chatty826

So things are good. I have been seeing a awesome personal trainer and I can't believe I am working out seven days a week. I am looking at joining a zumba class cause beyond Water aerobics I really dont like doing the whole treadmill thing. I have been walking with my roomates son while I push his stroller. I can't wait to get my tests done in Sept then get insurance approval and a surgery date. I have been working so hard on my own it will be great to have the extra help. I hope everyone is doing well on their journey. It is so great to talk to such wonderful people who understand your situation. I want to take a couple of really good pre op pics and get them up so far I am going to just put up regular ones I have. Bye for now!!!!

Restless Monkey I don't think it's harsh I mean you have to make changes with the band and if you don't it can cause harm. That said I don't think 20% is unrealistic at all some places cause you to do a weightless program first or classes. It has been really good for me. And yaay this morning I weighed myself and I have lost 18 pounds total! Yipee! This week I start with a personal trainer that way I have a support system for working out once the band is in place. I found a gym where for 99 bucks I get once a week personal training plus the membership is included. Super deal for around here plus its an all womens gym!

Good suggestion! Problem is I live with a roomate and she has a two year old so we have lots of Cereal and Snacks and the sort. I havent' really been tempted while at home though. It's eating out that gets me every time!

So since my surgery consult I have been making small changes in my lifestyle so that it makes things easier. My doctor says I need a 20% weight loss before surgery and we haven't talked about the pre-op diet yet. Anyhow I have almost entirely eliminated fast food from my diet. I had one McDonalds grilled chicken sandwhich (no fries) earlier this week. I have also been with soda entirely! I have lost 7 pounds since my weight in last friday. I am joining a gym today cause I really want to work on my arms. I am afraid with the weight loss I will have lots of skin there since they are sooooo big . Anyhow it is so nice to make changes for myself and know that after the band so many more will happen!

I havent had my banding done but I recently started BC for the first time ever. I was so worried about all the side effects. I am using the Nuvaring and it is great. Alittle difficult to get in (hope that goes away with the smaller me to come) but otherwise no weight gain, no sex drive loss (actually its more!) and the only thing I have noticed has been some mood swings.

I have my surgery consult today and I just had a question pop up that I haven't asked before. How long after your intial consult was it before the surgeon submitted paperwork for insurance approval?

Thanks for the info. When I called I only got the info about 100 over body weight with two comorbids or 200 over wtih none. That is also what tricares website said. I guess I will find out soon enough I have my first appt with the surgeon tomorrow!!!

I have a question about your approval process. It says Nutritionist (2 appt needed by insurance). I have never been told anything about Tricare needing anything like that. Is it because of the Region?

I am good. Just waiting for my consult. Times seems to pass slowly when your anxious lol. Rodriguezequal you and your son will be in my thoughts and prayers this week. Hope everything goes smoothly.

Thanks d is good..even c is good. I doubt I would actually get anything more than a lift either. Congrats on your weight loss and being so close to your goal!!!!!!!

So I am not close to having sx yet but one thing I struggle with is the loss of aspects of my body I adore. Not that I would trade being fat for anything but for instance my boobs are great just the way they are. I have heard of people getting a lot smaller, some so small they get plastic surgery. If anyone would comment about this and how it has or has not made an impact in your self conciousness. Currently I have ddd's so I can definately stand to loose boobage but I have this sinking fear of being in the itty bitty titty club. LOL Okay very light hearted post but seriously any thoughts would be appreciated.

HI Jason, Good luck I am just starting too (plus turn 30 in Aug)! As a felllow Washingtonian I want to say congrats on your success. Isn't it wonderful to be so concerned about your health your doing things to better it? Wish I had begain sooner. Keep in touch!

It would be nice if you could make him wear a fat suit for a day. Just because you are confident doesn't mean you want to put your life at risk and that is what obesity does. Maybe he is insecure in being able to keep you when your already such a dynamo. I asked my sig other what he thought about it and he said he loves me not my size. I think the only issue would be if he is one of those guys who are only attracted to bigger women which does happen. Sit down and have a conversation with him. But in the end you have to do whats right for you!

Congrats!!! I know you must be super excited

Thanks for the gas-x info. I am very worried about the time off work. I have heard at least two weeks and I might be able to swing a week but less would be better. I have a desk job too so I am hoping that will help.

Made lots of sense thanks! Is your surgery being done by a civilian doctor? I alreay have a surgeon lined up and Ive checked around and think they are the only one in my area that accepts tricare.

Also has anyone been denied a referral if their PCM requested it? BTW I have Tricare Prime in the West Region.

I am starting the process too. I think I will have no problem getting approved through Triwest. I am 334# 5'6" with hypertension and currently set up to do a sleep study. That said I am worried about getting the consult. Has anyone heard of people getting denied for a consult if their PCM referred them?

I spoke with my PCM's referal coordinator today and she said that tricare doesn't require them to put in the codes and stuff for the consult. I will call tricare today to confirm.

Thanks! your look great btw! Since we are so close if you ever wanna meet up I would love to!

Hi, I am just starting this process and this forum has been a great help. I have a question about lap band approval. I know I need to get approval from Tricare for the surgery and that my surgeon will submit that information. But I went to my seminar last night and they were setting up consult appointments and I am unsure if I have to get a referal from my PCM for tricare to cover this? If so how long does it normally take? And has anyone paid for this out of pocket? If so how much did it cost you? Thanks so much for any help you can give on the tricare process. I don't think I will have any problems getting approved due to my BMI and hypertension but I am excited to get going.

Hi Everyone, I am very excited to be part of this forum since the posts on here have helped me a ton so far. I attended my seminar last night and have a sx consult 7/24/09!

St. Francis Bariatric Center since they accept Tricare. My primary care manager is a civilian at their University Place clinic and I have had really good experience with their group. The seminar went great and I have a sx consult scheduled. I am so excited to get going. Any suggestions you have would be great!

Hey I am just starting the process. Would love to chat and keep in touch. I am actually attending my seminar tonight and have been working with my primary care manager (civilian) to get things set up for the referal.