RKidder

Long overdue! I would like to get the male perspective. I think the ladies will be surprised and Enlightened to hear the male point of veiw. Bravo! Rachel

I recall at one time, some information on submitting appeals to insurance companies, when denied. I also recall seeing somewhere an email address for an attorney who could assist with appeals. I believe he, himself, had had lap band surgery. I found out today that my insurance company denied the surgery, as the surgeon's office was "out of network". This surgeon has a great reputation, and is in a well-established bariatric program which has been in place for the past 4 years. All 3 surgeons learned their "craft" from Australian surgeons who have been performing this procedure for a very long time. The local surgeon (within the network) has just opened up his practive to lap band surgery since Feb. 06. I am not comfortable in going to someone who is relatively new to the procedure. In advance, thanks to all who can help me with my dilemma. Rachel

I asked already - there is a surgeon in town that is just beginning to do lap band surgery, but he has not had the experience that Portsmouth, NH bariatric program has had. I don't want to go to a "newbie" to perform this procedure on me. Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. Rachel

I just received a devastating call today from my surgeon's office. I was told that my insurance (Aetna) would not cover the lap band surgery because it is considered "out of network". Have spent months going to appointments, support meetings, behavior mod classes, nutritionist, losing 18 pounds... I can hardly see to type this through my tears. I am a diabetic on oral meds and insulin (5 different diabetic meds in all). The next step is an insulin pump if I could not lose the weight and get my blood sugar under control. I already have some diabetic neuropathy. Last year, I was hospitalized for urosepsis, and was in septic shock and was in a coma for 12 days, on mechanical ventilation. I am only 52 years old, and newly married. I don't want to die. I have a beautiful 13 yr old son and a husband I adore. I am still paying off my medical bills for last year's catastrophic hospitalization. How can I pay out of pocket? I was told that my husband's insurance won't pay anything if my primary insurance won't pay. I don't mean to be such a downer. I know that many of you will understand how I feel right now. Just needed to vent.. Rachel

Well, I am not an expert in dating, but I recently remarried after being divorced for several years. When I decided to place my personal ad, I said in the ad that I was a woman of substance, built for comfort not speed, and was not interested in wasting mine or their time if they were not interested in finding a long-term relationship. They knew up front that I had a young son. At this stage of the game, I am too old be play coy and waste my time. In fact, my new husband read my ad and thought I would be fun to be with....he he, he's right! We just celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary last month. I have usually been up front with the guys I dated - I think they appreciated that. Sure, it stings a bit at first, but I never was any good at prolonging the agony. IMHO, I think I would rather know up front before investing any time or feelings in a relationship that is not working out. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you. Rachel

I am an RN - specialty is Medical-Surgical nursing. This is my 26th year in nursing. I love it! My husband is a union electrician. When he is laid off, he works as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

So sorry to hear of your loss. It is often difficult to find the words to help at a time like this. Please know you and Father Chuck are in my prayers. Rachel

Weighed in last Wednesday -- down 3.5 lbs. I was surprised, since I just got back from vacation the week before. She said I can call and schedule my first visit with Dr. Paciulli (October 23). Finally! I wish I could get the banding done before Christmas or maybe early January! We'll see. :cool:

Weighed in last Wednesday -- down 3.5 lbs. I was surprised, since I just got back from vacation the week before. She said I can call and schedule my first visit with Dr. Paciulli (October 23). Finally! I wish I could get the banding done before Christmas or maybe early January! We'll see.

Oh my gosh - I have been away for a couple of weeks, and I came back and have seen many people who are angry, and wanting to leave. What have I missed? I wish you the best, Mandy. You have to follow your heart. Can someone please fill me in? Thanks so much. Rachel

How have restaurants been handling requests for smaller portions, substitutions, children's portions when you go out to eat? I heard that there are laminated cards that can be obtained somwhere that basically says that due to medical reason(s), you are unable to eat the portions normally given in most establishments. Thanks, in advance for your feedback! Rachel

translation please: don't understand stones ? I understand kilograms

I never had the pleasure of getting to know Ryan, as I am new to this website. My heartfelt prayers, thoughts and condolences go out to his wife and family at this difficult time. It was apparent that he was a pretty terrific guy! Rachel

Can't wait to experience the better - DH better bolt down the chandelier and put the mirror back on the ceiling - yippee!!!

Rose, Kidney stones, eh? Well, as an RN I don't recall that Vicodin pharmacologically effects your dialing finger! Be busy, extremely busy when he contacts you again. I don't mean pretend to be unavailable, I mean go out with friends, and meet other guys. Why would you want to be with someone who does not share the same feelings for you as you have for them? You deserve better than that, and keep reminding yourself that you are a "wonderful person" and he would be lucky to have you. I say "next!!". It's all about sifting through the undesirables, and make yourself available to meet a really great guy that will cherish you the way you should be!! I met my new husband on the internet and my personal ad said "built for comfort, not speed. If you are looking for a stick figure to date, pass me by." Sift, Sift, Sift -- I was too old to waste my time or theirs. Congrats on your TERRIFIC weight loss - keep up the good work. Best of luck, sweetie. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON!!!! Rachel

Linda, Congrats on your weight loss and your courage to finally let go of the clothes you won't be wearing again. I too, have a closet full of "sliding scale sizes" -- just in case. I have not been banded yet. My husband has promised me a whole new wardrobe when I finally lose the weight I want. Your husband sounds like a stitch - Take care and best of luck to you! Rachel

Paul - You are tooo funny!! Hey, I shave my pits, legs and back....and I have curves! But I am very happily newlywed....and I am probably old enough to be your mother. Have a great day! Rachel

I bought this terrific cookbook called "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery". Each recipe contains serving guidelines for Lap-Band, Bypass, BPD-DS, and all others who want to eat well, and still lose weight. After I get my lap banding, I will still want to cook meals that my family will want to eat, and not feel deprived. (I purchased this book through Amazon.Com, and got a brand new book for the cost of a used one.) - A great addition to my cookbook library! Rachel weightlossticker.bmp

Met with Bariatric Coordinator, Nutritionist, Physical Therapist and Psychologist on 7/25/06. It went well. Waiting for approval from insurance company. We'll see... weightlossticker.bmp

This may sound like a dumb question, but I have to ask. What is the Gone For Good Club?

Diane, My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family. Please do keep us posted when you can. God bless you and watch over you. He will no doubt send one of his angels to keep you safe in this journey you are embarking on. Rachel

Carlene, You look beautiful to me -- before and after. Thanks so much for your input. Rachel

I will be going to my first support meeting tomorrow after work. I will stay overnight in Portsmouth so that I can go to the appointments on Tuesday with: Bariatric Coordinator, PT/OT, Nutritionist and then the Psychologist. I received copies of letters that my doctors sent - very encouraging. Oh. and I know which surgeon will be doing my surgery...Dr. Looser. I'll feel better after I hear from the insurance companies...

I will be going to my first support meeting tomorrow after work. I will stay overnight in Portsmouth so that I can go to the appointments on Tuesday with: Bariatric Coordinator, PT/OT, Nutritionist and then the Psychologist. I received copies of letters that my doctors sent - very encouraging. Oh. and I know which surgeon will be doing my surgery...Dr. Looser. I'll feel better after I hear from the insurance companies...

Did anyone think alot about how their bodies would look with the weight loss? I keep wondering if I will look a little like I did when I was in my 20's... How will I look in the face; will I lose my double chin, have a more sculpted look, will my cheekbones show again? Will I be able to feel my collar bones again, will I be able to feel my hip bones again? Will I lose it too fast for my skin to "bounce back"? I am 51 and I know that I am not a spring chicken anymore. But I fear looking older and drawn in the face. It really is a trade-off, isn't it? I mean, I may no longer need to use insulin for my diabetes, I won't be too short of breath to go up a flight of stairs without resting. I will be able to bend down and tie my shoes comfortably. I will be able to walk longer on the treadmill, fit in the carnival rides with my 13 year old son, maybe even be able to wear cordouroy pants again... Maybe I am "overthinking" this...obsessing over this. For the last few years as the weight was increasing, I slowly began to withdraw from activities I used to enjoy -- I will be opening up these opportunities, again. Why am I so intimidated by the possibility of being the person I used to be? I should welcome and embrace this. Thanks for letting me vent.... Rachel