fewer so I think it's totally dictated by your Drs.

I have aetna too (HMO). First I've assumed that you made sure your plan has WSL coverage(not employers take that). I opted to do the six month plan of just having a Dr. supervised weight loss plan. They also offer a 3 month multi disciplinary(diet & exercise) plan. Other than waiting the 6 months, I had a good experience with Aetna's approval process. Good luck!

Just by coincidence I found out today you'll get an updated one in the mail once the date is scheduled. I just did.

Hi Lindsay! We are being banded on the same day 6/5- I just finished all my preop stuff today (hopefully all the tests are OK). Let me know things go with you- I have found a lot of support and advice here. Good Luck with everything.

I had a PCP that I didn't really like and asked for a referral. His nurse referred me to another Dr. in their group who had "experience with that". What the??? I politely declined and found a new PCP that I love - she is supportive, but gives me a balanced view. I have never had a Dr. that I liked before, so in a way I have thank that jerk for turning me away.:crying:

Steve, I'm not sure where you've tried, but here's the area hospitals(off the top of my head) that do the surgery. Hopefully someone will take you. Johns Hopkins- Bayview St. Agnes UMMS - Baltimore GBMC Sinai Hospital Shady Grove (Bethesda,MD) Good Luck!

I have had several Dr.s tell me that a should have bypass not the band(because of my weight and diabetes). I would just suggest that you do your own research and if you feel strongly that the band is for you (like I did ) be able to speak to the Dr. about why. I think many Dr.'s deal with people who come in everyday and have no idea there is a big difference between the two proceedures and then they end up treating everyone like the they know nothing. Just listen to all the information and decide what you are most comfortable with. Good Luck!

I don't know - I've wondered too. I have a kitchenaid blender and food processor. Magic Bullets are on sale at Costco right now -I looked the other day but thought it was one more gadget I don't need. One thing I did buy was a "blender ball" cup to mix up protein shakes on the go - it is awesome!!

Good luck with your journey. I think as you read posts you'll see we all had/have reservations but our need to be healthy has overridden them. I'm curious about your Dad having it at 74- did he have a problem finding a surgeon to do it at his age? I'm asking because my Mom has becoming interested in having it done since I've started - she's 69 and worried she can't get it done.

Well, I have no advice, but I'm scheduled for June 5th and am getting crazy scared. We just have to keep faith that we are doing the right thing. Coming here helps keep me focused on the weight loss not the actual operation. Good luck!

My Aetna letter had 12/31/2099-12/31/2099, so I don' t think it's unusual. You may want call to check, maybe I should too....

I really dislike protein drinks so I've been using Sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast. It has 13 grams of protein with milk, not a ton but Ok by my Dr. and it's pretty good.

I just got Designer whey unflavored powder at the Vitamin Shoppe for $20 for a big 2 lb tub. It doesn't have much of a smell, which is good. I can still "taste" it in stuff a little- but I'm picky. I plan on adding it to crystal light when I'm post op.

I have a four year old and luckily unless she's sick she's not too clingy anymore. I plan on telling her about me going to the hospital the day before(why make her worry) and letting her know it's a belly issue and that she won't be able to jump or sit on me for awhile and that I can't pick her up, but that we can hug and kiss. I find that if I tell these things before hand and let her know she will be a big helper to me, she follows direction pretty well. I plan on having my husband "remind" her before I come home. I'm sure it will be tough. :wink2:

Nicolerose, Maybe you need to start taking in a few more calories for awhile, sometimes that helps a plateau in weight loss - and only weigh yourself once a week. As far as the fill - do you feel like you are at your sweet spot or is it a lot of self control on your part to eat so little? I would at least go in to talk to your Dr. let them know what you're doing and see what they recommend. Good luck - you are doing awesome!!

WOW- that sounds so tough. I don't think I could do all liquid. Seriously talk to your Dr. about options to get a little more nourishment. I'm lucky that my hospital just dropped the pre op diet to just the day before surgery because they had done research that showed they were not that effective(you have to love research hospitals). Hopefully you can get some Protein shakes added to your diet. Good luck!

I'm sorry you're going through this - it's stress that you don't need while you're recovering. I completely understand the paycheck to paycheck, we've been doing that for awhile because of a combination of factors(my husband and I are both lucky enough to have our jobs though) and it starts to wear on you. I keep thinking this is a bad time to have surgery having to but special food and the medical bills, but I know that is an excuse for me. Anyway, there are a lot of us that understand - keep your head up and let us know if you need support.

I agree it would be great to move up your date, but we all know how hard that is. I would try to bring whatever you can eat at the time with you(pre-made shakes, instant oatmeal, etc). Try to eat what you can before the wedding and bring something with you can fit in your purse to the reception and drinking it at an appropriate time. Remember if it's anything like most weddings people will be talking and table hopping and a lot less attention will be paid to you than maybe you think. Ask your husband to help you out - take bites off your plate, etc. If possible order different entrees so you can say oh try this... A napkin over the plate to signify you're done and to hide foods will work wonders. Good Luck!!

Congratulations!!! I know it's a great feeling. Make sure you check out the June 2009 Group.

I am not a tattoo kind of girl - more of a shopaholic. I may be dangerous when I get to "normal sizes" - I've always had a handbag addiction, but never felt like my clothes really went with my bags and shoes. I want some beautiful clothes to go with that Marc Jacobs bag sitting in my closet.

oh you made me cry - I have a young daughter and I want her to know the same thing. You are doing great and are beautiful!

My friend had Gastric Bypass about two years ago and had a blood clot disorder. Before surgery they implanted this little "thing"(they described it as a metal spider) in a vein in her neck that would break up any clots she may have. A couple weeks after surgery they removed it - she had no problems. Good Luck!

I think you'll be OK - I got approved by Aetna HMO in March. I have been over 40 BMI for at least eight years, but changed Dr.s in 2008- my surgeons office told me to get my old Dr.'s records for more weight history and I was working on it and they turned everything in before I got it to them!!! I thought I would be rejected for sure with only a year of height history - but it came back approved in two days!! I think if you are well over the 40 BMI it's not as much of an issue. Good luck!!

Tiffany - It's normal to feel that way. I just got my date this morning - 6/5 (!!) and while I was crazy happy right then, the rest the day I've only gotten blue because it's now a reality. We June girls will stick together and succeed!

Lisa - I AM SO SORRY!! I agree with the previous poster that you should pursue all comorbidity possibilities. Get a sleep apnea test, check for borderline high BP or have a blood glucose tolerance test. If none of those pan out go through your medical records to the very first date in the past two years that you were at a 40 BMI and start counting your two years then. It may mean you have to resubmit later in the year(and I know waiting seems impossible), but at least you know you would be covered. I hope you can appeal with something - let us know how it goes.