Missnursette

Hi, We can stick together through this weight loss journey and give each other encouragement and support!!! I am drinking Kelloggs Protein shakes right now... I really like them. I didn't really care for the other brands. I eventually will get Protein powder to put in my broths and Soups. How are you doing with your liquid diet? I just started, so any advice would be great!!!

I am on day 1 of the preop diet also.... It is tough! I just keep thinking of the prize in the end!!! It will be sooo worth it!!! My surgery date is July22nd.. I bought unsweetened juice, broth, sugar free Jello, crystal light packets for Water and Protein shakes.... anyone else have suggestions for what else to eat? (actually drink)

July 22nd for me! Can't wait!!!! Keep in touch with your progress everyone! I would love to hear everything!!!

I am getting banded on July 22nd. Would like to buddy up with someone getting banded on the same day or close to that day to monitor each other's progress. I started my liquid diet today and it looks like it will be pretty tough! I will just have to keep that willpower going and look for the prize in the future!!

Me too! Surgery in 7 days!!! It is going to be tough, but just keep thinking about how we will benefit in the long run!

I am 7 days away from Surgery! I can't wait!!! The liquid diet is the hardest. Can you share ways you are getting through it?

I am also from Raceland and wanting to do VSG surgery. I will look into Dr. Lavin... Thanks!

Well, Aetna's requirements to have WLS is that you have to have had a BMI over 35 for at least 2 yrs. My BMI in 2007 was 36, but I lost a little weight within the 2 yrs bringing my BMI to 34 off and on.. Now they are saying my BMI was not >35 consecutively for the 2 yrs, but what upsets me is you have to prove you tried to lose weight!!!! Well, I did, but gained it back every time!!!! So anyway, I have been denied twice and sent my last appeal last week. On July 1, our insurance changes to Anthem BC Calif. and I will have to start dealing with them. They do not have all of the requirements Aetna has, and should get approved a little easier, but then they don't cover VSG! They cover lapband and gastric bypass, which I really don't want. So, I am in the middle!! Thanks! I appreciate any advice!

I actually have Aetna right now and am on my 2nd appeal with them... July 1st we are switching to Anthem BC California. I don't know what else to do with Aetna before switching, cuz they are one of the 2 that pay for VSG! I live in Louisiana.

Can anyone send me the appeal letter for Anthem Ca? I would appreciate it!

How do you get an independent review? I am scared I wont be approved for VSG because of it being considered experimental.