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Congrats! I hope that is my case soon. I just want the band out at this point. My doctor presented the revision idea to me today (even though I'd already been thinking about it). I don't know if I'll be approved for a revision, as I've had no erosion or slips. This band has to go!

I HATE artificial sweetners too!! I really tried to "like" crystal light but it is nasty. I am pre-sleeve but am looking at ways to bypass all artificial sweeteners. I want to try "fruit infused water" and I will be juicing some. ON the juicing, primarily greens with a few low glycemic fruits (don't want to hijack the thread with freak outs that I am going to juice, I will watch the carbs and sugars.. ) Agave nectar is what i try to use.

aspartame, sucralose, splenda and etc are terrible for your body... so good for you!
you should try Swerve. it's made from fruit Fiber & doesn't have a bitter aftertaste, like stevia.. it's not a chemical thing like aspartame/sucralose/splenda/etc.. http://www.swervesweetener.com/ also... ZERO CALORIES!!!!!!!!! LOW GLYCEMIC!!!!!
from their website:
Swerve is a great-tasting, all-natural sweetener that measures cup-for-cup just like sugar!
Made from a unique combination of ingredients derived from the fibers of fruits and vegetables, Swerve contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives or flavors.
Forget low calorie sweeteners; Swerve is zero-calorie, non-glycemic and safe for those living with diabetes. Human clinical trials show that Swerve does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels.
With its great taste and superior functionality, Swerve is the ideal sweetener for sugar-free baking and cooking. Many people ask if Swerve is stevia. Swerve does not contain stevia or lo han guo. Unlike other natural sweeteners that have a bitter aftertaste, Swerve tastes remarkably like sugar and has a clean, sweet taste.
alternately, you could try using things like brown rice Syrup, agave nectar and the like. agave nectar dissolves into cold drinks, like iced tea for example..

Good for you for speaking up!
After insurance approval and the class then you have to do the pre-op tests Dr. Marema needs to get you ready for surgery. I am somewhat "healthy", so I had blood work, a chest X-ray, EKG and get clearance from my pulmonary doctor because I use a CPAP. (I did this in a matter of 2 days!) Then they schedule a date for surgery and a date to see Dr. Marema for a pre-op visit.
What insurance do you have? I have Aetna PPO
You will probably be able to do everything in Orlando, except the surgery. I'm not completely sure though. I understand your anxiety. It's terrible to have to have the surgery before a certain date because that just adds to the normal anxiety. I hope it can all be completed and you have surgery, even if its on the 31st! :smile1:

Thank u for all the info! I'm getting a little frustrated with the insurance coordinator (maybe the one u referred to). I had to talk to her boss Joan. I feel like they're not on my side but on the insurance side. I'm trying to get it done before the end of this year.
Did u have your class in Orlando or st Augustine ? Was that the only other requirement? I'm just so anxious!