baps813

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Good luck!

It definitely differs. I'm lucky- I'm on sugar busters which means no refined sugars or white bread/potatoes/rice etc, but there's no caloric limitation and I definitely don't have to do a horrible shake! Plenty of time for that after surgery. You will have to ask them but just so you know, the vast majority of people don't have an issue with their liver being too fatty. It's really just a precaution.

You already said it- He has no right! Keep the faith like your name suggests and focus on you. There will always be people that say things they shouldn't or even people that want you to fail, but you did this for you and that's who you should focus on...YOU! good luck!!!

I'm sure your doc would have to be involved, but basically if once you lost a lot of weight (say 100 pounds) and you still have lots of skin, they would pay for it to be tightened b/c it's a health risk. The excess skin can lead to infection...a tummy tuck is never medically necessary.

If you had excess skin for longer than a year, they would pay for the removal, but I'm PRETTY sure they wouldn't cover a Tummy Tuck. I'm in Insurance and usually that's purely cosmetic.

Welcome & Congrats!!!! I get banded on the 1st and I know what you mean... I am SO ready to get this show on the road!

Ok, am I the only person that is horrified at the thought of pureeing meat?? For those who have done it, is it awful? What are some other options?

Not to discourage you, but I have Aetna and had all the documentation and they still tried to deny me, but, if this is something you want, stay on them! I called them daily to approve me. Make them talk to you in plain English so you know what they require. GOOD LUCK!

I haven't had my surgery yet, but it definitely sounds like you're being too hard on yourself. You just got banded and you're doing everything you should be doing! I have done the cheat thing and it definitely works! I normally cheat once a week once weight loss slows down, but nevertheless, I think you should continue on...I KNOW you'll get great results!!!!

Wow... thanks for the info

What's an EGD?

That is absolutely my fear! I go tomorrow for Pre-op, so I will be sure to ask. The hospital here has a Bariatric Center, so I would guess as a whole, they could at least help me in the case of an emergency...

THANKS GUYS! PRE-OP TOMORROW! I'm so excited!

I live in Tallahassee, FL, but the doctors here that do the bands do not have the expertise I feel comfortable with. They do specialize in laparoscopic surgery, but not bariatric. Anyway, I found an awesome doctor and staff (who many of them have gotten the band) in Albany, GA (about a 2 hour drive). I DON'T MIND making the trip for the Pre-op, surgery, and 1 week post appt at all, but I am nervous about the fills... I see alot on this website that several of you have to get filled or de-filled quite alot. Do you think it's worth the 2 hour drive? I'd be stuck going to Albany for at least a year... PLEASE HELP

I would love to know how your insurance responded? Did your initial amount with the first doctor have a certain number of fills built in or length of time?

Oh no!!! That's ALOT... By Friday???? Well at least you're able to work it out! WE'RE ON OUR WAY GIRL!!!!

OH NO! Well, rest assured that the hospital shouldn't be a problem. I talked to them today and I only have to put down 25% of my balance to them and they worked out the monthly for a really small amount- although I will pay more than what they require. So, even if the out of pocket is rough, the hospital will work with you!!! Have a good and relaxing weekend- NO STRESS!

HAHAHAHA!!!

That's the best part... I already told everyone MAY 1ST!!! LOL!!! I refuse to worry about it and you don't either! What hospital wouldn't want $20,000 over $3000???? I'm going to ask them tomorrow if they'll take Automatic w/drawal... I'll sell them my kidney at this point! I'm too excited! LOL I'm trusting God that He wouldn't let me get this far and get stuck here...can't take it! Keep your head up.

You have no idea how grateful I am for this site!!!! I just got the EXACT same news only I don't have a PPO. What I DO have is a $4000 out of pocket max which means I have to take my doc $640 next week at Pre-op which is fine, but the hospital wants $3000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will literally have a FIT if I cannot work out a payment arrangement. I'm willing to do anything! You should be able to get a payment arrangement as well, I just have no clue what it will be. I don't have an answer, just know that you're not alone...

I have Aetna and had issues with them. They tried to decline me although I had very clear proof of my being in a 6 mo. program. What they'll want to see is AT LEAST 3 CONSECUTIVE months (total of 6) of your weigh ins and BMI. Make sure the dates are clearly marked. Surely you weighed in each time you went to your doctor, so make sure your PCP puts it in report form for you. DON'T LET AETNA BULLY YOU because they may try. Don't give up if you know you have everything. I called them so much and sent and re-sent the same info highlighting everything for them. When they saw I wasn't going to give up, they pushed it through quickly. GOOD LUCK!

There are many people that may feel it's the "easy" way, but you know what? WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK? You have to do what works for you. It's not even your boyfriend, it's his friend...how dare he even have the audacity to say that to you?? I wouldn't worry about trying to change anyone's mind- be confident in who you are, in your choice, and in your end result. I have dealt with weight my whole life and I made my choice- I couldn't care less who has a problem with it! When we're strutting around even finer than we already are, we'll see what they have to say then!!!!

Hello LBT!!!! I am relatively new to this site- I wanted to wait to do my first post when I got my official date. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I go for Pre-op next week and will be getting my band on May 1st. My story is not unique, I've been morbidly obese for pretty much my whole life. I have never worn a "normal" size and used to struggle with self esteem. I am happy to say that through God's powerful hand, I have been emotionally healed and no longer struggle with how I see myself, but am mature enough to recognize that I am not happy with my weight. I also want to prevent future health problems. I know I still have a way to go with how I view food, BECAUSE I LOVE IT! I used to eat based on how I was feeling, but now, I just have an over-appreciation for it! lol I am eager for this next phase of my life to begin. I am also grateful for this sight- it has so much information!!!