JoMi

I've been using a cream for mild rashes on my belly for about a year so I had documentation of a recurring problem. I qualified for medical necessity because of it.

Just talked to the insurance company to confirm they got the letter of med necessity. Not only did they get it yesterday, they approved the panniculectomy!!! One day! Is that a record?

My medical benefits are decreasing as of November so I started the process for a panniculectomy. I'm praying the insurance approves the procedure after the first letter. I got approved got a port revision for August 28th. Has anyone had their port revised prior to TT? The MD Is putting a smaller port in than what I currently have.

I was having the same problem until I started eating a thomas' whole grain bagle thin in the morning. My body NEEDS some carbs!

Hi, I am sorry you slipped up. I am sure no one can be more mad at you than you were at yourself! I am sure you learned something from this but I just want to mention though, that not only is the liquid diet important for your physical health going into the surgery, it also should serve as a time to recognize your triggers. I think this was a really important lesson for you. When I did my liquid (not so long ago) I quickly recognized that 4pm is my weakest time regarding food. I had to redirect my thoughts at this time of day. I ended up making sure that I was NEVER home alone at 4:00. I hope that you can recognize your trigger in this incident. Since we all know we are food addicts, I think knowing this now will give you a better handle on your triggers which will save you a lot of trouble after being banded. Good luck to you!!! Joni

That's annoying! If it was me and I was set on that physician group, I would become the biggest pest! I would call once a week and see if they have any cancellations! (By the way - I have done this before and it really works!)

Hi , I took 12 days off. I go back on Monday. I have a stressful but not active job but I am ready to get back to it!

Hi! You are for sure a success! The great thing about the band is it's SLOW weight loss which is the healthiest way to lose weight. I have something else to add though - I think sometimes it's hard to keep up a positive attitude when sucky things happen (like someone breaking into your car!) I can tell you that two days after my surgery, my daughter was driving my car home from work (at 5pm) and was hit by a 4th offense drunk driver pulling out of a liquor store. My car was so damaged it had to be towed to a shop and I haven't seen it yet Then I fell on some ice in the mall parking lot. I was in pain from the surgery and felt so beat up and demoralized by life. It manifested into "buyers remorse" and wished I had never put the stupid lap band in. Fast forward a week, I am feeling stronger, less pain, my car is being repaired, my daughters medical expenses are being covered as well as a rental car. Now that I am over that funk I wouldn't trade my band for anything! Hang in there! You will be fine...just stick to it and keep yourself focused.

Hi, I am really new to the band but I want to share what my doc said to my daughter today when I had the sutures removed. My daughter asked if the band can be in forever, my doc told her that it can be, or it can be removed if needed. She said the benefit of the band is when I reach maintenance, it will be adjusted and If I find myself gaining weight, they can adjust it again to help me get back to goal. The surgeries where the stomach is cut, there are no more options. You are cut and that's it. For me, I want to be dependent (accountable) to my MD office. I want the constant interaction. I didn't want to be cut and just be sent off to live my life with no other options. I need someone tracking me. You have to make the best choice for you, your personality and your lifestyle. Weigh your pro's and cons...make a list and don't forget to talk to your surgeon. Good luck!

Hi I think you are for sure not eating enough calories a day. Have you tried adding more Protein to your diet? I am new at the band but in the evening I get that sick feeling in my stomach and go straight for a Protein Drink. Also, you should be logging your food daily it's a pain in the neck but it helps you realize where you aren't getting enough nutrients. I use myfitnesspal.com it's a super simple site and has nearly every food you can think of. It also allows you to track your exercise and has an Iphone app. Good luck!

I bought the gerber bananas because I need the extra potassium! But I would rather do my own mushies. baby food isn't really very tasty.

Hi Cheryl I can't make this weeks support group. It's such a long drive (I am on the cape) and I would have to turn around and come back for the surgery on Thursday morning. I will be attending the groups but will have to make sure I schedule my follow-up and fill appointments for those dates. Only a couple of days to go! Last night I dreamt that my anesthesiologist had me gargle viscous lidocaine prior to the surgery. It was pretty wacky since I doubt they do that! Joni

Hi - I'm Joni - My surgery is 11am so I am right before you. I am an administrative assistant. Hopefully we will get to say hi! The liquid diet has been really hard but I have gotten into a routine and I am surviving on the 3 yogurts and 3 protien shakes. And Coffee!!! But the fudgesicles are making all of the difference to me! It makes me feel less deprived when my family is eating ice cream.

Hi I was told that Arthur and Adam do the first surgery of the day on Tuesdays and that the rest are done by Adam. Adam also does Thursdays. When I went to the initial seminar, Adam did the talk. I found his manner down to earth and was very comfortable with him. When I was doing my homework before choosing to go to the Glasgows, I checked around at my work (another hospital) and Adam has a very good reputation with the doctors I work with. When I booked, I chose Adam as my surgeon. Good luck with your journey! My surgery is Thursday!

I am on Day one - My surgery is Jan 6th. Already my daughter offered me a panini. I told her no thank you I am starting the liquid diet today. A few minutes later she said...you sure you don't want a little bite of turkey bacon? It's good. My reaction was less than kind. I don't think she will do that again! LOL

Thanks so much for your answers! I hate the niggling doubt.

Realistically, is it possible to lose all of my excess weight (about 100 lbs) and keep it off for the rest of my life with the lap band? I know it's a tool, and I have to work hard for it. I don't have a problem with that part and have lost 120 pounds in the not to far past. But I need to do more than lose...I need to keep it off!!! Will the lap band help me with that part? Is this possible? I just don't want to fail again. Thanks!

Hi - I am in Cape Cod and signed up with Dr. Glasgow also

Hi, I went to his seminar this week. I was so impressed with him and his practice. My appointment is July 29.:frown:

Hi - I was just curious if anyone could give me some input. I am Pre-Band and haven't dated ANYONE for over 5 years. (I have been focusing on raising my daughters who are all in college now) I've been thinking about dating lately (no one specific in mind) but I am concerned if I date someone before the band and then have the surgery would would be like changing the rules? Also, is it fair to drag someone into that baggage? Anyhow, just looking for input and different views from other singles. Thanks!

Well I had a great end to my first week of pre-lap band land! I faxed my form off to Tufts ICanChange yesterday and TODAY, my coach Sarah called me! I was so amazed at how fast the turn around was! I had read and researched that the turn around is super slow - not for me! YAY The awkward part is that because of the time Sarah called, my office mate- (a guy) sat down at his desk when I was on the phone. At first I was mortified. But then I realized, too bad - because we share an office and we have worked closely for 7 years, I should probably not stress too much. So I finished my phone call, hung up and told him that I was talking to a nutritionist. I will have to bring him on board when I get closer to the 6 month mark, I know that. He isn't one of those non-observant guys and he cares about me to boot. So anyway, I think I will keep my blog updated on the ICanChange, just in case someone else has Tufts and is looking for information! (The program is a big mystery!) Sarah told me that I will have 8 scheduled calls with her in 6 months. They will be sending me a welcome email that I should read and there are 3 requirements to having insurance approval. 1- I need to achieve 7 if 8 of my phone calls 2 - I need to complete an informed decision booklet that Sarah will help me complete 3 - I need to choose 2 measurable behavior modifications. My measurable modifications are: - I will chew my food! I keep reading in all of the blogs that bandsters need to slow down and chew their food and not gulp. I am a big gulper so I think working on this will benefit me pre and post band. My measure will be that I take 30 minutes to eat every meal!!! - I will increase my walking - I had a bunionectomy and 2nd toe broken and was not allowed to walk for a month. I was in a walking cast for an additional 3 weeks and just was released by my doctor on Monday. Needless to say, because of the pain, I will need to work myself up to my goal of 2 laps around my street (approx 1/4 mile each lap) My goal is to do 2 laps 3 times a week. Oh yeah, Also - Sarah said not to focus on losing weight. She said that the surgeons at the program I choose will set a pre-op weight goal for me. My first call is scheduled for May 18 at 3:30! WOOT WOOT!!! By the way, my mom was tickled for me and my three daughters are totally supportive

Well I had a great end to my first week of pre-lap band land! I faxed my form off to Tufts ICanChange yesterday and TODAY, my coach Sarah called me! I was so amazed at how fast the turn around was! I had read and researched that the turn around is super slow - not for me! YAY The awkward part is that because of the time Sarah called, my office mate- (a guy) sat down at his desk when I was on the phone. At first I was mortified. But then I realized, too bad - because we share an office and we have worked closely for 7 years, I should probably not stress too much. So I finished my phone call, hung up and told him that I was talking to a nutritionist. I will have to bring him on board when I get closer to the 6 month mark, I know that. He isn't one of those non-observant guys and he cares about me to boot. So anyway, I think I will keep my blog updated on the ICanChange, just in case someone else has Tufts and is looking for information! (The program is a big mystery!) Sarah told me that I will have 8 scheduled calls with her in 6 months. They will be sending me a welcome email that I should read and there are 3 requirements to having insurance approval. 1- I need to achieve 7 if 8 of my phone calls 2 - I need to complete an informed decision booklet that Sarah will help me complete 3 - I need to choose 2 measurable behavior modifications. My measurable modifications are: - I will chew my food! I keep reading in all of the blogs that bandsters need to slow down and chew their food and not gulp. I am a big gulper so I think working on this will benefit me pre and post band. My measure will be that I take 30 minutes to eat every meal!!! - I will increase my walking - I had a bunionectomy and 2nd toe broken and was not allowed to walk for a month. I was in a walking cast for an additional 3 weeks and just was released by my doctor on Monday. Needless to say, because of the pain, I will need to work myself up to my goal of 2 laps around my street (approx 1/4 mile each lap) My goal is to do 2 laps 3 times a week. Oh yeah, Also - Sarah said not to focus on losing weight. She said that the surgeons at the program I choose will set a pre-op weight goal for me. My first call is scheduled for May 18 at 3:30! WOOT WOOT!!! By the way, my mom was tickled for me and my three daughters are totally supportive

I totally understand where you are coming from! I had thought about the possibility of this problem and even considered that I could sew fishing weights inside of my clothing!! I know - CHEATER!!! LOL Also, I have read on other peoples posts, that the Surgeons submit your original weight to the insurance - you might want to check that!!!