Savedbygrace

Congradulations!! That is great! Keep us updated!!

These post are the first time i've heard of BC requiring a pt eval?? I printed the policy guidelines and its not mentioned. Is it new? I'm sure they don't pay for it. What all is involved?

Hey Kim! I am in TN but from MS and plan to move back there in a few years so I'm trying to keep up with that state so I'll have a doctor to go to for fills. Anyway........... lol I don't know what insurance you have but I have BCBS of AL and they also require the 6 month period. In their medical policy.. it states that LA Weight loss is acceptable but you also have to send in physicians notes that heshe recorded you were going there or attempting to loose weight. Look into the policy guidelines. For most of them, you can find it online. If I can help in anyway, let me know. I will finish my 6 months at the end of next month ...wwooooo hhoo!!

I am hoping to have my surgery in March also!! I finish up my 6 months around the 3rd week in February. I have BCBS of AL also. I hear it takes about 2 weeks to get an approval. I just hope the surgeon is not booked out to far!! I'm excited and ready to get started!!!!!

Someone shared this email with me. I haven't tried any of them yet as I still have about a month and half before finishing my 6 month hurdle. I thought they might help someone. Long... I know!! pumpkin Protein shake This is a wonderfully decadent way to get in your protein! Spicy, creamy and icy-thick.…milkshakes never had it so good! 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup skim milk or soymilk 1 scoop vanilla Protein powder (such as Matrix Simply Vanilla) 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 t. cinnamon, 1/8 t. cloves, 1/8 t. ginger) 2 tablespoons Splenda Granular 1/4 cup Cool Whip or NSA Vanilla yogurt 1 cup ice cubes Place pumpkin, milk, protein powder, spices, Splenda, cool whip or yogurt, and ice cubes in blender container; process until slushy. Makes one Meal Replacement serving. Per Serving: 230 Cal; 28 g Protein; 5 g Tot Fat; 13 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 2 g Sugar; 115 mg Sodium Mocha Liqueur Shake 3/4 cup light rum 1/4 cup coffee flavored liqueur 1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder 1 pint vanilla ice cream 4 cubes ice Maui Martini 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 1 (1.5 Fluid ounce) jigger best-quality vodka 2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers coconut flavored rum 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger banana liqueur ice cubes 1 fresh pineapple spear or ring for garnish BANANA PROTEIN NOG 1 scoop Matrix Simply Vanilla protein powder 1 cup skim milk A one inch chunk of banana 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Banana/Peanut Butter Shake (12 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk 1 tablespoon creamy Peanut Butter 1/4 - 1/2 banana Blend until smooth in blender. Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder 8 ounces skim milk Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake. Sunrise Smoothy 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup orange juice (or orange tang) ½ banana (peeled) 1 carton Low Carb Vanilla Yogurt 1 tablespoon Splenda 4-5 frozen strawberries Mix in blender until smooth Cherry Vanilla 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 4-5 maraschino cherries 2 scoops low carb vanilla ice cream 1 cup cherry sugar free kool-aid Mix in blender until smooth Peach 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup Crystal Lite peach tea 4-6 frozen peach slices 4 ice cubes Mix in blender until smooth Strawberry-Lemonade 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 cup sugar free lemonade kool-aid 4-5 frozen strawberries 4-5 ice cubes Mix in blender until smooth Cherry Vanilla Coke Float 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2 scoops low carb SF ice cream 1 cup diet coke 4-5 cherries Mix in blender until smooth Apple Pie Frosty 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder 1 apple, peeled, cored, and sliced (or 1/2 C no-sugar-added applesauce) 2 packets Splenda 1/2 t cinnamon 1/4 t nutmeg 3/4 C Water 8-10 ice cubes Blend thoroughly and drink up Butterscotch Pecan liquid Pie 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 8 oz cold water 2 T sugar free butterscotch pudding mix 4-5 ice cubes 1/4 C pecans Blend protein powder, water and pudding mix. (The pudding mix thickens the liquid considerably). Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers. Add pecans and blend again for a few seconds. Pour into nice huge parfait glass and enjoy. (about 300 calories). Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake 1 scoop vanilla powder 1/2 cup SF cherry yogurt 4 ice cubes splash water vanilla extract (to taste) cherry extract (to taste) Put all of it in a blender and hit liquify! Enjoy Choco Mint Shake 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder 1 packet sugar free hot chocolate mix 1 teaspoon mint flavoring 1/2 cup of soy milk 1/2 cup of water 6 large ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender And mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Chocolate Almond Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 1 cup of soy milk 2 T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup 1 t almond flavoring 1/4 cup of almonds 6-8 ice cubes Blend all ingredients, Except almonds and ice cubes, Then add nuts and cubes and blend again Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter De-Lite 3/4 c. cold water 1/4 c. Toasted Marshmallow s/f syrup 2 scoops PS IOO Chocolate Protein Powder 4 packets. equal 1/2 small banana 1T. low sugar Peanut Butter 1T. s/f White Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix Put everything in blender And whirl till smooth. Scrape down sides if necessary And whirl some more. Chocolate Banana smoothie 1/2 cup banana Fat-Free NutraSweet Sweetened Yogurt 1/2 cup Non-fat Milk 1/2 cup ripe banana peeled and sliced Dash of Vanilla 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder of Choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender, Blend until smooth. Add ice and blend To give it a frozen smoothie consistency. Chocolate Coconut Shake 2 oz Coconut Milk 6 oz Cold Water 2 scoops Chocolate protein powder 1 tsp Chocolate or Banana Sugar-Free pudding Hand Shake well. Chocolate Covered Banana 1 scoop Chocolate Isopure 1/2 c 1% milk splash of sugar-free chocolate syrup 1/2 banana 4 maraschino cherries 2 handfuls ice Blend Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 chocolate protein powder 1 cup soy milk 2T Sweet N Low chocolate syrup 10-12 cherries - (no pits please) 8-10 ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender And mix to desired consistency Chocolate Frosty Shake 1 rounded scoop Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex Chocolate Protein Powder 1 rounded tsp. fat free sugar free French Vanilla International Coffee 1 rounded tsp. fat free Creamora (non-dairy coffee creamer powder) 10 ice cubes Use a blender to get a shake-like consistency Chocolate Fudge Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 2 T chocolate fudge sugar free pudding mix 8 oz water 5 large ice cubes, tiny silver spoon (optional) Blend ProScore, pudding and water, add ice cubes, Blend till crushed with ice slivers still un-melted, Pour into insulated cup (makes about 16 oz) And eat it with a tiny silver spoon. Chocolate OrangeSicle 1 1/2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 1/2 Scoop OrangeSicle protein powder 8 oz water Shake very well Chocolate Peanut Butter Death 2 scoops PS100 Chocolate Protein Powder 8 oz Cold Water 2 tsp Chocolate SF Pudding Mix 1 packets Splenda 1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Peanut Butter Syrup 1 Generous splash (probably 1 1/2 ounces) of SF DaVinci Cookie Dough Syrup 1 Heaping Tablespoon (Daloop) of Fat Free Cool Whip Light 1 Heaping Teaspoon of Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter approx. 6 oz of crushed ice Mix until entirely smooth - pour - sit back and enjoy pure indulgence Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1 tbs. peanut butter 1 cup skim milk 2 handfuls ice Blend thoroughly Chocolate Raspberry Shake 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate 8 oz water (or skim, lactaid or soy milk) sugar free raspberry syrup Blend and enjoy Chocolate Vanilla Swirl 1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder splash Vitamite splash water ice Blend thoroughly Chocolate-Banana Shake 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 1/2 banana 1 cup skim milk 2 handfuls ice Blend thoroughly. Hint: if you can't use a banana, Try banana extract...tastes good! Coco Loco 1 1/2 scoops 100%Whey Vanilla Protein powder 4 oz Vitamite 6 packets Splenda splash Luzianne Peach Mango Ice Tea flavoring 2 drops Coconut extract 2 drops Pineapple extract 1 drop Rum extract (optional) 5 ice cubes Blend and chop ice thoroughly Cookies & Cream Splash of Cookies & Cream coffee Splash of Vitamite Splash of water 1 tsp. Sugar Free DaVinci Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syrup (optional) 1/3 scoop ProBlend 55 Mocha/cappuccino 1/3 scoop Pro V60 Chocolate Thunder 1/3 scoop Pro V60 Vanilla Crème ice Blend Creamy Peach Melba 6-8 frozen peach slices 4-6 oz water 1 tbsp peach mango Luzianne Tea Flavor 1 tsp DaVinci Raspberry flavor 2 packets splenda 1 tbsp heavy cream 2 scoops Keto Peaches & Cream Protein Powder Blend peaches, Water, flavorings, & splenda until liquid. Add protein powder. Drizzle in cream last. Blend well. Donna's Delicious Protein Smoothie 6 to 8 oz sunrise orange crystal light (premade) 3 ice cubes 3 frozen raspberries 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder Optional: tablespoon of light cool whip Mix crystal light with the ice cubes and frozen raspberries, Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder And mix only for a few seconds (mixing the protein too much causes it to foam) Double Chocolate Fudge ½ cup skim milk 1 packet, no sugar added hot cocoa mix 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder 4 ice cubes (or ½ - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender. Egg Nog 1 scoop of Vanilla HDT 5+1 vanilla 1 cup of soy milk 1 teaspoon of rum extract 1/2 teaspoon of all spice 4-6 large ice cubes Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Elvis IS IN MY KITCHEN RIGHT NOW making a PB & J Milkshake 2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Protein Powder 1 Tbsp. vanilla sugar-free instant pudding 8 oz cold water 1 Tbsp or to taste berry, raspberry or peach (or other) sugar-free syrup 3-5 ice cubes 1 Tbsp. crunchy peanut butter Combine the protein powder, Pudding, and sugar-free syrup into blender And blend for 30 seconds. Add 3-5 ice cubes, blend until ice slivers, Add crunchy peanut butter, Blend for a few seconds. Pour into 16 oz glass. Eat with a small silver spoon, savoring each spoonful. Extra spicy ProScore Mocha Chai 2 oz of any strong (i.e. Starbucks) left-over cold coffee with half & half piece of fresh ginger 4-5 cloves few peppercorns 1 oz cold strong unsweetened Chai tea 4-5 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate Protein Powder pinch nutmeg splash vanilla extract in a COLD blender, add cold coffee, ginger, cloves, peppercorns, cold Chai tea. Blend, adding 4-5 ice cubes one at a time until ice cubes are broken up. Add 2 scoops protein powder while blender is moving. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Frappachino 1 tbs. instant coffee or a splash of cold coffee 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder 2 handfuls ice 1/2 cup skim milk blend thoroughly. Frappucchino On-the-Go 1/2 can Blue Luna light _mocha (or Starbuck's light Frappachino brand) 1 scoop chocolate protein powder Shake in Blue Luna can and pour over ice. Fruit Freeze ½ cup skim milk (substitute water if you don't do milk) 1 scoop unflavored protein powder 5 strawberries, frozen, no added sugar 2 peaches, frozen, no added sugar ¼ cup pineapple, canned, packed in juice (or Lite syrup) 4 ice cubes (or ½ - 1 cup crushed ice) Mix in blender. Fruit Smoothie 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 4 fresh strawberries frozen and sliced 1/2 fresh banana frozen and sliced 1 scoop Vanilla or strawberry protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender And blend until smooth. Add ice and blend until frozen smoothie consistency. Fudgesicle 1 1/2 scoops chocolate protein powder 12 oz cold water 10 packets splenda 1 sugar free fudgesicle 1/2 oz DaVinci sugar free vanilla syrup 6 ice cubes put all ingredients except protein into blender- blend on high until no more pings from ice on blades- turn down blender until top of mixture is moving but not splashing-add protein-replace cover and whirl- but not too high or it will puff up to about 40 oz! Good Morning Smoothie 1 small banana 3/4 cup skim milk 1/2 cup non-fat sugar free strawberry yogurt 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend until frozen fruit smoothie consistency. Iced Mocha Latte 2 scoops ProScore 100 chocolate, leftover cold coffee (decaf Hazelnut) 1 T fat free sugar free vanilla pudding mix a splash of sugar free hazelnut coffee syrup and a few ice cubes Blend Light and Dark Symphony 1 scoop ProBlend 55 _Mocha Cappuccino splash coffee splash water ice Blend thoroughly for light symphony; for dark symphony add 1 tbs. white chocolate SF syrup and blend Luscious Pina Colada 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 2 T vanilla sugar free pudding mix dash of coconut flavoring dash of pineapple flavoring ice Blend and enjoy Mango Morning Smoothie Juice of 1/2 of a fresh lime 2oz cold water meat of 1 mango small piece fresh ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract) 7-8 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore Vanilla Blend lime juice, cold water, meat of mango, ginger and vanilla extract until smooth. When blended, add 7-8 ice cubes, one at a time until blended. Add ProScore Vanilla protein powder one scoop at a time while blender is still moving. You can substitute soy milk instead of water and soy ice cubes instead of plain ice, but you will need to watch calories with those substitutions. Mocha, Ginger & Cinnamon 2 scoops ProScore 100 Chocolate 4 oz left-over coffee with half & half a few good sprinkles of cinnamon small piece FRESH ginger 6-8 ice cubes Blend on low, then on high. Add about 6-8 ice cubes, one at a time – chuck each one HARD into the blender while blending. Blend until creamy. Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream Shake 1 1/2 scoop GNC 100% Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 4-5 packets of Splenda 1 capful DaVinci's Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup 5 oz Vitamite lots of ice cubes Blend syrup, Splenda, and Vitamite together. Add protein powder; blend until mixed. Add Ice and blend until chopped well. Orange & Cream Shake 8 ounces (or less if you wish) Stewart's Diet Orange & Cream Soda splash Vitamite 1 scoop ProV60 Vanilla Cream protein ice blend extra thoroughly to get rid of all of the carbonation Orange Banana Smoothie 1/2 cup cold water 1/2 cup pulp free OJ 1/2 banana sliced 1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Orange Crème protein powder 1 rounded scoop Keto Shake Banana Crème protein powder 1 cup ice Blend all ingredients except ice until smooth. Add ice, blend until smoothie consistency. Orange Julius 8 oz non-fat plain yogurt 1 can (6 oz) Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate 2 1/2 cup skim milk 1 Tsp vanilla extract 2 scoops Protein Powder of your choice Put ingredients in blender, blend until smooth, fruit smoothie consistency. Orange Julius Ain’t Got Nothing On Us Smoothie 2 Scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 6 oz water 1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix 1/4 c real orange juice (preferably hand squeezed with pulp, or from store with pulp) 1 t good vanilla flavoring 3-4 ice cubes Blend all ingredients except ice cubes. Cold water will cause pudding mix to thicken. Add ice cubes and blend till ice slivers. Pour into tall glass and use straw to sip, dainty, a little at a time, really taste it. Don't guzzle (grin) Peach Creamsicle 6 oz Crystal Lite Peach Tea 2 tablespoon SF Instant Vanilla Pudding 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 6 packets Splenda ice cubes Blend thoroughly Peach and Strawberry Yummy 3 slices frozen peaches (or 1/2 frozen banana) 3 good sized frozen strawberries 1/4 - 1/2 cup water 1 packets Splenda 1 rounded Vanilla protein powder Blend Pina Colada Smoothie 8oz can refrigerated crushed pineapple in natural unsweetened juices 1 Tsp coconut flavoring 1/2 cup crushed ice 1 packet artificial sweetener 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Combine in blender and blend for 2 minutes on high Pineapple Vanilla Ginger Shake Meat from 1/2 SMALL COLD pineapple enough cold water to blend small piece of fresh ginger 5-6 ice cubes 2 scoops ProScore 100 Vanilla Protein Powder cinnamon and fresh mint In a blender put meat from pineapple, enough COLD water to blend, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Add 5-6 ice cubes, 1 piece at a time and blend until creamy. Add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla while blender is in motion (OK to substitute different brand). Pour into a brandy glass, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top and add a piece of fresh mint. Real Root Beer float 1.5 scoops of diet, sugar-free vanilla ice cream 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 3/4 can diet root beer Stir thoroughly Root Beer Float 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 can diet root beer Mix thoroughly and pour over ice Enen Better Root beer Float 2 scoops Vanilla Carb Solutions Protein Powder 1 12 ounce can Diet Root Beer (A&W is best) open and let soda go flat 4 or 5 ice cubes 2 envelopes Splenda Throw it all in a blender and enjoy! S'Mores splash coffee (optional, but really does taste better!) splash Vitamite splash water DaVinci Sugar-free Toasted Marshmallow syrup (to taste) Chocolate protein powder (something milk-chocolaty seems to taste best , like ProV60 Chocolate Thunder) Sans Sucre Cinnamon Sugar (to taste) ice blend thoroughly Snicker splash Snicker doodle coffee splash Vitamite splash water 1 scoop chocolate protein powder ice Blend thoroughly. Don't have Snicker doodle coffee? Substitute regular coffee, SF hazelnut syrup and the SF cinnamon sugar. This one is excellent!!!! Snickers Candy Bar splash chocolate caramel coffee splash Vitamite splash water 1 tsp peanut butter or SF peanut butter syrup chocolate protein powder ice Blend thoroughly. Don't have chocolate caramel coffee? You can substitute it with regular coffee, SF caramel syrup, SF chocolate syrup (optional) if you want even more of a chocolaty taste. Strawberry Berry Berry 1 scoop of Strawberry Pro Blend 55 4 strawberries (frozen or fresh) 1/4 cup of blueberries 1 cup of cranberry juice 1 cup ice or crushed ice Put all ingredients into blender and mix to desired consistency. Serve cold. Strawberry Chocolate Milk 2 Scoops Strawberry Carb Solutions 1 Scoop (use the Carb Solutions scoop) Carnation Fat Free Hot Cocoa 14 ounces water Mix in blender with ice for a "shake" or shake inshaker for a more milky consistency Strawberry for Protein Dummies 10 frozen strawberrys 1/2 small banana 1 scoop (23g) Biochem's Ultimate LO Carb Whey (Natural Flavor) 8 oz Water 1/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Splenda to taste *Note: I found the protein by going to a local health food store and asking for a whey protein with the LEAST taste and that mixed easily into water* Tropical Breakfast Smoothie 1 cup fresh cut-up strawberries 8 oz pineapple chunks in natural juice 1 fresh banana sliced 1/2 cup cholesterol free egg product 1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice Put all ingredients except ice in blender, blend until smooth, add ice and blend to frozen smoothie consistency. This recipe yields more than one serving Two Berry Delight 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries 1/2 cup raspberries 1/2 cup water 1 cup ice 1 packet of sweetener 1/2 cup milk 1 cup orange juice Vitamins or protein powder Put all ingredients except ice in blender and blend until smooth. Add ice and blend to give it a frozen smoothie consistency Vanilla Butterscotch 8 oz cold water 2 scoops vanilla ProScore 1T butterscotch sugar-free pudding 4 ice cubes 1 T vanilla sugar free pudding 4-5 ice cubes blend it all, and let it set up a little, and it tastes all custardy. Vanilla Chai Vanilla protein powder 8 oz iced Chai tea (made from tea bag and refrigerated) dash of cinnamon little Splenda splash of soy milk Blend and enjoy Vanilla Frosty 1 1/2 scoops HDT 5+1 vanilla protein powder 1/2 to 1 container Dannon Fit and Light yogurt (any flavor) 3/4 c water or soy milk 10-12 ice cubes Blend in blender until the consistency of a Wendy's frosty Vanilla PB Fruity 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 1 T sugar free vanilla pudding mix 8 oz water, 1T or to taste berry or raspberry or peach or other sugar-free syrup (0 calories) 3-5 ice cubes 2 t peanut butter-crunchy kind Blend before adding peanut butter, add peanut butter and blend again till ice slivers. Note: (if you put in too many ice cubes, it will dilute the peanutty taste)... Vanilla Spice Freeze 2 scoops ProScore 100 vanilla 2 T vanilla Sugar Free pudding mix pinch of cinnamon pinch of cloves Blend, store in freezer until it gets thick. Yummmmm Vanilla vanilla citrus 2 oz of refrigerated water 1/4 lime, (including rind) cut up in about 4-6 pieces Piece of fresh ginger to taste About 1/2 t. vanilla Blend. 45 Chuck in about 6 cubes, one at a time, till dissolved, add 2 scoops of ProScore 100 Vanilla, swirl in a little cinnamon, while still blending. Add all except ice, ProScore and cinnamon. Blend. Add remaining ingredients and blend again. White Chocolate Mouse Mocha Frappachino splash Vitamite splash water 1 scoop PB55 Mocha Frappachino 1/2 tsp. SF Jell-O White Chocolate Mouse Pudding handful of ice Blend thoroughly, sweeten to taste (Optional) Peanut Brittle Protein Shake

Awesome!! That's very encouraging to me!! Thanks for sharing it!

I know this is a TN forum... and I actually live in TN but because Huntsville is so close and a general area for people to gather....... I wondered in anyone close by would be intrested in getting together to start a lap band support group?

I think we've talked about this before... but didn't get alot of response. I thought if there was a thread about it, maybe it would be more visable. Anyone intrested in starting a support group meeting in Huntsville, AL? Would be open to anyone wanting to come... meaning not just "Huntsville" residents but surrounding areas also. I really think it would be a help to have this.... and I'm willing to help in anyway... I just don't know that I would like to host it haha.. Not much on hosting... but will help find a place to have it and anything else I can help with.

Where is the support group meeting at? Is there a schedule?

Thats awesome! Keep us updated!

Congradulations!! I pray that your recovery goes well!

Well duh.. that's where this one IS! My bad

oh come on... surely we have more people close to Huntsville, AL. Maybe we should post a thread under the Alabama forum.

Congradulations! I can't wait until I can claim the same excitement!! Have you got a date set yet?

I'm not much of a debater... especially about religion because people tend to get really upset and because I am a Christian who knows I can't live without Christ, I believe that turning a debate into an arguement is not what Christ would have us to do. I haven't read all of this thread...and what I have read.. doesn't seem to be any arguing going on.. I just wanted to insert some historical information.... This following does NOT come from the bible. These are real documented humans who wrote about Jesus, while He lived.... I am BY FAR, NOT a histoty buff... aamof... I can't stand listening to history but there are so many people who think Christians just believe for a feel good.. or believe because someone told them to... but there is proof that Christ lived.... Let’s go back in time and call some witnesses and see what they have to say about this man named JESUS! Cornelius Tacitus A Roman historian name Cornelius Tacitus lived from A.D. 55 to A.D. 120. His moral character and integrity marked him by many scholars as a great Roman historian. In one of his great historical works known as the Annals, Tacitus wrote about Jesus and the persecution of the Christians by the Roman emporer Nero. Tacitus writes, "But not all the relief that could come from man, not all the bounties that the prince could bestow, not all the atonements which could be presented to the gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration, the fire of Rome. Hence to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christ, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius: but the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time, broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also." (Annals XV, 44) In this historical recount, Tacitus affirms several facts set forth in the Bible about Jesus. First, he affirms that Jesus existed as a real person. Secondly, Tacitus states that the Christian movement was named after Christ or "Christus" (Christus was a common error in spelling made by many secular historians of the day). Thirdly, he affirms that Jesus Christ was crucified in Judea by Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius. Lastly, Tacitus mentions the "pernicious superstition", or the reported resurrection of Jesus Christ. Suetonius Suetonius, another Roman historian spoke of Christ’s existence in his work Life of Claudius in which he stated, "As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus (another misspelling of Christ), he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome. Suetonius verified that Jesus was a real person, and that his followers [Christians] believed that he had been resurrected from the dead "mischievous superstition". Lucian of Samosata Lucian of Samosata, a Greek writer in the second century also affirmed the real and historical existence of Jesus Christ. He wrote, "The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day-the distinguished personage [Jesus] who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account." Pliny the Younger Pliny the Younger was the governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor in A.D. 112. In a letter to the emporer Trajan, Pliny explained that he had been killing mass numbers of Christians, men, women and children alike. In his letter he stated that he "made them curse Christ, which a genuine Christian cannot be induced to do." Pliny the Younger demonstrates through his own words that Christ was real and that the Christians of that early period recognized that. Not only does the evidence demonstrate that Christ was real, but that the Roman governor Pliny was persecuting Christians for their belief in him and their recognition of Jesus as "a god". Let’s look at some Secular Writings and one more non-biblical character in reference to Jesus Jesus is historically referenced in the works of the Babylonian Talmud as well as the writings of the Jewish historian, Josephus. What is the Talmud and who is Josephus? The Talmud is a collection of Jewish laws and traditions considered by Jewish authorities to be Judaism’s holiest collection of books. The Jewish Scribes claim the Talmud is partly a collection of traditions Moses gave them in oral form consisting of the Mishnah and the Gemara. The Mishnah is the section of the Talmud that consists of the oral laws and the Gemara is made up teachings and commentaries on the oral laws of the Mishnah. According to the writings contained within the Talmud, its authority transcends that of the Torah (Old Testament of the Bible). The Talmud records historical evidence concerning the virgin birth, the crucifixion, and the disciples of Jesus Christ. The Talmud states, "It has been taught: On the eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu (Jesus). The word "Yeshu" translates into the English name Jesus. It is reported that in some versions, this text reads "Yeshu the Nazarene". This Jewish description of the crucifixion of Christ confirms that Jesus did exist in history as a religious leader and teacher, one who did miracles, was charged by his own people and then handed over to be crucified on the cross by the Roman government. This passage demonstrates and confirms the historical presence and facts concerning the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Who was Josephus? Josephus ben Matthias, born only a few years after the death and resurrection of Christ was a religious politician and Jew. Josephus was a Jewish historian in the employ of the Roman emperor, and after gaining favor in the eyes of the emperor Flavius was actually given his name. Hence, he became Flavius Josephus and during his employ composed two large works: The Jewish War and The Jewish Antiquities. In The Jewish Antiquities, a passage reads, "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day." As Josh McDowell states, "So even the great first-century Jewish historian Josephus, writing just a little more than half a century after Jesus’ life and crucifixion, attests to the truth that Jesus was not a figment of the church’s imagination but a real historical figure." Even more important that these secular writings and witnesses are the scriptural evidences given to us that Jesus is the Christ. Yes it's easy for Christian's to believe in God, based on faith and it's also understandable that non believes think faith is hog wash. One thing I don't understand is how a person can downplay faith that God created the universe... but they have believe that the earth just began on its on? To me it takes more faith to believe that all this just happened... than it does that someone created it.

I wasn't aware that she had it or has a book out. I'm going to look that up on amazon and see if I can get ahold to it. Thanks!!

Has anyone read Carnie Wilson's "Gut Feelings" book? I thought that during this 6 month supervised diet, that I would try to find some books that encourage eating when hungry.. help you realize the relationship you have with food... etc. I have seen wonderful results from the banding and I can't wait to have it.... but i do understand that if your heads not in it, it can't work. Like one doctor told us, you can get a gallon of ice cream through the band ... a little at a time. I just want to be as mentally ready as I can be! Any suggestions?

"have my hand raised". I actually live in Fayetteville, TN but work and do most of our business in Huntsville. (only 25 miles away) I plan to have my surgery in Birmingham with Dr. Miles... sometime around April 08.

That would be good. I know Huntsville Hospital has one but it's Bypass and Lapband so I'm sure it's mainly Bypass. They also have one at a church in Toney and it's both. Maybe we could post a thread for people close to Huntsville and see what response we get.

Hey Laura! Small world huh lol. Which surgeon did you use? I plan to use Dr. Leslie Miles in Birmingham. A little bit of a drive but I chose him because of his experience doing more bands that any other that's closer plus they give you all the info and follow up you need to make it work. We did go to Dr. Mailapur's seminar and liked him as well but he seemed to highly recommend the bypass and I don't want to do that! Do y'all go to the local monthly support groups?

BTW.. I'm in Huntsville too! What surgeon are you planning to use?

I have BCBS of Alabama and work for a company of about 35 and it is covered. Thankfully I work in the medical field and get authorizations for DME so I do know a little about how it works. I have access to pull up benefits for BCBS of AL and see that my plan does cover it. If you want, you can email me in a private message with your policy #, name and DOB and I will pull it up for you. I can go over the benefits with you via email or fax them to you. As far as their "medical policy" they do have some requirements. Must have BMI of 40 or above for the past 3 yrs of a BMI of 35-40 with comorbs. They also required that you have documented 6 month diet, exercise and behavioral modification. There are several ways to do that. I am in month 2 of my 6 months. I hate that they control my health but I'm taking it as 6 months to prepare. Different physicians require different things before hand ... so this gives you plenty of time to get that plus go ahead and adjust to lifestyle changes. If there is anything I can help you with.. let me know! I'm excited to get into the banded world!!

I don't think I have any symptoms of sleep apenia but my surgeon is requiring me to go to a sleep apenia doctor to be evaulated. I'm hoping that the doctor can just review my symptoms (or lack of) and not require that I go through the sleep study... mainly because it is expensive! So my question is.. and I know all patients are different and all doctors are different.... but has anyone just went through a counsult with the physician and not required to go through the actual study? Anyone gone through the study and NOT diagnosed with it? Thanks!

I have my first consult with the surgeon scheduled today. Any suggestions on things I need to ask him? We have already attended his seminar and I'm in my 2nd month of the supervised diet but this is the first time I'll actually see him one on one. Not sure what to expect. Just wondered if there is anything I'm forgetting to plan to ask him today? BTW, Surgeon will be Dr. Les Miles, Birmingham, AL. Thanks!

Hey Pamela! Congrads on the newly banded life! I too have PCOS but am just getting into my 2nd month of the 6 month supervised diet required by BCBS of AL. I was reading some paperwork from the surgeon I've chosen and it says bariatic surgery results in helping 79% of hirsutism and 100% resolution of menstrual dysfunction. That just made me smile!! Keep us updated on how it affects your PCOS. I've been diagnosed for about 3 years but just not finding a OB that will help me with it. I've been on Metformin for 2 months now and looking forward to being able to call PCOS a thing of my past after banding and loosing weight.