HappyMe2009

would they deny you if you were a compulsive eater?or if you suffer bad depression or anxiety

I think they're more concened with you treating your anxiety and depression, moreso than you "having" it. They talk to plenty of people with anxiety and or depression, you won't be the first or the last. Just be honest with your answers and it will be over before you know it... no big deal, you'll be fine!:confused:

Goodness Gracious GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!

I do NOT reccomend anyone view the lap-band® surgery on you tube. I have a pretty strong stomach, large too, heh heh, but boy am i queasy. Whew!

I had to stop mid-video. Maybe I'll watch after the surgery.

Anywho, how long are you all taking off from work? I posted a thread a few days ago and have gotten very mixed reviews, some back at work less than a week, some out much longer and glad they waited. So, what are your plans?

From the list, (thanks KarynA) you and I have surgery on the same date, December 7th! Do you have to start a liquid diet? If so for how long? I think I will take that whole week off and should be ready to return to work on the 14th. What about you? I have a desk job, so hopefully I will feel like sitting for hours by then.

Karyna - The test you were talking about with the tube is the one I am waiting to be scheduled and not looking forward to. I was told the tube is put up my nose then I have to swallow it down my throat...they will leave it in my stomach for 15-20 min then pull it out and I will be done. But, I asked if I would be put out and the nurse told me NO, I have to be awake during the test?! :w00t: There is no way I will let this test stop me, but man I can't wait to get it done!

This is the exact test I had done. Tube thru my nose, swallow Water with a straw while the tech puts the tube down my throat, continue to drink water and swallow at intervals while she monitors for 30 minutes. Totally awake the whole time... and as soon as I walked out I cried like a baby... .. it wasn't painful, just extremely uncomfortable.

Thanks for the responses! I have been known to "over analyze" things, so I figured my Lap-Band journey would be no different. :biggrin:

I will take everyone's advice and pray that I don't ever know what sjm described as a bad blockage... that's my worst fear! My doctor's office suggested I buy a baby feeding set (plate, spoon and fork) to get used to portion size and the amount I should be able to chew and swallow comfortably, so I will try that as well.

Hi Happy,

Welcome and congrats on your approval! That's awesome. I'm not feeling the love for Aetna right now. I was denied by them too. And the surgeon's office I was going to said that an appeal would be pointless because I have documentation that shows my BMI was under 40 (for like five minutes) during the past two years. Two surgeon's offices sad that actually. I was so discouraged, that I just decided to pay for it myself (financed). So I was wondering... did YOU file the appeal or did your surgeon's office? I'm thinking about sending my own appeal, complete with all the fat photos I can find (there aren't many - I usually destroy them). Heck!, maybe I'll even make a video like you do when you apply to be on Survivor! They can only say no again, right?

Thanks for the welcome Karyn! TRUST me I understand about not feeling the love for Aetna...I was so down in the dumps when my surgery was denied, especially since everything else (pre-op tests and evaluations) had already been done! First, I would disagree that it is pointless to appeal based on your BMI b/c my BMI has never been 40 or over. My surgeon's office submitted my appeal, but I went to each of my doctor's and got letters of recommendation for surgery from them and how the LapBand would improve the conditions they were treating me for (THANKS SUZANNE) and I wrote 2 letters (one personal, one statistical..THANKS SUZANNE AGAIN) and took all of those letters to my surgeon's office and they submitted them to Aetna along with a letter from my surgeon recommending surgery and it's health benefits to me. I didn't send any photos. Another member here (if you haven't guessed, her name is SUZANNE, lol) shared her letters with me and I will be happy to share mine with you if you decide to move forward with your appeal. Just like you said, the worst they can say is "no" and they've said that already, so you don't have anything to lose! I say GO FOR IT! Let me know if you have any more questions or if I can help.

THANK YOU so much for that bright light :tongue_smilie:.... As my date draws near, questions just pop up constantly, so I am glad to have a place where I can get answers based on experiences. I LOVE seafood... so the thought of not being able to eat it again was a bit disheartening, but not enough that I would forego getting my life back... :smile:

THANK YOU KIZ! I will make sure to KEEP papaya enzymes on hand. There is nothing that I hate worse than vomitting and all of the stories of PB'ing and sliming scare me more than the surgery itself :tongue_smilie:.... if there is ANYTHING I can do to prevent those episodes, I will do it and if you have ANY other suggestions to ward off PB and sliming demons, please share them!

I am scheduled to be banded on December 7th and I wanted to know if I should prepare to say bye-bye to my 3 favorite foods above (:tongue_smilie:)... I know "everyone is different" but in general, are these 3 foods tolerated by the band?

The two questions aren't related, but instead of making 2 threads....

1 - I've noticed a few posters mention that they take papaya enzymes after surgery. Is that the case for most bandsters? If so, why and where do I buy them?

2 - My cousin had Lap-Band surgery 2 years ago, and develooped gallstones and had to have her gallbladder removed yesterday. I have seen a few posts mention gallbladder "issues", is this a common side effect from being banded?

Of course I will check with my doctor on these questions as well, just wondering about personal experiences .....

Hi everyone!

I am delighted to say that my denial was reversed and Aetna (HMO) approved my surgery yesterday!!:tongue2: I have a tentative surgery date of December 7th. It's been a "process" and very frustrating at times, but when I read that letter yesterday, all my woes have been worth it! Congrats to everyone who has been approved and to those that are in the appeal or denial process, KEEP PUSHING on... don't take their "NO" for an answer...

Hi everyone!

I got my approval letter yesterday, and after being initally denied by Aetna, saying I am overjoyed is an understatement! :tongue2: My surgery is scheduled for December 7th in WDC with Dr. Brian Long. I have a one week liquid diet and that's it, all of my tests have been completed. I am a bit nervous but THANKFUL that I have found this site and made contact with such nice people willing to share their stories and give advice.

BEST OF LUCH TO ALL OF US "DECEMBER DELIGHTS":thumbup:

My appeal got denied. All because my BMI isn't high enough. Now I'm looking at self pay options. I gotta get a loan somewhere.

I am sorry to hear your appeal was denied.

I only pray that my appeal will be approved with Aetna, but with my BMI not being over 40, I am doubtful. My surgeon's office suggested switching insurance during open season and they recommend BCBS because they are more lenient. If I am denied on my appeal, I will look in to that and then self pay will be my route. Good luck on getting a loan. Have you tried carecredit.com?

Hello,

I just had my surgery with Dr. Long on 7/14 and it went great. The staff/hospital were great to work with and I couldn't be anymore pleased than I am right now. My mom was with me on the day of surgery and was very impressed with Dr. Long as well as the staff from his office. I really like this office as everyone was very personable and knew who you were. If I had to take this journey all over again I would go back to Dr. Long's office. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks!

Hi! I am hopefully (insurance being not-evil ) having surgery with Dr. Long's office later this month. So far I have been very impressed by everyone in the Sibley team. Its great to hear your story! Good luck with everything.

Hi Ladies and thank you for your responses! DoingItIn09, congrats on your successful surgery! I am very pleased with Dr. Long's staff as well, it's Aetna and it's denial of my surgery that has me up in arms! Hopefully my appeal will be approved and I would love to be in contact with you to hear the "what's and how's" of your before and after.

nc_liz I hope all goes well with you too! I love Sibley and the staff in Dr. Long's office. I was there yesterday matter of fact. My appeal will be submitted tomorrow. Pray for me....

Keep in touch ladies!

I have Aetna HMO and was DENIED today! I did all the pre-op testing, sleep study, etc., and I was denied because my BMI is 37. I am so frustrated right now. My surgeon's office is going to help with filing an appeal, but my high floating balloon has had a whole pricked in it... :frown:

Well, I will answer my own post, just in case anyone is interested.. LoL. I went to the seminar and was very pleased with Dr. Long, his knowledge and experience in bariatric surgery, and his staff was so pleasing and accommodating!! I am pleased thus far, and I go for my 4 or 5 hour appointment on June 5th. If anyone is looking for a Dr. in Washington, DC, I would recommend Dr. Brian Long, based on the experiences I have had with him up to this point. Good Luck to US!!

Welcome, Congratulations! :wink2:

I go for my 4 hour appointment on June 5th and am told to have surgery dates in mind when I come! I'm nervous but so very excited to feel like I am in control this time and I will do it.... Good Luck to you!

Hi Everyone! I live in Charles County and work in WDC. I am not yet banded, but I am seeing Dr. Brian Long at Sibley Hospital in N.W. I figure I can go for fills and appointment during work hours and cut down on my drive from Waldorf!

:cursing:

If anybody here has been to Dr. Long or had their surgery performed by him, I would appreciate hearing how your experience was. I am going to a seminar with him on Saturday. Thanks!!

Yes, there is plenty of testimony on here from people who said they could eat as much as before, once solid food was introduced. Most were shocked by this. So, you are going strictly on willpower to eat the types and amounts of foods you should - which is why it is hell.

I actually didn't eat quite as much as before but that's not saying a lot! I mean, going from 4 fried pork chops to 3 isn't a huge difference! I gained weight from the 3rd week post op until just recently when I finally got good restriction...not a LOT of weight but I wasn't losing. I wasn't dieting, either, to be honest. I got the band for that restriction and it took me a long time to get it (my doc is great but I think a little TOO conservative)

Restriction makes it all do-able, though, and while i did GAIN (I mean zounds I lost 42 pounds in 7 weeks), I didn't gain like I would've had I "crash dieted", lost 42 pounds in 7 weeks, then gone back to normal. Even unfilled the band helped keep the gains slow and small...

So just take it one day at a time and do the best you can. The restriction makes it all worth it.

WOW! GREAT information. Thanks ladies! I love this site, there is so much to learn and so many people willing to share!

I was scheduled to go to a seminar with Dr. Pinnar on the 23rd of this month, but his office is SO FAR from me. I live in Waldorf. So I found Dr. Brian Long at Sibley in N.W., and I am going to a seminar at Sibley on Saturday. I am glad to hear more good things about Dr. Pinnar and I will keep my options open and see how I feel about Dr. Long after Saturday. Good Luck to you!

Oh, if only your first fill slammed the gate to bandster hell behind you! It's a start, but it is most definitely not your sweet spot. Bandster hell is the period between when you start transitioning from liquids through mushy, through full solids until you reach a decent level of restriction. That could take 4 or 5 fills (or even more). You will be pretty much "bare knuckling" weight loss, but each fill will help you more and more. I'm up to 5.1ccs and I'm NOT at my sweet spot (that's 3 fills and another one coming up on Monday). But I can get by on less food than before and I don't get hungry as fast. Bandster hell is started to pass to the rear view mirror, LOL

PB .. you take a bite that's too big, or don't chew a bite enough regardless of size, or you eat too fast and you get stuck. Only it's worse than any "stuck" you've ever experienced. It won't move. Then you start producing a ton of saliva (sometimes, it's foamy), and then that stuck food comes back up. It's NOT vomiting. It's regurgitation of food that was stuck in your esophagus. You will not vomit up the contents of your stomach and what comes up will not be mixed with stomach acid and partially digested food. It will be that bite, looking like it would have if you had spit it out instead of swallowing it. And when it happens, then you'll remember this description and say to yourself, "that crazy parrotheadcathy didn't do this justice!"

Other terms and abbreviations are explained on the FAQ link .....

Reading this in TOTAL HORROR!!!! :)

Bandster hell is the time from when the band is placed and your hunger kicks in until you receive the restriction that reduces that hunger (called the sweet spot). In banster hell your hunger is at pre-band level as well as your ability to eat (but you aren't allowed to eat that much anymore) - thus the term!

OHHH, so you actually are physically able to eat at pre-band amounts, but your will power is the only thing that stops you from doing it? What would happen if you ate normally until your first restriction, would the unrestricted band and food get along? This is very intersting....

It generally means when you eat your allotted amount of food each meal but because you have no restriction you are really hungry in between meals.

Oh ok, so the hell part lasts until you get your first fill and then heaven kicks in?

I have seen this term used several times in different threads, but what does it mean??? There is probaby a million threads answering this question but I don't feel like searching...

My experience with the vomiting,pbing or sliming is exactly like Brandy's,one trick I did in the beginning of my journey was to use baby spoons & fork's when I ate till I was able to tell what amount would go through the band well.for me getting the LB surgery was the best thing I ever did.good luck & keep us posted......Crystal

Excellent tip!! Thanks... I am getting a bit :biggrin: b/c the doctor I want to go to doesn't take Aetna insurance. I'm kinda lost as to what I need to do next...