AbbeMac

Hey, Beedo. there's also a VerticalSleeveTalk website where you can read a thread comparing lap band to the sleeve.

I totally agree. I am approved for the lap band, so that's what I'll get, but I am sorely tempted to self pay in mexico to get the sleeve, a superior method. No appliances, no ridiculous fill maintenance. Plus I understand there's no pb'ing or sliming and you can eat in front of others without fear of losing your food.

My Dr said that gaining a lot of weight increases the size of the liver and makes it dangerous to do surgery. He is not asking me to lose weight, just to maintain what I've got now. I believe he is acting in my best interest, but I just wish he had made it clear not to gain weight from the start of this year. then I could have made more of an effort.

I was shocked when my Dr told me I would have to wait another 6 months on top of the year I've already spent jumping through hoops to get all his requirements done. He said since I gained 30 lbs over the past year, we'll have to wait until my weight is stable. I think since I'm at my all time high, I won't have any trouble staying here, but still. I really wanted January, you know? He never said not to gain weight a year ago! Oh I'm so annoyed. Now it looks like June or July. dammit.:biggrin:

Hi, I'm near Hartford, my doctor will be Darren Tishler at CT Surgical Group. I have just been submitted to Insurance for approval and I am hoping for a good answer in a few weeks. Even if I get approval soon, I'll have to schedule surgery for January because I don't have any vacation days left this year at work. I'd love to follow your progress if you don't mind. Thanks, Abbe:smile:

I only have 70 lbs to lose, BMI = 36. I think the requirement is BMI over 35 with comorbidities, ie. other related health problems. Why wait until you're 100lbs overweight?:tongue2:

I finally quit on February 10th of this year. Chantix takes the craving away, and there is an excellent website I found for support during the trying times, called becomeanex.org. They help you keep your sense of humor during the hard parts.

Hi All, I have one more nutritionist visit to go before submitting to BCBS for approval. I always sleep on my tummy and I was wondering if the port would be too pokey to do that after the band. Can anyone tell me that? Thanks, Abbe

Lamictal is the mood stabilizer that comes with risk of rash. I'm on that too, and I've never had any trouble. The Geodon is an atypical antipsychotic. They all have weight and diabetes warnings, but like I said, I stopped gaining on the Geodon.

I am bipolar too, and I gained a lot of weight, like 70 lbs in one year because of the meds. Likewise, it will not come off. I stopped gaining when I was started on Geodon instead of seroquel or risperdal, so you might want to ask about that option. also, it doesn't make you as sleepy.

I don't think so. I have low thyroid also and while I haven't been approved yet, I don't think that will hold anything up. I do know that the band will not resolve the thyroid issue like it will with diabetes though.

Well, this is day eight of not watching FN. Instead I've been watching HGTV and I'm learning that I'm just so impressionable because now I think I need to buy a house!

I need to get a life! I watch food network all the time and I think I've seen every episode three or four times! I have come to view these stars as my "friends" - how sad is that? When I'm not watching, I'm looking at my supermarket circular online, or grocery shopping or cooking or, of course, Eating! It's a long way until I can get banded next year (January I hope) and I want to know what else I can do with myself that doesn't involve food. Any suggestions would be helpful - even my dog is getting fat!

I have BCBS Minnesota and they require the 6 months with a nutritionist, supervised diet. I was told by the bariatric staff here that the State BCBS's have stronger requirements than the national.

When I'm hungry, my stomach burns too. It's really unbearable and I can think about nothing else until I get some food. I don't have a band yet, maybe in January, hopefully that burning hunger will go away. What's a BodyBugg?

I'm new here and I have at least until January until I can get banded. I currently drink pretty heavily. I'm hoping that the band can help me curb the wine drinking as well as it does with foods. Is it possible that the band will restrict how much wine I can drink?

Im new here today. I can't understand what you're asking. My BCBS has covered all testing and I fully expect them to cover the procedure as well. What type of Blue Cross do you have? I have BCBS Minnesota, PPO.