pumpkin5

I would like to try Windsor Pilates - the basic dvd. As soon as I get to my six weeks post op I'm going to give pilates a go. Right now I climb the flights of stairs at work a few times a day.

The literature I have from my doctor states that hair loss should not be an expected side effect. Taking in 65 grams of protein per day or more should prevent excessive hair loss.

I've decided that I need lapband surgery. Interestingly enough it seems that you must first decide that you want it before you know if it will be approved. Since 8/11: PCP Referred to a lapband surgeon. Not seen yet, because I needed my medical records released to the surgeon's office/facility where the lapband procedure will be performed. All medical records were forwarded to surgeon/medical facility on 8/16. I searched for and found a CIGNA PhD/Psychiatrist provider. Saw her on 9/1, and passed the evaluation. The report will be forwarded to my surgeon within the next 5 days if not sooner. Allowed to schedule an appointment with the surgeon/medical facility for Tuesday, 9/5. Not sure what to expect during this appointment - didn't ask because I was so excited that I was allowed to schedule one! Don't have any idea if I meet ALL of the criteria listed below. I ws told that each insurance company adheres to their own time schedule for approvals. Could be up to 4 weeks after everything has been submitted before I will know. I'm encouraged though that at least I know for a fact that my specific plan does cover the procedure. The plan I belong to covers weight loss surgery to include lapband. CIGNA requires the following information in order to make a determination: Complete history & physical by the primary care physician. Psych Evaluation (PhD or Psychiatrist) Nutrition Consultation Detailed weight loss history to include documentation compliance with 1 physician directed weight loss program lasting at least 6 months and being completed within the last 6 months to include:Diet therary (low calorie diet, Atkins, south Beach monitoerd by a physician) Increased physical activity (exercise program done on a daily basis; suggested writing on a monthly calendar and giving that to your PCP to sign as reviewed and make it part of your medical record) Behavioral therapy to reinforce dietary therapy and increased physical activity. Consideration of pharamcotherapy with FDA-approved weight-loss drugs. [*]BMI >40 (without additional co-morbidities) or BMI >35 (with additional co-morbidities) such as: Life threatening cardiopulmonary problems (severe obstructive sleep apnea; pickwickian syndrome; obesity related cardiomyopathy) Type II Diabetes Clinically unmanageable hypertension Coronary artery disease Obesity related pulmonary hypertension [*]Documented 5 year history of morbid obesity. (one chart note for each year documenting your weight is all that is required). [*]Must be 18 years old and/or has reached full expected skeletal growth. Unfortunately, I think I've been eating non-stop. My current BMI is 43. Wish me luck during my appointment on Tuesday, 9/5. I think they referred to it as the medical release appointment! Anyone else with CIGNA HMO in Tarrant County, Texas, please share!

I'm not banded yet. I have many banded friends and associates. One bandster is on many conference calls with me at the office - everyone knows she's on the line because we can hear her throat girgling. I always have to remind her to mute her line. Do other bandsters have this problem? What causes it? This lady is obviously not disturbed by the fact that she girgles, but if I have that problem post banding I would not like it. Is this condition preventable?

Hello Everyone! I've been very busy at work so forgive me for not posting. Thank you to those that have sent me personal messages too. Means a lot and as soon I get freed up some I will be sure to correspond. Yesterday was my 2 week check up with the nutritionist. Today, 11/8, is my first day on a regular diet. I tried fluffy scrambled eggs for breakfast, 3 oz of tuna and 2 saltines for lunch, string cheese and 8 grapes for snack and then 3 oz of halibut, and a few green beans and about a tablespoon of mac and cheese. Got all of my 60 grams of protein in too. :success1: Take care of yourselves everyone. Keep posting. I love to read and understand that what I'm feeling is pretty normal, shoulder pain, port site tenderness, etc.

The few days post surgery I couldn't imagine sitting at my computer reading or typing. But now I'm back and have already gotten some help with problems I've been having as a result of my surgery - Thank you to everyone.

I'll be aware of the runny nose for sure. Good information.

I recorded the 1/2 hour lapband infomercial program aired about a week ago on the health channel. The only grip I have is where a male patient says he went to work the next day - this of course makes me think something must be really wrong with me because I feel like crap. Also another lady says she went home that afternoon and cared for her small daughter. - I couldn't not have done it! The add minimizes the true pain during recovery.

Stop weighing yourself? or switch to monthly weigh-ins? Take body measurements instead? Is your body changing?

Are you still swollen too? Do you get bloated during certain times of the day? I'm always aware of my port and incisions - been one week today.

Today is my one week anniversary band date. I've been pretty miserable. Yesterday evening I was feeling pretty decent, so I went back to the office today. By Noon I had such pain in my shoulder I thought I was having a heart attack or had a blood clot - I went to the ER. All is fine, I have to figure out how to manage the shoulder pain I get - It must be from the bloating? I think I need to continuously sip H20 or something - just don't know what to do. Please provide suggestions and let me know if any of you are experiencing this too.

My surgeon places his patients on the AmazeRX protein drink on day 2 post surgery. I can only tolerate 3 ounces at a time right now. Anyway, the correct balance of nutrients is his professed key to keeping cravings away. So far, I'm not hungry. . .

Hello everyone! The messages from all of you are very helpful to me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate reading some of your thoughts and feelings - not to mention the words of encouragement. This really will be our last weight loss journey - right? I've lost weight sucessfully so many times and couldn't bear to do it again only to gain it back. I pray that this tool will help me make maintain a healthy weight. I'm going to be banded on Tuesday, 10/24. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you that have been banded and also those that are to be.

Patty103 - that is an excellent weight loss - lots of hard work and dedication!

Hello Goannabanda, Just wanted to let you know that my surgery date changed to Tuesday, 10/24. Yipee - Hope every is well! and melting. . .

Hello - I'd be interested in finding out about the next support group meeting. Is it always in Arlington?

Hi Everyone - I hope all of October Bandster Family is doing well! I received my surgery date - it is Monday, October 23, 2006. No special diet prior to the procedure, but I've been advised to add the protein supplement immediately. Fast 24 hours prior to procedure and it will be done on an outpatient basis.

Patty103 - I'm so sorry to hear that - I hope you ended up finding a way to get the WLS? I was prepared to fight the claim.

My psych eval was an hour long session. I was asked questions about my success at work, home, with my partner, etc. What did I expect as a result of surgery, etc. I plan to go back 1/2 way through my weight loss, when I reach goal and then through the first year after reaching goal. I know I have issues with the attention weight loss brings. Also, at the office there are many bandsters. Anyway, all but one passed the psych test and interestingly enough, she is the only that is not successful with the band. She eats around the band, eats the wrong things, etc.

Cahuber, Your results look incredible. When were you banded? Oh and by the way - (heehee) I got the approval call today from the insurance director at AIGB!! I have an appt on Tuesday, 10/17, with the surgeon Dr. Richard Carter in Arlington. I was told that I'd probably be scheduled a week after that!! I'm so excited.

Hello everyone! Hope all October Bandsters that have had their surgery are feeling as well as can be expected. Can't wait until I join you all. Today I received the phone call telling me that I was approved by CIGNA, HMO, TX. My appointment with the surgeon is Tuesday, 10/17. I was told I'd probably have my surgery a week later - but I will officially let you all know so that I can be added to the October roster. YIPEE!!!

All of my paper work was submitted yesterday at 10:00 a.m. CST. I received a call today at Noon CST from the Insurance Director at the AIGB in Richardson, advising me that I am APPROVED for surgery and fills. Have my appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday, 10/17. I was told that surgery would most likely be scheduled a week later!!! One week of liquids.

Congratulations Winner. Now I have to ask which insurance company do you have and which State do you reside in? Always curious to know, because I'm pre-band. My pre determination letter was submitted to CIGNA, HMO, TX today. It could take up to 30 days for a response.

Do a search on this website. Go to the top and click on "Search." Enter liver shrinking diet and various threads will appear so you can go through and read first hand the various responses to this very question regarding liver shrinking diet. I hope this helps.

Still waiting - packet has not been submitted to CIGNA yet. Final items needed for the packet are coming up in the next 2 weeks. 8/9 PCP Begins Referral Process to Lap Band Surgeon 8/10 Sign PCP Medical Record Release 8/11 PCP advises referral to surgeon ready and provides me with the telephone number to call for appointment. 8/14 Darla takes intake form at Surgeon's office, someone else will call me back. 8/15 PCP Medical Records Released 9/1 Psych _Eval 9/5 Med History Review (find out I need a consultation with a nutritionist (MD) and need a stress test and heart sonogram, and blood work drawn and results). 9/5 Called to schedule the stress test and heart sonogram. Scheduled for 9/8. 9/5 Request for nutritionist referral from PCP (could take 1-5 days) 9/5 PCP calls with name of nutritionist. I call to make an appt, but can't until CIGNA approves, may take 5 days. 9/11 Nutritionist calls to advise that CIGNA approved the request. Can't be seen until 9/26. 9/5 PFT at PCP Office, and request for x-ray results 9/6 PFT Results and CXray results pick-up 9/8 Stress Test and Echo sonogram done at Cardiologist office. 9/11 Stress Test and Echo sonogram results rec'd by Surgeon. 9/113 & 9/14 check with Nutritionist for cancellations in order to get seen sooner than 9/26. No openings. 9/24 Get blood work drawn at PCP office. 9/26 Nutritional Consultation appointment scheduled. 9/26 Nutritionist consultation report 9/28 Bloodwork results 10/6 Entire packet complete, medical testing and results complete. Medical Director at AIGB reviewed/approved. Submitted to Insurance for letter of determination sent to CIGNA. 10/10 Predetermination Letter sent to CIGNA, HMO, TX. Allow 72 hours for CIGNA to scan the file into their review system. 10/16 Check in with CIGNA to see if file received. Case Manager assigned?