questions09

I agree with the others. this is the best thing i could have done for myself/my health. It is still hard work, but worth every minute of it. It does take changes to your diet and exercising more, but like I said-extremely worth it all. Good luck to you!!!!- Leslie

I too have depression and anxiety- no problem getting approved. Also, if you do happen to get denied....fight it- like the other poster said.

You will do great.

Hey- the nutritionist did help me set goals for exercise.

In our sessions we set 2 food/eating goals and 1 exercise goal.

mine were: 1. stop drinking 30 min. before, during and 30 min. after meals.

2. cut out sugar- only eat sugar free treats

3. walk for 40 min. 3-5 times a week.

These were my last of the 3 month goals. We had built up to these over the 3 months.

My BMI was 40 and my only co-morbidity was high blood pressure.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Keep me posted on how things are going!!!!!!

I too did a 3 month supervised plan through AETNA. The insurance coordinator should really familiarize herself with this as that is her job!!!!! However- I had to do monthly nutritionist visits(at the weight loss surgery clinic) meet with the PA, have a psych consult, and then on the 4th month I met with the surgeon and he signed off on all the 3 month paperwork. It was then faxed to the insurance company and i waited for approval. It took about 2 1/2 weeks after that and i was approved.

Does your surgeons office have a nutritionist etc on staff?

The main thing I found was to work towards the goals that are set out for you through the nutritionist, make progress each month. The insurance company is looking not only at BMI, weight, and co-morbidities (like diabetes, sleep apnea etc), but that you are committed to making this tool work for you. message me any time- maybe I can answer some questions. However, the first step is to really get the insurance coordinator to work for you!!!!! Leslie:thumbup:

you might try the Nicholson Clinic in plano.

hey there- i was just banded on Oct 14!!! It's the best decision ever. the hope is that with the band (and once we get a fill and find that just right place) we won't be hungry and feel the need to eat big meals. I know that i haven't felt like eating more that 1/2 a cup at each meal. (i know its early, and i haven't had a fill.....but I am hopeful).

I too am from Dallas! A friend of mine went to Dr. Bienviedes for his surgery. I went with Dr. N. Nicholson.

Keep me posted!!!! Can try to answer any questions you may have. This is a great forum for support, encouragement and answers.

~questions

You will do great!!! Praying for you!!!!

Hey there- I was banded on 10/14/09. I have (or will be) on full liquid diet (post surgery) for two weeks. I get to start mushie foods on Wednesday the 28th and I cannot wait.......Let me back up a bit....I am 37-not married/no kids. My highest weight ever was 250, the day I went to the WLS seminar I was 242, surgery day was 220 and today am 211. The liquid stage is getting seriously BORING.......It's hard, but worth it. I think what makes it harder is that I have been off work this whole time (due to the physical demands of my job). This leaves too much time to think about being hungry- despite my best efforts to stay busy, walk, etc. However, when I go back to work I am hoping that it will get somewhat easier. I would love, love, love to stay in touch with you all and support one another through this. It is extrememly helpful!!!!! I wish all of you the best of luck. message me anytime....I will "friend" yall!!! :thumbup: Hope to hear from you soon.

Hey there- I had my surgery on the 14th of october.....I had the opposite advice from the PA at the office.....she said they would prefer to let the incisions air/dry out.??? Mine have surgical glue covering them. They said to wash with soap and Water two times a day/pat dry. I guess it can be different with everybody. Good luck!!!!:thumbup:

I just had my banding on 10/15/09. I am going on a cruise in January (approx. 3 months post surgery). my dilemma is.....clothing.......I have no idea what size i will be then and in January, cruise clothes/shorts, swimwear aren't exactly in abbundance. I know I can shop online for swimsuits, but does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

Good Luck!!!!! It will be great!!!!!!! keep us posted!!!!

Leslie:thumbup:

Good for you!!! I was just banded on Oct. 14. You have to do it for you and no one else. Your health and well being are most important. All others will come around when they see how happy and healthy you are. keep us posted!!! take care!!

Leslie

you can do it NJLIZ!!! hang in there. The pre-op diet is tough, but you can do it. The post op diet is hard for me at this momment, but i can do it. We have made the right, healthy decision for the rest of our lives. Keep on Keeping on!!!!! talk to you soon.:thumbdown:

Thanks so much!!! I called the doc and they said to go ahead and start with Protein supplements. I started drinking one and feel a bit better. I look forward to feeling a bit better each day.....and get further away from the worry that i have that something is wrong....even though i know there isn't. After all its only been 3 days total (including surgery day). Thank you for all your kind words and support. Im sure I will be back for more advice etc. thanks, Leslie

hey everyone, I had my surgery on the 14th. I am still sore, and felt very weak today. but was able to start some Protein drinks/supplements today - I think that will help. good luck to everyone and let's keep each other motivated and supported!!! talk to you soon.

hey there- newly banded on wednesday th 14th. i was told to not start my Protein supplements till post-op day 4. but I feel really weak. i have put a call in to the dr. to see what i can do. other than that I am having some beef or chicken broth and yogurt.....feel pretty good otherwise. any advice?

Congrats!!!!! I am so happy for you all. My surgery is coming up on October 14th. I am scared, nervous, anxious, excited....etc.etc.

I fell off the liquid pre-op diet thing today.......feel guilty, but i must move forward. Wednesday, my life will change for the better.

Today, espcially this evening is really hard emotionally- but again, i must move forward.

Lets all keep in touch and cheer one another on through this wonderful journey!!!!

Questions09- aka Leslie:smile2:

Im so excited to be having surgery on the 14th. I wish everybody the best.....let's keep eachother posted on our progress!!!!

Hello Everyone...if your name is not here why dont you copy and paste then add your name and date!

Happyloser 10/1

bethany329 10/1

Timmers 10/1

Lindac80 10/1

Marfar7 10/1

Ca7696 10/2

Opus03 10/2

RedboneLA 10/3

ihavehope3 10/3

Viking_girl 10/5

leetie 10/7

Jtreece 10/8

MommyOf1 10/8

Suz-Q 10/9

Noodles 10/9

SharPei 10/13

Guy 10/13

Cshytle 10/13

MoniqueD 10/14

Jenfromtheburg 10/14

ncarreras 10/14

Kme 10/15

Nooshie 10/15

Oliverdog 10/16

danyett 10/16

We3601 10/19

Onikenbai 10/19

1019Joanne 10/19

Mzcancer 10/20

Soexcited 10/21

erenstar983 10/21

pina3940 10/21

jenrobbar951 TBA

HDmama 10/22

Crazychica133 10/26

Idahlem72 10/27

Daria77 10/27

Barley 10/28

4girlfamily 10/29

questions09 10/14

Jason,- looking forward to hearing what the doc has to say today!!!

I have been to the 2nd of 4 nutritionist visits with hopes of a sept or oct surgery date.

keep up the good work!

talk with you soon

I haven't had the surgery yet...hoping for sept. 09. However, I totally relate to many of the above stories. I have been overweight/obese for such a long time. I am 5'5" and 250(highest)- current 242 and wear a size 18/20. I remember weighing 140 in college and thinking that was horrible (and a size 10). I have a hard time imagining that size again, much less a smaller size at that same weight......I am hopeful and praying every day for successful outcomes. Everyone keep up the good work. Glad to have this forum to go to for inspiration and motivation.

hey there- I haven't had the band yet, but I am so sorry to hear of all your troubles. I live in the Dallas area- the surgeon I will be going to takes on patients that have had bands from other areas and whose docs don't help them (I believe.). maybe check it out and/or call their offic.....Nick Nicholson- at Nicholson Clinic in Plano. I don't know if they can help but it might be worth a shot. I will keep you in my prayers!!!!!

Thank you soooo much!!! That really helped me put it into perspective. I know that I truly want this as a life change and am ready for it. I am so goal oriented that I think I let that get me down verses looking at the bigger picture and that when I get banded.....if I eat fast there with be definite consequences! I have read many of your posts and you always have great advice and words of wisdom. It is truly appreciated!!!!!! Im going to just move onward, upward and towards that goal of getting the band, and press on from there.

Thanks again for everyone's encouraging words and support.:bored:

.....Today

Posted Today at 10:07 AM by questions09

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Let me start by saying I love this site. So many inspirational, motivating stories, nice people and a place to share/say anything. Well, I haven't had the band yet- I am desperately hoping for Sept. or Oct.- but I am freaking out this weekend. I am working on my goals my nutritionist and I set up for the month of June and I am doing well with the no soda thing.....but the chewing/waiting one minute between bites...not doing so well. I also question myself (I have read other posts of people who have felt this way too.) and my ability to "get it done" this time. I have spent most of my adult life battling my weight, trying, succeeding and then ultimately gaining weight back on every possible diet. Im scared, but so ready for a change. Ugh...Im just really complaining today!! :tongue_smilie: Good luck to everyone and thanks for the forum for support

.....oh and I think the procedure costs about $12-14,000 if you self pay.