pennreporter

Well, good luck with the MMPI...with my luck, they'd decide I was a multiple personality disorder or some other crazy stuff ... lol. Four hours of answering questions will drive anyone crazy Trisha

my insurance company had a whole six-month program. I started at 235 (five-foot-four). I had to lose as close to 10 percent as i could. Got down to 219, which was close enough but doctor did tell me that I needed to keep it right at that...not to lose or gain until I went to see surgeon. If I dropped any I would fall out of 35-40 BMI range (under 40, my ins co requires sleep apnea or diabetes along with BP/cholesterol). But once I saw the surgeon there were no issues. I think once you have surgery date you're okay because with pre-op diet it's very common that you will lose weight, which they're happy with. So I couldn't worry. Plus, since I met with surgeon and got surgery date, I've gained about five pounds...so even with any weight loss during pre-op diet and what I may lose during that two weeks, I will still be in good shape (as long as they don't double-check my height...lol) Can't believe they all took my word I was five-four instead of five-five...:rolleyes2: Good luck Trisha

I'm not banded yet. My daughter is 38 and banded last year. Trust me, how much she eats has never been an issue with any dates. She has a new "boy-toy" friend but he knew her before surgery. But the difference in her social life before and after is monumental. When you're 5-9, size 8, long blond hair, the dates/men she meets, food is not an issue...lol. Plus she also does the first date where it's just meeting for a drink/coffee with just an appetizer. She never does dinner on first few dates because she still has "issues" with some foods. And I agree with other poster, if once you tell someone and they have issues with it, then maybe they're not the right person for you. She is going for plastic surgery next month and her scars will be substantial at first (lower body lift). So she has some concern over that but it's not an option. Has to be done. Boy-toy doesn't seem to mind. So good luck Trisha

I'm not banded yet but my daughter is. I don't think the not bending is the norm. She was able to go up and down stairs the day of surgery just slowly. But she had surgery on a Tuesday in Houston, flew back to NYC on Friday and worked (she's a very busy hair colorist) on Saturday, but felt she could have worked on Friday. I'm a court reporter and carry lots of equipment with me and asked doc about lifting 30 pounds in and out of a car and he didn't seem to think there would be any problem. So I don't think I'll be outside lifting bags of mulch or dirt or anything like that..lol Mine is June 1. My only concern is that I won't have anyone around. My daughter is taking me but she's leaving the same night as she has to catch a plane to go to Houston again the next mornign for plastic surgery (we didn't plan it to be this way but her dates and my date have overlapped). So my question is: Is there anyone that is also going to be recuperating by themselves? I have someone( dog walker) coming in to just check on dogs the first two days. Good luck Trisha

My office manager and company owner know. Office manager is a living plastic surgery advertisement :rolleyes2: and has relatives that have done bypass. So no judgements there and a videographer that his mother has had bypass. All my close personal friends know but even with some of them, I've not really gone into many more details because of few of them have given me the "I've got a relative/friend that lost theirs with just hard work and dieting." So I knew where that judgment was going. My daughter had hers 14 months ago and she's my biggest supporter and personally family is all that matters to me and they're all supportive as they have their list of medical issues and understand you have to do what you have to do. So I will probably follow the "don't ask-don't tell" policy of the military...lol Good luck all trisha

absolutely no problem deciding, zip,nada, no. Bypass has never been an option. Too many complications. Plus, I'm not on the higher end of the weight scale. 37 BMI but lots of medical issues. Plus my daughter has had and her best friend had bypass. World of difference, Plus being off work 6 weeks was not an option. Trisha

I know, I know my sangria doesn't count for a clear liquid but it was a nice thought for about a second. I'm not much of a drinker but do occasionally like a glass of wine sitting out on the deck now that's finally warming up here in the poconos. So I'll scratch that one of the diet for a while. :grouphug: Trisha

I haven't been banded yet, but daughter has. To this day (14 mos.) she still can't eat chicken breast. It's too dry. So I'm sure that's all it is, but try to get as much fluid as you can tolerate. Good luck Trisha

I suppose Sangria is not included as part of the liquid diet, huh? lol T.

I start my pre-op diet also on Monday. Is yours for two weeks or shorter? I've had so many "last meals" over the past two weeks that I don't think I'm going to have one on Sunday night. Can't believe I'm tired of eating...lol. The anesthesia doesn't worry me too much. Good luck starting Monday and enjoy the ribs and steak. You're right it will be a while, if ever, that you eat steak. My daughter has been banded 15 months and hasn't eat steak since...which isn't such a bad thing. Two weeks to the loser's bench!! trisha

I haven't been banded yet, but my daughter has. Hang in there. It will get better. I think the side sleeping will get better. She was 265 at her highest and a size 22-24, banded 2/08. She's at 170 now but a size 10 and going for her first plastic surgery to remove excess skin. I go the 1st of June. I think it's wonderful that you guys did it together and are support for each other. I think it must be tough on couples or really anyone that is still having to cook and prepare the same meals for others. I live alone and only have to feed the dogs. (thank goodness) The transformation for my daughter has been nothing short of mind-boggling, emotionally, physically and just her lifestyle. She's close to maintenance. So kudos to you and your wife!! Trisha in da Poconos

I doubt very seriously that it's the MMPI. That would be a bit extreme. Mine and my daughters was basically just a pyschologist talking with you and asking questions. It's mainly to see that you have a healthy realistic mindset about what's going to happen and that you understand what you're getting into and not bulimic, etc. and that you've done your research and understand that the band is not the be-all end-all and is only a tool. MMPI is really a whole different thing. Good luck Trisha

I haven't been banded yet but I've gone through what you're going through. Like previous poster, find out EXACTLY what the requirements are, because many many companies require a 40 BMI. I'm 5-4, highest weight was 235, but I didn't meet the 40 BMI that my ins. co. required. For 35-40 BMI you had to have several comorbidities (BP, cholesterol) but most importantly I had to be diabetic or have sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine. My primary doctor was extremely supportive and even suggested putting rolls of quarters in my pockets to be even heavier, sent me for the sleep study, which evidently didn't surprise any of my family members that my snoring rose to the level of sleep apnea (thanks guys). So you should be able to get exactly what your company requires. And be very specific about the BMI Good luck Trisha

So sorry about your experience. It clearly must be a technician/doctors ability. I haven't had mine yet, but my daughter doesn't even see her doctor but a PA and she's in and out in five minutes. But the guy did tell her that he didn't want to brag but he knows that he's good at it. Your experience really hits home with me only because where I'm having mine done, they do mostly bypass and have only done like 120 bands. So, gee, how experienced do you think they are. I'm going to see how it goes and then I may be looking up a fill center and it won't be Wal-Mart...lol Good luck on the next one Trisha

Good luck. My daughter had hers done last year (she's 37 now), but also struggled with her weight just like you. I know the band has been around for quite some time but she always felt like she should be able to do it on her own. Her highest weight was 275, size 22/24, 5-10 height. The change in her life has been mind boggling. She's now a size 8 (going for plastic surgery next month). In hindsight, as her mother, if this had been around when she was 21, I would have agreed and supported her in a heart beat. I'm having mine done June 1 with her incredible support. Good luck to you on your journey. It will not always be easy but will always be worth it!! Trisha

Trish, I'm a Trisha also. I'm in Tobyhanna and on Geisinger. I didn't have a problem getting initial coverage but really had to fight to get surgery approved because I'm on the borderline of what they require. My PMP was extremely supportive and I even had to gain a little weight and go through a sleep study to get diagnozed with sleep apnea. That was the clincher. But I had gained weight from when I initially got covered by Geisinger. Are you saying they declined to even let you subscribe to insurance, period? I didn't have a problem with that even though I have high BP and high cholesterol and thyroid issues but all were under control with meds. In Pennsylvania it sucks. Have you tried for state-assistance coverage because they do cover the surgery. Several people at my meetings at Geisinger were getting it that way, especially if you're unemployed. Good luck from a fellow Poconos person!! Trisha

what a great support team you have going!! My daughter had hers done 2/08 (85 lbs, now a size 8 and going for PS.) So she's my support and at least I've seen the ups and downs (many more ups than downs). Good for you guys!! Trisha

I'm having band on June 1, but my daughter had hers last year and is going for first PS June 4, lower body lift, breat reduction and fat implants into but. The arms and back fat/skin and a small implant will be next year. Very nervous about her being on an operating table for 8 hours but the doctor is a very well known and reputable doctor so I just have to trust that everything will be okay. Good luck to you. The arms might be the only thing I will do and may be able to do the one where the incision is actually in the armpit instead of down the arm. Again, congrats and speedy healing Trisha

Mine does the 5-incision procedure. My daughter's was the five also. Trisha

I haven't been banded yet, but my daughter has. She had the gas problem pretty significantly for quite awhile. She still does but not as bad, although still has episodes if she overdoes herself. She finally got a script for it, which has helped tremendously but she forgets to take it. Also at nightime, she has to be very careful about not eating even remotely close to going to bed or she can't sleep. The food hasn't had a chance to digest from the pouch and makes it hard for her to breath. She also has started buying raw milk which is loaded with nutrients and that has seemed to help her also. She just has like a cup of it a day. But clearly something you're eating in the middle of the day is causing problems if it's at the same time every day...maybe a lighter lunch. Good luck Trisha

Welcome. I'm also from PA, the Poconos, and being banded June 1 at Geisinger-Danville. Good luck on your journey. Trisha

List keeps growing. Congratulations and good luck to all!!! Trisha

do you have to have a passport these days to go to Mexico? Where in Mexico are you having surgery? Trisha

I agree with Parrothead, you need to find "exactly" what your insurance company requirements are to qualify. In your denials, they should have told you why were denied. They are required by law to inform you. I find it hard to understand with your BMI and diabetes and blood pressure that you don't meet the requirements, but insurance companies will do anything they can sometimes to deny claims. is your Primary Care Physician supportive? Some insurance companies have a six-month plan which include group sessions, psyche eval, a certain percent weight loss. So you can't begin to move forward until you know what requirements are and why they denied. Have you appealed to your medical state board. You can always go over your insurance company and go to the state board, especially if they won't give you a reason for denial. Then last resort, hire an attorney that handles medical appeals. Good luck Trisha

it's hard to tell someone else financially what they should do. Not sure how much your surgery is costing you, but there is such a wide variety of doctors charging different rates. Here in PA surgery can be in the high 20ks. In Texas by an extremely reputable surgeon, 13.5k. I am a believer in creating your own future and new possibilities. Like the one poster said, even though employers are not supposed to discriminate, let's be real. With this market, if you have two candidates equally qualified, you know as well as anyone they will probably pick someone who may not be morbidly obese. True the surgery isn't going to make you thin overnight but it's a new beginning and will create new possibilities. But my first step would be looking at the cost of the surgery and start comparing. Dr. Spivak in Houston didn't require a gazillion months to qualify. My daughter was denied by her insurance and no amount of appeals was going to give her any comorbidities, which is what they required on top of at least 40 BMI. She clearly couldn't afford 27k in NYC and did her research and found Spivak. My surgery luckily is being covered but if it wasn't I would be heading south. Not so sure I would head to Mexico but there are some extremely qualified surgeons down there now. Don't give up until you explore everything. Good luck and look at the employment situation and surgery as a new adventure and to your surprise there may be something wonderful that comes from all of this. Trisha