abbylamb

I have BCBS for federal employees and I got a yes in 3 days.

Well, I personally think that places are charging these fees to make up some of the money they lose out on from insurance reimbursement. I have absolutely no proof to back that up, just a hunch. My surgeon's office charged me a "nominal fee of $350" which, according to the woman at the office includes informational paperwork, pre-surgery readiness class and the pre-admission teaching day. Yeah, I think it's a rip off, but I love the doc, and they can get me in before the end of the year, so I paid it. But no way could I, or would I, pay $4000. That's just obscene!

Just an update---surgery is officially scheduled for December 21!

Hello everyone! I just got my surgery date today--I'm going to be banded on December 21! Santa Claus is bringing me a Lap-Band for Christmas! :tongue2: I couldn't ask for a better present. I am so excited. And nervous. And now I'll be spending the better part of a month obsessing over all this. NOT looking forward to two weeks of Optifast, but it's a small price to pay I guess. Anyone who has surgery before me and has to do the Optifast, please give me a heads up on which flavors I want to avoid. And to the one post about before and after photos-I say go for it! I plan on taking photos and my measurements in nothing but a bra and panties just so I can see how far I've come. (Besides, it's not like anyone else has to see them--unless you have a voyeuristic side to you. But I know I'm keeping mine just for me!) Can't wait to hear from everyone about how their journey progresses. Hooray to all of us! (oh, and illuminationlady--just keep at quitting smoking. I work all day with patients who are trying to stop smoking. It's as addictive as crack-give yourself a break, and just keep trying. Eventually it'll stick. Failure only happens when you give up.)

Thank you!!!! I don't think I could have done it without everyone's support and well wishes. Who would have thought I'd actually be looking forward to an upper GI??? But I am because that's one of the few things standing in front of me and my surgery! I can't wait!!!

Well, after actually going in for my consult, I must say I'm more than impressed. There was no wait at all, and the doc talked with me for almost an hour going over every last detail. Plus, they got me submitted and approved in a week! The woman even called me tonight just to make sure I got the message I was approved so I wouldn't have to wait all weekend wondering. So the next few weeks are gonna be crazy, with all the pre-op bs, but it's gonna be so worth it all!!!

I'M APPROVED!!!! YAY!!!!! I'll be getting banded sometime in December! I am so excited I can't stand it!!!!

Well, after much deliberation, I'm just going to go with the surgeon I like best, and once he gets me open, he can decide what to go with then. I'm literally trusting this man with my life, I guess I can trust him to put the right band in my body.

I'M APPROVED!!! :cursing: :redface: :w00t: :w00t: I'm gonna be a December bandster! I can't wait!!! Thanks to everyone for keeping those fingers crossed---it worked!

Thanks! This wait is KILLING me!!! :thumbup: I think I'm going to call and check on the status of it tomorrow, because I just can't stand waiting anymore!!

I have had many colposcopies (for whatever reason my Pap smears seem to like coming back irregular), and have had to have a biopsy on one occasion. The colposcopy itself isn't bad. It's just like a regular exam, except that the doc is looking at your cervix with a microscope to look for any irregularities. Not fun, but not painful. The biopsy is a little worse. Contrary to what they may tell you, it does hurt some when they do the punch biopsy. Horrible, excruciating pain? No way. But definitely uncomfortable. Thankfully, it's only for a second. They put something or other on it to stave off any bleeding and you're on your way. I had a little bit of cramping afterwards, but that was all. Take a couple of ibuprofen before you go in and you'll be fine. Relax, your friend is totally trying to freak you out on this one.

Thanks, everyone! Part of the reason I am having a hard time deciding if I even have a preference is that depending on whose website you visit (Allergan or J & J), they both seem to make convincing arguements for why theirs is the better band. On the one hand, I can see how Allergan's design would be beneficial in that there is complete uniformity around the stomach, but at the same time, I completely understand the benfit of a high volume, low-pressure system like the REALIZE band. Just when I think I've made my mind up about one, I do a little more research about the other and then start thinking "hmm....maybe I don't want that one after all....maybe I really want THIS one..." I think that ultimately, the end results are similar so I should probably just go with whichever surgeon I decide to go with prefers.

I'm not 100% decided, although I am leaning towards the doc that tends to place REALIZE bands because of the close proximity to my home, the fact that I really like his office staff, and that I won't have to jump through as many office hoops (upper GI, special liquid diet, $350 program fee aren't necessary there, as they are at the other doc)

I've seen two surgeons who both think I'm a perfect candidate for the band. The good news is that they both will let me pick whether I want the Lap-Band AP or the Realize-C band. The bad news is that they both will let me pick whether I want the Lap-Band AP or the Realize-C band. Having never placed a band myself, my gut (no pun intended) says to defer to they physician's opinion. Herein lies the problem. One doc tells me that if I don't care, he'll place the LAP-BAND because it's 3rd generation, compared with the 2nd generation REALIZE band, and because there is some anecdotal evidence that shows while the LAP-BAND may have a higher incidence of slippage, it has a lower erosion rate. He also said it's easier to fill the LAP-BAND because the port is easier to find. The other doc tells me if I don't care, he'll place the REALIZE band because it's faster and easier to put in (which doesn't concern me-I don't care how long it takes him to put in, I just want the right one for me!), has a lower incidence of slippage and has better online patient support. And HE says that the REALIZE band is easier to fill! So now it's completely up to me to decide which band to go with. I need some suggestions on this one please!

Well, I made the decision to undergo a LAP-BAND instead of bypass because I just don't like the concept of cutting apart my stomach-the surgical risks are much greater, and the long-term success for the band and RNY is similar. I'll take the less invasive version, thank you. There are less surgical risks and potential post-op complications with the band. And yes, I do know that it is a lot more work to get there (slower rate of weight loss, having to see doc for fills and finding good restriction, etc), and that is okay with me. I'm willing to make those sacrifices. Secondly, I plan on having another baby, and I like that the band can be unfilled during that time. I don't want to worry about not being able to get enough nutrients to support a baby. Third, I don't want to deal with dumping syndrome. While I understand both surgeries require you to curb that sweet tooth, I do want to be able to indulge in a bite of birthday cake on my birthday, and not be sent running to the bathroom to chunk it up. Fourth, I like that the band is adjustable. It's individualized based on what you need at any particular time. And lastly, I don't like the idea of having to worry about malnutrition issues. I understand that with RNY they only bypass something like 6 feet of intestine, leaving 24 feet intact to absorb nutrients. But in my case I don't want to be dependent on B-12 shots and iron in addition to a daily vitamin. That being said, that doesn't mean the band is right for everyone. I recommend seeing your surgeon and getting his/her opinion. In my case, my surgeon has done hundreds of bands and thousands of RNYs--he goes over the specifics of each, asks your opinion and gives his. There are certain patient populations he will not do bands on and certain ones he won't do RNY on. Every surgery is unique. I say do as much research as you can, find a good surgeon, and get his/her opinion on what may be right for you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do though!

LOL! Well, to be fair, I don't have any anymore (as much as I love piercings they don't seem to love me-I stopped at nine, because my body kept rejecting them). And it's not as risque as it sounds-they were all above the belly button, but I did have both nipples pierced.

Hey guys---the doc's office is submitting to the insurance company today. :thumbup: Keep those fingers crossed for me that I get a yes and quickly! I don't know how long I can stand the suspense! I don't do 'patient' well!

Well, the doc's office is supposed to be submitting to the insurance co today...keep your fingers crossed for me! (never did hear back from the surgeon's office near me, despite contacting several times. guess they must not want my business that badly).

Hey Melinco-as a female (I know, I'm not allowed to be on this thread---don't tell anyone!) I can relate. My hubby is over 325, and carries it all in his belly. Now I'm no lightweight myself, but for me, my sex drive has never been tied to my weight. Fat or thin, I want it, preferably all the time. That being said, my hubby's drive is directly tied to his weight (and self-confidence). It got so bad one time, that I actually told him to stop being such a girl, take off his freaking clothes, turn out the lights and just lay there for 15 minutes! (yeah, not my best heart-to-heart!) BUT--after really getting at the root of the matter, in my hubby's case, it was directly related to: A) he doesn't have the stamina to go as long as he can at a lighter weight, and that makes him embarassed about finishing before me (which is easily fixable if he makes sure you're totally satisfied before even going into the intercourse part of it), he gets tired easily (which is also easily fixable, as I have no problem hopping on and going for a ride), and C) he feels really self-conscious, so we do turn the lights out now. It makes him feel better. And there are things that I can do to help things along. In my hubby's case, these insecurities kept him from initiating anything, for fear he would disappoint. What it finally took was me sitting down with him explaining that his lack of desire was making me feel inadequate, undesired and self-conscious. I also go out of my way to make him feel cute-pat him on the butt, tell him how good he's looking, etc., etc. Guys need the constant reassurance we do too, they just don't know how to ask for it. Plus, I'll send my hubby suggestive text messages about my hopeful plans for the evening, and sometimes I'll even send him a picture message. It gets the idea of having sex into his head early in the day, so he's more receptive to it in the evening. Also, don't wait till late-go to bed early, while you both still have some energy! Hope this helps a little, and good luck!

Well, at the risk of sounding like the only freak on here....Hell yeah I like a guy that's pierced! It's freaking hot! Now, if a guy is sporting half a dozen down the shaft or something it's a bit much, but I do like one or so! But I happen to like piercings--I've had nine myself, so I guess I'm a little outside the norm on this one.

I personally had a severe allergic reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine several years ago, so I have not gotten any flu shots since, this one included. I work in health care, with patients, but I'm going to take my chances. I don't think it's been researched enough. In a few years, I may consider getting my daughter vaccinated, but right now, I feel that it's too new. Who knows how many people are going to end up with Guillian-Barre as a result? I don't know. And neither do the experts yet. I say give it a few years, and then I'll see. But I'm healthy, and my daughter has one rocking immune system (4 years old, and never been to the doc for a sick visit--she's been sick, but nothing severe enough to warrant a dr visit). So that's my two cents for what it's worth. But ultimately you have to do what you feel is right for you.

Well you all have a whole lot more strength than me. I'm sitting here, reading this thread, eating half my daughter's candy, thinking to my self with each piece "Milky Way, i'm going to miss you next year", "3 Musketeers, I'm going to miss you next year" and "Reese Cup, I think I'm miss you most of all." But I'm using the excuse that I'm not banded yet, so I can grieve the loss of future Halloween raids now. Right? Hey, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Well, I went in for my consultation yesterday (different office, one that won't require 3 months of dietician visits)---according to their office I'm a perfect candidate and they said they'll be putting in the request to the insurance the beginning of next week, which means I could conceiveably have a surgery date before the end of the year!!! Please keep your fingers crossed for me that they approve right away!

Well, there may be a glimmer of hope yet. I went for my consultation for the first surgeon today. (at the hospital that requires the program fee, etc.). And I have to say, I really like the guy. He's very knowledgeable, and he lets you choose which brand of band you want, and if you don't have a preference, he waits till he gets you opened up to decide, which I think is pretty cool, because it means he isn't getting a kick-back from one brand over the other. (Which I can't say the same for the doc super close to home. He only places REALIZE bands, and doesn't seem to have a good reason why. Just that they have a good patient website and they are easy for him to deal with.) Plus, and here's the good part, he thinks I would be an excellent candidate, and they are going to submit to my insurance the beginning of next week for approval! Which means, I may be able to go to their pre-surgery nutrition class in November, and I've got a shot at being banded in December! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

thanks emjay-columbus wouldn't be such a bad drive, and i'm almost certain they'd take my insurance-i was checking out the site earlier. i've got an appointment tomorrow with the one office and the secretary for the other comes back from vacation on monday, so i figure i'll give her till about 9:15 before I start harassing her to get in there for an appointment. still gonna feel these two out a little more, hopefully i can knock some sense into the office close to home! thanks for your help