GraciesMom

It did pay all the other appointments that I had to make, however I still had to pay the % it doesn't cover. i.e. $5.00 per surgeon visit, $20.00 here, $10 there, but that was how my husbands insurance has it written, I believe they pay up to a certain percent and then we cover the rest. PLUS my sureon has a add on of $300.00 that he charges that insurance doesn't cover. It does however cover the cost of getting a nutritionist ( he has one come in and give a class), he also supplys us with vitamines, and some other stuff, so it is a value. Nuttin my friend is free, it just ain't gonna happen, but having BCBS of Il is pretty great insurance and is truely the only way I could do this. Good questions, keep asking because these are great people here, but keep the actual medical stuff to ask to your surgeon. BTW, where are you going? I am going to Dr Lahmann in Joliet.

Hi Pickles, I think the preop diet ( just before surgery)is what the surgeon requires , not the insurance. But they do require a medically supervised diet (the three months supervised visits), a phyc eval, a cardio release, and the rest is up to your surgeon. I just heard of a surgeon that requires a pap smear before hand too. Just do what your sureon says that they require, they are the experts at getting approval with the insurance companys...and if you have a approved Bariatric Surgeon of Excellence as listed on the BCBS of Il PPO web site, you are good to go. Cheryl

Yeap, BCBS of IL has dropped it to a three months, just did my last weigh in yesterday. I hopefully will know within 2 weeks that I have my final approval and get a surgery date. Congrats on getting the ball started, that is the hardest part (besides all the waiting). Just keep them foots a moving in the right direction and it will be done and over before ya know it!. Best of Luck! Cheryl:thumbup:

I think we all can agree that if it were that we only had to lose our weight , we all would not be here. We all are experts at weight loss, and can you imagine if we were to somehow be able to calculate all the pounds that we all have lost...total??? Betcha we could literally rock the world,... right off it's everloving axis. What we also are experts at is gaining it all back (oops, there goes that doggone shifting axis thing again) and then a few extra pounds ta-boot. I cannot believe that people (Dr.s included) would even mildly suggest that anyone who seeks WLS can do this "on their own". No one does weight loss "on their own" . We have personal relationships with Jenny, WW, Nutrisystems, Southbeach, Atlkins, Cabbage Soup, etc... and don't forget those Gyms, Curves, Woman's Worlds, Butterfly Lifes, and others that become homes away from home. Rare is the person ( like a snowman in July) who can do this weightloss thing and keep it off permanetly all on their own. The Biggest Loser is a great example of just how far people will go to lose the fat! Imagine, for the entire world to see, your weight, your fat, your stretchmarks, the pain.... I for one am elated that I am here at a time in history where there are these fabulous weight loss tools that help with weight loss, but more importantly finally assist with the ever eluding maintenance of the weight loss. I believe what umystifyme has shown is the ability to do what it takes to win the battle, not just because she wants it with all her being, but that she will come out on the other side a complete winner because she knows what it will take and complies with that, the big difference is this time she'll have a tool that will support her with maintaining her weight loss. Kudos to you Amy, you are my HERO!:wink2:

That was some Kool info Kiz, I should print that out and take it to my last weigh-in tomorrow. Maybe my surgeon would consider those methods to spare my shoulders. Thanks for the URL to it.:wink2:

Can:biggrin:You:thumbup:Say:smile2:AWESOME:thumbup:!!!Best news I've heard in a long time.

Amanda, the gas they are refering to in the shoulders , neck, and her chest are pains caused from left over gas that the doctor uses to inflate her abdomen. It can take a few days to work itself out of your system, but walking seems to be a sure fire way to help it along. Most surgeons try and get as much out as possible before they close up those small incisions.

Hi, are any of you still here? Would LOVE to hear about any get togethers or meetings at the support group. There is power in networking and numbers. I just received a message from Hugs2you1971 (Michelle) and she would like to set up a support site and to moderate it. We LOVE Dr's Lahmann and Joyce and want to be not only a endorsing factor but a supportive group to each other. With all of us being patients that have had or are having surgery under their advice and recommendations and follow-ups we can all be encouged and supported knowing we are all following what is mutually advised and recommend by these very caring and skilled men. Ok, who is still here??? Cheryl

BCBS of IL PPO approved in 3 days :blushing:

I`m 5' 2" and weigh 226#s after a 6 LB loss, and I wear a size 20. I do have my 1st goal outfit hanging on the door of my closet. It is a size 10 ( and ohhh, do they look small) pair of jeans, and a CAbi jean jacket in a size M. I'm not sure if you have heard of CAbi clothing, but they are a high quality line of home party clothing that only go up to a size 16 (I am grrrrrr-ing:mad: right now as I think about this!), and I have a neighbor that use to sell it. She often had parties and new season line previews at her house and would always invite me, In fact she did her best to recruit me into selling it as well. Can you imagine, trying to sell something I couldn't even fit into??? Anyway, I LOVED the clothes, but never could buy anything. However I had my eye on a certain jean jacket from a line about 4 years ago, and actually bought it via ebay about 2 years ago *just because*... "someday". Well someday is near, and I will be wearing it soon, and any other CAbi piece I want! Gosh, does that seem like a dream. Sorry for the rambling, but I thought that maybe others understood the "Goal Outfit" thing. Cheryl

Hi Casey, I am so sorry for your frustration and dismay, but I have got to say, hip hip hurray for whoever decided that you needed some more, shall we say... guidance. It was a a wise and well trained eye that saw for your precious well being that you should have more that what the "norm" ( what is that anywhooo???) is. IMHO if more of us were forced to do more counseling pre and post surgery there probably would not be so many people thrown back to the depths of depression due to failure after surgery. Please try and see this as your own personal weightloss journey where EVERYTHING you are to do is for you...allow yourself to be special enough to have all this just to make your journey the most perfect that it can be! Do NOT allow all those past ghosts you refer to, continue to take your happiness and joy. Just march into the therapist office, lay all those ghosts all at her/his feet, and LEAVE THEM THERE!!! Your new life is coming, and you will have some struggles perhaps due to the WLS, but for heavens sake, allow yourself some peace and happiness, and go with the recommendation, and enjoy your journey. Keep us informed on your progress, I for one will be thinking about you. Cheryl

Hi umystifyme, I live in Kankakee, but I use to live in Beecher. I actually worked at Knuths there and am amazed how it has grown. Great little ( or not so little now) town to live. Ok, to get back on track here, I also have BCBS PPO, but am not sure about your question. I do think however your insurance goes by what your starting weight and BMI was, but your Doctors nurse could best answer that. I would call them and ask, if for no other reason than to answer your questions. One way or another you can decide what path to take, but somehow I feel it will all work out ok. After all, all of us that post here could take off the weight, it was the keeping it off that has us seeking the various wls!!!! Please let us know what happens!:frown:

I hope this helps answer your question, I found this at: The Versatility of Actinase Protein Complex Here ya go: "Many consumers are well aware of the importance of protein in daily diet. Protein constitutes the very building blocks that sustain life, from digestion through to muscle maintenance[ii]. However, eating the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of 50 grams of protein may not be as healthy as it should be, due to the differences in protein sources and protein qualities. The variation of protein used in products is almost as wide as the variation of products themselves. Manufacturers may use whey, soy, caseinate and other protein types to fortify their products with protein. And within each of these protein types are further refinements called ‘protein grades’ such as whey concentrate, whey isolate, whey hydrolysate, and so on. Though the specific type and grade of protein used in a product is not captured on the Nutrition Facts or Supplement Facts panel of a product, it is an important distinction. The type and grade of protein determines how well the body will digest and assimilate it. Certain Proteins such as whey isolate are readily digested after physical activities. Other proteins such as caseinates are ideal for sustained energy and anti-catabolism, and therefore best taken when there will be a long lapse before the next meal (catabolism is the state in which the body breaks down muscle tissue for energy). One special grade of proteins - hydrolyzed proteins - is used in a very small percentage of products because of its high cost to manufacture. It is most often found in infant formula because it is very gentle on the stomach; it is easy to digest and assimilate. Hydrolyzed proteins are derived from complete proteins oftentimes through an enzymatic process of breaking down the protein into smaller constituents called peptides. The process divides the long protein molecules into shorter molecules called peptides. Generally, the smaller the peptide (measured in Daltons), the easier the protein is to digest and absorb. Hydrolyzed proteins also owe their popularity to the fact that, as compared to standard proteins, they are less susceptible to denaturing (a process by which the proteins are broken into structures that the body cannot easily digest). Since hydrolyzed protein is an excellent, natural formula of protein, it stands to reason that consumers would continually look for products using it. However, this is where the challenge occurs. The Nutrition Facts panel on product labels does not reveal the grade or even the type of protein used. To find this information, the consumer needs to turn back to the ingredient list. The FDA requires all food products to disclose the source of all proteins (eg. whey, soy, egg), but not the grade (eg. concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate). Since all proteins are not the same, manufacturers employ various methods for incorporating them into products. Proteins such as caseinate and soy are alkaline-based and can only be used with ‘milky’ flavors such as chocolate and vanilla. Another drawback to casienates and soy is their high viscosity (thickness). This limits the amount of caseinate or soy that can be used in a beverage. Whey is an acid-based protein and is less viscous. Whey can be used with fruity flavors because of its compatibility with acidulants such as citric acid and malic acid. A challenge with all of these proteins is their heat instability – when they are heated, the proteins denature (break apart). Denatured proteins are difficult to digest and difficult to metabolize. Most proteins on the market fall into this category. However, an innovative hydrolyzed protein blend called Actinase® could be changing all of this for the better. Because of its molecular structure, Actinase is very dense. Forty grams of Actinase can be dispersed in less than three Fluid ounces of Water, with a viscosity no thicker than tomato juice. Any other protein at this concentration would become a sold mass. In other words, Actinase allows manufacturers to add more protein to their product without adding the thickness (or, viscosity) normally associated with protein fortification. Actinase is also very heat stable, so it has many applications that transcend the obvious sports drink market. Yet Actinase’s appeal goes beyond its heat-resistance and low viscosity. It is all natural, hypoallergenic, both acid and alkaline stable, and complete (i.e. Actinase contains all essential amino acids). Through a natural physiological mechanism called thermogenesis, Actinase also stimulates the body’s metabolism and caloric burn rate. This is very good news for individuals on a weigh-loss or weight-maintenance program, since an increased caloric burn rate reduces the intensity and frequency of fat-storing insulin surges. It is also good news for consumers who want to ingest a good source of protein, but not necessarily taste it, since Actinase has a neutral taste and aroma. Only a few years ago, learning about protein was confined to simply reading a food label to ensure that the Recommended Daily Intake was being met. Today, however, the subject has become more complex, especially with respect to protein. Consumers now understand that it is not enough to simply understand how much protein is in their food. They should be aware of the source and quality of the protein, as well.

Albacheeser, what a nut!!! I LOL'ed at that pic, you are definitley the class clown! Thanks for the laugh!!!

I am so happy to see soooo many glue gals here! Both my small incisions where my drainage tubes were when I had heart surgery are small and no biggies, and really the actual surgery scar is long but not to bad either ( compared to others I have seen from years back that used stitchs or staple...YUCK) However, I will look like a road map when I get this done, because now I will be adding these incisions for lap band surgery on my stomach. Geesh! I wonder if there is any way the new incisions could be done on the old ones??? Otherwise I fear I will become a walking road atlas! Thanks everyone for answeing my question!

My doctor requires all his patients to stay overnight, which is fine with me. Last time I started this process (3 yrs ago) they found I had a deformed heart valve that needed replacing. So I had my open heart surgery, and have done nicely since. However when I did (numerous) pre-op cardiac testing this time they found I have a few extra heart beats occassionally. My point being I would rather have the extra few hours of medical care due to my heart issues. Also, just from life experience, it dictates that STUFF happens, and even the healthiest people can have complications...especially people who are overweight. I think that pretty much cover(ed)s us all!

I'm having surgery in Joliet with Dr. Lahmann, approx. Oct.- Nov. I am wondering who here is in this area. I KNOW there has to be at least one or two on this forum, only because of the hugh ammount of surgerys that Dr Lahmann and Dr. Joyce do. Based on just the number of us who attended the nutrition class is enough to know that there has got to be some banding buddies here somewhere... Come out, come out whoever you are!

This is Gracie

Hi Mickey and Everyone, I went to the EAS advantEDGE web site and they will send you a free sample. Go here to register for yours: https://eas.com/registration

Thanks for answering all my questions so quickly. It is so helpful to have someone to ask the nagging questions that pop-up. Thus as the success of this site! There is power in networking, and comfort in knowing you have lots of company on this trip! I was asking about the ten pounds that right from the orientation Dr. Lehmann said he demands from everyone. Cherish Jany (their program co-ordinator) also talked about that when I went to the nutrition meeting. She also said that the 6 lbs I had lost from my 1st meeting Dr Lehmann did not count. I'm beginning to wonder if it is the liquid diet weight loss that they are talking about? If you don't mind me asking, but who did your psych eval? I went to Minooka and saw Dr Laura Jansons. I am so happy that I did too. She was AWESOME, and so very informative, I learned so much. I can't say enough about her, and highly recommend her. While I was talking to her she recommend that I get a book called "Beck Diet Solution". She said I would find it a great resource even after surgery. Dr. L said it was for anyone trying to lose weight, and that it is a no-nonsense book that doesn't try to honey coat the experience, I wonder if anyone has read it from this forum?? Anyway, I respect Dr.L's opinion enough that I will be ordering it on line as soon as I find it, In the mean time you can check out her web site: www.beckdietsolution.com Thanks again for being so open to me and I`ll be in touch with you to see how you are doing Michelle.

Hiya Hugs, Oh boy, you are going soon! What class is this that you are doing? When did they finally give you a surgery date? Which doc is doing your surgery, and how are you feeling? Did you already loose your 10 lbs? ( ok,catch your breathe Cheryl...) Guess I've asked enough questions of you, and thanks for responding. I was hoping there would be a few of us on this great forum!

Congrats on the approval. I was approved in June, and got a call a week later stating that my BCBS of IL ppo had just posted on their site that the waiting period changed from 6 months to 3 months. So I had to" jump to it" with my appointments. I am happy to say that as of yesterday I am done! I have my 2 more weigh-in appointments at my surgeons and then away I go. I do suggest you start making the appointments your Dr wants you to have, i.e. pulmonary, cardiologist, pysc evaluation, nutrition class, etc... Your surgeon might even give you a list of various Dr.s he works with that will know precisely what is required. Time goes by FAST, so get on it and good luck, but mostly enjoy the journey.

Honestly, every shrink has a different way with our pre-surgery interviews, and I got to say, some are overkill in my opinion. At any rate, call a few head drs. and see what their criteria is. I called 3 different dr.s before settling on the one I wanted. I also asked a group of people at my nutrition class as to whom they went to and what their various opinions of their visits were. Two dr.s visits were only 1 hr questions and chat, and one was a 4 hour testing, then come back for a 1 hr question and answer, and the recepitionist actually told me they would also charge my insurance company for another 2 hours of creating a report so as to send my insurance a 7 hr bill. Needless to say I did not choose that place. But having done this 3 yrs ago (and not having the surgery), and now this time, both Dr,s were different in their ways, but both visits were a piece of cake. And the Psychologist I just saw yesterday was waaaaayyyyy cool, in fact it was very much a learning exerience and I wish I could have spent more time with her. To say to you, "don't worry" is pointless because it is your fear, but to help ease that fear, I really suggest, ask around, call some offices to see what they would require, then you take control and choose which one you think you would like best. Good luck to you!!!!

I'm looking at Oct. or Nov. as well. This came as a surprise to me as I was told 2 weeks ago on my 1st visit it would be a 6 month pre-op supervised diet with my Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL The insurance specialist at my Dr.s office called me last week and said that BCBS of IL had just posted on their site that it had changed to three months instead of six!!! Now I have to get my butt in gear and get all my appointments in FAST. I know this all seems like it should be really great news, except at the age of 53, I am also starting back to school this fall as well. You might say "my plate is full" ,but I am doublely excited!