Tayter

I too have BCBS hmo IL. I did my initial appt in Jan, and then did about 10 other things, barium, sleep study, psych eval, etc and was cleared on everything. In late May I was done with everything, including using my cpap for a while and dr called and said I was cleared, they contacted my ins and I had my surgery June 10. For everything, I have paid $40.00 which was for 2 $20.00 office copays. Other than that, my ins has covered it 100% and I saw that bills and it was over 30k, total. I had a referral from my primary for everything and had NO issues whatsoever!!!

I am going to be honest. One fill only so far for me. It was not numbed and it hurt like a b****!!!! I seriously had tears running down my face. The good new is the pain was short lived and once it was over, the pain was gone.... It is not going to stop me from getting another fill!!

I too am a private person....I told no one except my mother and my boyfriend of 11 years. We didnt even tell our kids.... I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work Monday. No one at work had a clue. I was walking kind of slow, just told them I didnt feel well... When I got home that Friday from my surgery, I told the kids I wasnt feeling well and stayed in bed most of the weekend... I am eating a little and walking on both breaks now, so when people ask, I tell them exercise and watching what I eat. No one has a clue!!!

I am getting banded 6-10... At Loyola in Chicago. Where were all of yours done?

Hi Everyone!

I too am in the prelim stages of my banding.

Here's my journey so far....

I started to have blood pressure issues about a year ago so was put on meds. Swelling from Water in feet and ankles, etc... Then in Oct breathing issues (due in part to my size) and finally went to my dr in Dec. At that time I discussed my weight and options with her. By Jan, I had the approval from BCBS hmo IL to see a LAP-BAND®® dr for a consult. I was given Rush and Loyola for my options. Loyola is 2 and a half hours away, and Rush is even further. I chose Dr Sarker at Loyola.

I had my first appointment with her Jan 15. She gave me the ever dreaded list of things to do... To date, I have everything done. I had the sleep study done earlier this week and they now want me to go for another sleep study to be set up for a cpap. Without the cpap, I was told the surgery can't be done... I talked to Gayle today at Dr Sarkers office and she told me that she is waiting for the sleep study and the psych eval and then my file will be given to Dr Sarker for review... After she looks at it and approves, then Marva(??) will send to BCBC hmo IL for final approval.... So, honestly things are moving rather quickly for me... I just hope they continue that way. Once the ins co gives the final approval, then I will see her one more time before surgery (I think).

The other night when I had my sleep study, I was laying there miserable. I couldnt sleep with all them stupid wires, and I felt so trapped so I was laying there thinking and second guessing myself and was wondering why I was doing this. It actually scared the crap out of me and is making me rethink things.

I need a serious support system and I dont have one yet!! I have only told my significant other, my mom and my friend in CO (who was also banded in Oct and to date she has lost 52 lbs) about this. I dont want everyone to know my business, so I dont talk to my friends or close coworkers about it. I also have 2 kids (10 and 17) that do not know Im considering it.. I feel like I am being sneaky all the time, and I hate it!

Can someone help bring me out of this slump I'm in?? I need some encouragement. I seriously feel that I'm a food addict and will eat myself to death if I dont go thru with it.