finallyncontrol

I have BCBS of Alabama..they also turned me down so I self paid. I then turned in the receipts. They reimbursed me 50% and they are now paying all of my fill visits to the surgeon. Have the hospital get a pre-admission approval, see if the anes will get a pre-approval as well...the third bill I had was the surgeon..that one you will have to fight. But like I said I submitted the receipts and they reimbursed me 50% and are paying 100% now for the office visits.

Sorry I haven't seen your post any sooner! I am worried..I don't like the dizziness and the throwing up. I am thinking your band is too tight (requiring an unfill..just a little will make you feel so much better). You just might not be able to eat as much as you need. How much were you eating to how much are you eating since this fill? Is it significant? Did you just cut out your carbs? It also sounds like carb withdrawals (the dizziness does). Bottom line you need to go in and see the doctor tomorrow for sure. I don't hesitate about that..that is what they are there for. I sincerely hope you feel better!! Get some rest and take care!!

I am also having the potassium issue myself!!! Just about the same levels as you..just a tad bit lower!!! Same chest pains only my EKGs are messed up as well!! After taking the IV, the supplements and so forth I am still not able to retain the potassium...SO THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT to everyone..keep eating all of the foods listed above!!!!! The liquid potassium is NASTY!! You cannot take it daily or at least I can't!!

If I'm not mistaken I believe I had diarrhea as well right after surgery but I also had to drink magnesium citrate the night before..not sure if that was lingering but it may be common. My procedure was clear liquids for 5 days and then 7 days of protein shakes..7 days of mushies followed 7 days of soft protein before I started on solids. If you wanted to follow my plan..totally up to you or if you wanted to follow something similar!! I know what you mean about not wanting to end back up in the ER!!! Make sure you get enough fluids...being dehydrated is scary as well!!

Yep, now you will get to learn about slimming and PB'ing...aren't you excited?? LOL all kinds of exciting things!! There are different variations of how much comes out and what form..foamy, slimy or "pukey". All of which I prefer to do at home but we don't always get a choice..LOL

Sounds like you are ready!! How awesome about United!! I was one of those who had to self pay after fighting for 2 years!! Anyway, it gives me more motivation! I look at everything in a positive way!! Everything happens for a reason! I wish you the very best, stay positive and you will be fine!! Take care!!

Hey regardless of how old you are..it never hurts to have mom there!!! My mom went to the hospital with me!!! Hugs going out to you!! Oh, I didn't sleep the night before either..I just laid there and dreamed about the new me...

I think part of it is get us in the right mindset..even after surgery we have think Protein first, then veggies and then starches if you have room..to be honest sometimes I don't even have room for the veggies. Then there are some nights that I mix my foods but then I am short on my protein. So the bottom line for me is getting that mind of ours ready..that is the key! I was on the same as you...3 shakes a day and that was it!! All the crystal light I wanted but only 3 shakes a day and nothing else!! I wish you the very best and remember it will all be worth it. Believe me I would have never thought I would be down 105 lbs 7 1/2 months ago but I am and loving life!!! Take care and believe in yourself..you can do it!!

Yes Diet Pepsi is a curse...although I never drank it I used to drink mountain dew until it was proven to be the culprit that was giving me migraines..so as of June 6, 1990 I have been caffeine free!! So I do know what it is like, I never found another soda to replace it. My mom on the other hand has to have her Diet Pepsi and has tried to get my son hooked..I will not allow it. He did point out that the vending machine at his daycare has Diet Pepsi in it..he is only 3. I quickly told him that mommie doesn't have change on her!!! I know it is hard but you will be so happy once it is out of your system!! Remember it is controlling you right now instead of you being in control, so it is time for you to take control!! Take care!!

hmmm are you used to taking your meds with some other type of fluid or food? MAYBE your dr would you allow you to take them with applesauce or something..a teaspoon of it?? just to settle your stomach?? I had to open one of my capsules and put it in applesauce after the surgery but now I just get a mouthful of water and pour it in. Also, I have read that when you are so nauseated it could be carb withdrawals which right now you cannot do much about if you are to only have liquids. Sorry you feel this way. Well one last thought..I know if you could have foods you could eat a piece of fruit to help the carb withdrawal..you might want to ask your doctor if you can have a glass (8oz) of apple juice..I just checked the bottle I have..it has 28 grams of carbs. (I was told to add sugar to my diet after my 6 month check up because I wasn't eating enough sugar..so I have a glass every other day), Ok those are my final thoughts or enough rambling... Take care!!!

All will be fine!! Most all of us went thru exactly what you are doing right now..laundry is done, house is cleaned..now what!! LOL... I wish you the very best!! Let us know how things go for you!!!

There must be a full moon or something..today has been a hard day for quite a few people including me. I know I have needed to recharge my batteries most of the day. I am blaming it on I had to switch one of my meds and it is getting the best of me. So glad you went to the gym!! Thank god for laptops..I didn't quite make it out of bed much. Tomorrow WILL be a brighter day for me!!

Another thing to remember is the first phase (from surgery day until your first fill) is to concentrate on healing not losing weight. Your body is going thru so many changes right now...accepting and adjusting to the band, emotionally accepting how to and what to eat, going from all liquids to mushies to solids (this makes everyone stall)...all of this is very trying and tough for everyone. You just need to remember that you need to heal your insides first and remember that you do not have any restriction right now. Once you get your first fill then you will will have a little help and you will start to lose a little faster...then as loseit said as you get another fill it will help even more!! You are doing great, just keep up the positive attitude and all will be fine!! I wish you the very best!!

Well since they scheduled it for a Friday..I would take off Monday. That way you are taking only 2 days off. As long as you are not lifting anything and you are able to sit down often. You will be tired but you need to walk as well...so I am picturing you walking around the classroom but resting at your desk. I had mine on a Monday and on Thursday I had 40 people at my house for Thanksgiving dinner...only 3 people there even knew I had surgery (my mom & dad and my husband) no one even had a clue. I wish you the very best and sorry they couldn't of done it August 1st or something!!! Remember everything always happens for reason!! You will be fine!!

Patience will help!! It took me two years of fighting my insurance company alone!! Then I gave up and became a self pay patient..then it took two weeks!! i wish you the very best not only with the procedure but as with the patience as well!!

Maggs watch the PG'ing and the being hungry..I just don't want you to be too aggressive on the fills. You may need one in two weeks but just watch and see if you PB'ing on reasons caused by you or your band? and then for being hungry do the same..head hunger, bored or do you need a fill. Typically if you are PB'ing (or getting stuck) and it is not caused by you--eating too fast or too big of bites...you need an unfill. If you are hungry and it is not head hunger or not from being bored then you need a fill. I have a touchy band when it comes to fills that is why I am trying to offer some advise here. I cannot handle any more than 5.5ccs in my band..whereas others can handle a lot more and yes I had to learn the hard way!! LOL

You will be fine. Most everyone has the last minute jitters!! Stay positives and you will do fine! I wish you the very very best!!!

I agree with NewMichelle...only regret is I didn't do it sooner!!!! This was by far the best decision I have ever made in my life (besides getting married and having my son). I was banded 11/23/9 and have lost 105 lbs. I am not saying it is easy but it is so so worth it!! There is not a day that I don't thank god for allowing me to have made this decision!! Life is wonderful!!!!

You will find that people will try to talk you out of it but you have to make up your own mind. Others who have not had the procedure do not understand where you are and what you are going thru (the struggles and so forth). I honestly think that they don't want to see you have "a surgery" in general but they want you to "diet and feel better". It is just not to go under a knife..if you know what I am saying. They are just worried about you. If they are true friends and explain to them that you have done your research thoroghly and this is exactly what you want to do..your mind is set...ask them to support you...regardless of their decision..you go forward! You will be so happy! It will be the BEST decision you will have ever made!! I wish you the very best!

So glad to hear about how great your doctor! That is how mine is too!

You sure do love to shop! I am still going thru clothes that I have been saving for many years. I am currently wearing somewhere between a 12-14 (depending on the cut) and I have clothes down to a size 8/9. I have 21 lbs to go so I am so hoping that will be my size. I will not be able to lose any more weight after that per my doctor(s). Anyway, you keep trucking! and nothing wrong with taking the day off after a fill!! love it!

Sandy make sure you get some broth as well. Sounds like your dr may be like mine. I was telling 2excited that mine required clear liquids for 2 days, protein shakes for 2 days, mushies for 2 days and then solids. He feels that your band swells after each and every fill so it takes time to recoup and adjust to the new fill level. I know I have a lot of chicken bullion during that time..plus it will make your thirsty so you get your fluids in. Also, sometimes you just need a day to recharge...I am having one of those days today! Take care of yourself!!

I think you look fabulous!! I saw your picture on a post on someone else's blog...couldn't wait to get to your blog!! Absolutely stunning! Can't wait to see you when you hit your goal weight you are already so cute!!!

Don't you just love those days!!!! YEAH!!!

Glad you "survived" your first fill!! You may or may not feel any restriction from it right away but it may take a couple of days and then bam..a little restriction. As Sandradee said it may take 3-4 fills before you hit the sweet spot. Are you on a special plan for the next few days? I always have to do 2 days clear liquids, 2 days protein shakes, 2 days mushies and then regular foods? So it takes me almost a week to determine how the fill really is going to affect me.

For Michelle..sweet spot or 'green zone" is when you are at the right restriction. You are not hungry in between meals (4-5 hours) and you are still losing weight.

Take care everyone..

Congrats!! Glad all is well!! Keep us all posted!

Jhanette..it may seem like forever but at least it is coming off which is wonderful! I think 17lbs is great. If you think it should be faster (??) do you log you foods? maybe there are areas you could work on?? or increase your exercise?? Just throwing those ideas out there, not that you were asking for it..just food for thought. Take care!