blondeej

Fluffy - I am so sorry about your grandparent passing... I've been there and it's a horrible empty feeling.... I would suggest going to a doctor and getting on some anti-depressants. People had told me that before when I was having "rough times" and I was highly against it, until I finally tried it. Now, I will say - anti-depressants have never worked long term for me, but they've always helped get me out of my "slumps" - where I didn't want to do anything but eat and sleep and had no interest in life what so ever. I seriously know what you're going through and how it feels.... I know it sounds cliche but try and focus on the positive things and blessings you have in your life - it seems you have a boyfriend you care for and that cares for you - your family seems supportive and that's an awesome thing to have, too. If you ever need someone to talk to or vent to or just know that someone KNOWS what you're going through - please don't hesitate to message me!!

Hey everyone - I had posted a January 2011 bandsters post bc when I searched I didn't see this one! I am glad I found it! Although, I really don't have much in common with you all and your insurance processes, as I am self pay. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope it's all expedited! I am excited - my surgery is set for Jan 28th. What a way to start off the new year and our new lives, huh?! I am 6'2" and have a 42 BMI (I'm large in more than one way....). I have a fiance and wonderful 10 year old step-son. I work in sales, am currently in Texas but will be moving back home to Illinois next summer once the kiddo finishes up the 4th grade. I would love to chat and stay in contact with you all throughout all this - I really don't have a support system here - my fiance is very supportive but we all know how men are... lol Right now I am a little overwhelmed about all the different Protein drink products on the market! And I am thinking to myself, "wow, it's going to be crazy going through all of these and buying sample packets, etc.". I suppose I am just freaking myself out! But I know how important it is to really get that required minimum of protein in especially those first several weeks post op!!

Dr. Kim was who I had my initial consult with and if I could afford surgery in the US he would definitely be my pick. I really felt comfortable with his office staff and a coworker of mine had surgery with him in November 08. From when I went they had told me pre-op 2 weeks was strictly liquid, so to see that they've added some jello, etc. sounds pretty exciting! lol

I've been doing research on the band and Mexican surgeons for almost 5 months now. I've decided on Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. Honestly, I am more confident in my decision of a Mexico doctor than some docs in the U.S. - one doctor in the U.S. was boasting on his website that he'd done "over 350" lapband surgeries... when you compare that with how many Dr. Aceves has done - you're kind of scared at the fact! lol It's an individual journey for each person..... just doing the research and YOU being comfortable with your decision is the most important thing. WASABUBBLEBUTT (sp?) has a great blog about choosing a Mexican doctor that really helped me out.... I am sure if you do a search you can find it - it used to be a sticky but idk if it is anymore. I wish you the best of luck! I am self-pay too of course, so by investing my OWN money I am sure going to be confident in my decisions!

ajames - would you mind posting the chix enchilada soup recipe? Thanks!

It will be here before you know it I am sure!! Just think of it as time to get you mentally ready for the pre-op diets and to get all the proper liquids and foods you need in the house for post-op.... I am pretty much two months out as well, Jan 28th, so I can empathize. I wish you luck!

Hi Kat - I am getting the lap band too, scheduled for Jan 28th - I'm self pay though bc there's an exclusion clause in my companies plan. I know there seems to be LOTS of info on here though from individuals going through the insurance approval process so I am sure they'll be able to give you some pointers. Maybe go post over in pre-operation band questions forum. I wish you the best of luck on your journey!!

I hate all of you that got your surgery covered by insurance!! lol :thumbup: I have a good job, I make decent money ($100 of which comes out of EACH paycheck for my CRAPPY insurance!) and yet there of course is a exclusion clause in our healthcare plan for WLS. I think it's SO WRONG that insurance providers are able to do this to people that NEED this for their health! So now I'm forced to put myself in a big hole of debt that I really can't afford in the first place, just to help myself be healthy..... Makes me so mad... :wink5: I'm jealous of all of you that had your surgery covered! You're lucky!

hi kimaly - who was your doc? I, too, am going to Mexico. Surgery date is Jan 28 with Dr. Aceves. I am excited.... I am paying cash for half and putting the other half on a zero interest CC.

Congrats!! That's amazing!!!

hey nickel i read and commented on your blog - you should keep it up! it was interesting, and it's always so great to hear about the daily "grind" for others going through this process.. i wish you the best of luck...

Thanks for sharing your story, and SUCCESS! thus far! I can relate with you a TON! (No pun intended...lol). I'm self pay, planning for surgery in January hopefully, and I hope come May (and by birthday! :thumbup:) I will have such an awesome progress story to tell as you! Did you find the "head hunger" was one of the hardest things to overcome? That's one of my biggest fears post-op. 20 yrs of eating wrong is not easily undone...

Wow Melissa, over 170 lbs lost?! That's awesome for you! :thumbup: And on top of that being a cancer survivor, as am I - I can definitely relate! Best of luck to you!

lady - I am thinking of you now since your surgery is today, I hope you're doing well, make sure and check back in with us and let us know how it went. :thumbup: I think your decision to pay the extra out of pocket is a good "insurance clause" (no pun intended....lol). That will let you rest easy at night knowing if there's any problems you're covered!

kelly - that's EXACTLY how I feel! I could not agree with you more.... sacrifices will be made no matter what, you just have to pick and choose your battles!

Thank you so much SunD1! Stick with it - I wish you the best of luck!!! :thumbup:

I agree 110% Paige... there's pretty much nothing that can talk me out of doing this now... I'll deal with the penny pinching and things being tighter, I'm okay with that. I just want to be happy again. :thumbup:

Hi Sheri and ACalvin - thanks for the support! lol I had just been thinking that in my head after reading about all the lucky ones that have good insurance that I had to vent! :thumbup: I am putting half on a credit card and the other half paying cash - that's why I am having to wait until January - after tax returns! I wish you both all the best in your weight loss journey!

really late posting here - but I did call... wasn't just on the website! thanks though!

I've left two messages and send two "info requests" over their website with no response. This has been over a span of 3 weeks.... what gives?? Is there a special password to gain access?? Pretty unprofessional and such a turn off as a potential patient!! :tongue2:

So true! Maybe down the road I'll be able to afford a revision and get the sleeve - a girl can dream, right?? lol :thumbup:

I just saw that your surgery is today!! Good luck!! I wish you the best on your journey!! :thumbup:

Hi Buchannon - I am planning to have my band surgery in Mexico in January. I've done a lot of research myself and feel pretty good about it. Being self-pay I've had to save up the $ - was supposed to originally go in September but that fell through. I wish you the best of luck. If you can afford the sleeve, I'd do it. It's just not in my capabilities to do the sleeve right now. Maybe in the future, idk. You don't have "much" to loose though compared to alot of people that get the band so I'd imagine it would still be a good avenue for you? Idk I'm obviously not a doc! lol Whatever makes you happy! :thumbup:

I've left two messages and send two "info requests" over their website with no response. This has been over a span of 3 weeks.... what gives?? Is there a special password to gain access?? Pretty unprofessional and such a turn off as a potential patient!!