mandilou

Okay, you're right. :yikes: I'm in Minny-SOH-ta. "so what". :wink: Seriously though... it's about -20 here, and it's just rediculous. I am not from here originally, and I don't get how people can still function in this weather.

cathy- thanks for your input and congrats on the approval! :wink: Fortunately (or unfortunately?) ending up below 40 BMI isn't really going to be a problem. I have about 200lbs to lose, so I'm pretty confident I won't fall below that mark. Plus I do have comorbidities. I'm more concerned that when they see that I "can" lose 30 pounds, they'll say "oh, well she doesn't need this then", even though I really do for lifetime maintenance and success.

Congrats and best wishes! Hoping for April banding, possibly May here. Keep us updated!

IF my approval comes quickly, I could be an April Bunny Bandster. Otherwise, I'm looking at May. Here's to hoping!

Hey folks- I'm about three months into the 6 month supervised diet. I haven't lost a ton of weight, but at my most recent visit, I was asked to start using a food log. The plus side is, it has really whipped me into shape and kept me honest. The bad side is... well, it's really whipped me into shape and kept me honest. I'm nowhere NEAR 35-40 BMI, but I'm currently only eating about 1300 calories a day. On this pace, I could lose over 30lbs (or more!) before a May surgery. Will I get denied? My PCP also put me on Meridia, to help get some weight off before surgery. It's working, but I worry it will work TOO well. The WLS office said it's okay to be on the Meridia, and the insurance was okay with it. So what to do? I want to give myself a good headstart, but I know that if I was just losing weight alone, it won't last... I've fought that battle enough times that I know I need the band for assistance. What say you all?

I'm actually in Bloomington (which is why I'm going through Fairview - appointments are really close to my house!). You're fortunate that you don't have to go through the hoops that are required by stricter insurance companies. I'm on gmail talk/chat occasionally, and it'd be great to chat online sometime, perhaps grab coffee sometime in the future.

Hey Ale78- You are a little further in your journey than I am - I have three more appointments to meet the 6 month requirement yet. Where are you getting your surgery? I'm going through Fairview Southdale and Dr. Benn. I'm hoping for surgery sometime in May. :sneaky: Good luck to you!

Great info about weight loss surgery success, new stats, and getting diabetes 2 covered as a co-morbidity. Update on Weight-Loss Surgery: 3 Current Trends - Becker's ASC Review

I work in the health industry, and this article came across my desk today... it's an opportunity for you, the patient, speak up regarding their proposal to NOT cover surgery for patients whose BMI's are under 35 who are dealing with diabetes. Their argument is that it won't make a dramatic difference in a person's health. CMS Proposes Covering Bariatric Surgery to Treat Diabetes Written by Stephanie Wasek Monday, 17 November 2008 After an extensive evidence review, CMS has announced a proposal to revise its existing coverage policy for bariatric surgery to include type 2 diabetes as one of the co-morbidities CMS would consider in determining whether bariatric surgery would be covered for a Medicare beneficiary who is morbidly obese (an individual with a BMI of at least 35 is considered morbidly obese). CMS is also proposing to not cover bariatric surgery when it is used to treat type 2 diabetes in a beneficiary with a BMI below 35. In 2006, CMS expanded coverage of bariatric surgery for Medicare beneficiaries who receive one of four procedures — gastric bypass, open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and open and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch — in bariatric centers of excellence, as certified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, and as reported on the Medicare coverage Web site. To be considered for coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must have a BMI of 35 or higher and must have exhibited a serious health condition in addition to morbid obesity, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or osteoarthritis. Type 2 Diabetes would join the list of serious health conditions. However, after "a careful review of the medical evidence available on bariatric surgery," CMS is also proposing to not cover bariatric surgery for patients who do not meet the definition of morbid obesity, even if they do have type 2 diabetes. "While recent medical reports claimed that bariatric surgery may be helpful for these patients, CMS did not find convincing medical evidence that bariatric surgery improved health outcomes for non-morbidly obese individuals," says the agency. CMS is seeking comments from the public about this evidence and its implications for coverage, and about which groups of patients should be covered for this surgery. Public comments may be submitted directly to CMS's Coverage Web site for 30 days from the Nov. 17 posting of the proposed decision memorandum. CMS will issue a final decision memorandum within 90 days of the proposed decision. Read the proposed decision memorandum and submit comments at the CMS Coverage Web site.

Well, the hospital where I was planning on getting my surgery, as well as the other hospitals in the area, have an all-inclusive program. So you HAVE to see their nutritionists and stuff so that they have all the information. I'm going to start researching smaller clinics that offer the surgery, and perhaps seeing my GP once a month will be okay (cheaper still than WW, since I have a copay) for a pre-req fulfillment, yet I'll still have a surgeon to work with. I'll be researching my options, you better believe it. My rant was more based on the idea that insurance companies are always complaining about how their premiums are going up BECAUSE people are fatter/sicker/etc. yet they aren't doing anything to help with PREVENTATIVE maintenance. It just doesn't make any flipping sense. Thanks for the support and suggestions... I will take them all into account and see what I can afford!

Thanks to BCBS-IL being completely backwards, I will have to drop out of the program. I started the program with a local hospital, and have been going to my six month supervised diet appointments. Well, I got a bill for over $200 yesterday for ONE appointment. When I called the insurance company to ask why I was billed for an office visit, they claimed that they do NOT cover nutritional education unless I have diabetes. So... let me get this straight... THEY require a six month supervised diet, but THEY won't cover it? What the hell? They will cover diabetes, but NOT morbid obesity... which is ironic, really. I suppose in six months when I DO have diabetes, they'll help me out. And so, since I cannot afford over $200 a visit to get my supervised diet, I am going to have to drop out of the program. Apparently, my doctor says not ALL BCBS-IL patients have had this issue, so perhaps it's just my particular employers agreement. But boy am I steemed. I seriously have so little hope now.

Thanks to BCBS-IL being completely backwards, I will have to drop out of the program. I started the program with a local hospital, and have been going to my six month supervised diet appointments. Well, I got a bill for over $200 yesterday for ONE appointment. When I called the insurance company to ask why I was billed for an office visit, they claimed that they do NOT cover nutritional education unless I have diabetes. So... let me get this straight... THEY require a six month supervised diet, but THEY won't cover it? What the hell? They will cover diabetes, but NOT morbid obesity... which is ironic, really. I suppose in six months when I DO have diabetes, they'll help me out. And so, since I cannot afford over $200 a visit to get my supervised diet, I am going to have to drop out of the program. Apparently, my doctor says not ALL BCBS-IL patients have had this issue, so perhaps it's just my particular employers agreement. But boy am I steemed. I seriously have so little hope now. :wink2:

woo hoo! Just got back from the gym.. did 20 minutes on the elliptical, then lots of leg work. Phew! I'm beat. Time to shower and hit the hay... just wanted to report in. :sad_smile: I love this thread, it's motivating!

With the elliptical, you can get a pretty good cardio workout in, if you interval train, pedal backwards, etc. And if you have no time for the gym, you can always do the calisthenic options... push-ups, supermans, lunges/squats, planks. Good luck getting your lb's off!

thanks babygrl... I grew up in Dearborn (where I see you had your surgery), and I bought my last pair of Brooks from a place downriver in Southgate. Jachut- Thanks for the tip... I did find a specialty store near my house, so I thought I'd try that first. I'm not REALLY running much yet, but I will keep the podiatrist in mind for when I get a little more "competitive" (if ever). I mostly just using them for the treadmill right now. These were great ideas, thank you all! Now I just need to set aside the paycheck money for the new kicks!

these are great ideas... thanks all! I will definitely do that. I'm a little embarassed to into a running shop being my size, but better to find the right shoe and deal with the amused looks, right?

New Edition!? YESSSSS... one of the ORIGINAL boy bands! aahahaha There are some great tunes in here... I need to go mp3 shopping tonight!

I don't know why it's taken me so long to realize I could ask YOU all about my shoe options... anywho... I am 5'8", 350 and a SUPINATOR (rolls to the outside of feet midstride), and I am having a hard time finding a good running shoe. I usually stick with Brooks, and have been really happy with them. But I thought I'd pose the question and see what you all are wearing. Most folks are Pronators (rolls to the inside of feet midstride), and heavy pronators are usually easier to fit than supinators, because while it is recommended that supinators wear cushioned shoes, cushioned aren't best for super-overweight folks (from what runner's world says). Any suggestions are welcome!

I am just beginning my hard workout action... but having been a pretty serious athlete in the past, I know that complex carbs help with energy levels.. and if you are really working hard (which it sounds like you are!), I would follow your trainer's advice and try to get some carbs in. I found this link... complex carbohydrates foods list - good sources of complex carbohydrates, which I think explains it pretty well. Keep in mind, your idea of cutting out carbs is probably because you were addicted to simple carbs and processed foods. Complex carbs will help you!

congrats, ceradad! :thumbs_up: What a great feeling... and thanks for sharing your positive experiences! It's nice to hear for those of us still at the start of our journey. As for moi, the fiance and I went to the gym last night. Did about an hour or so of elliptical, chest/back/shoulders/arms, and then played catch with a medicine ball on Bosu balls... SO MUCH FUN. It was a great workout, and we were laughing and enjoying ourselves at the same time. If anyone has other "couple" workout ideas, let me know! Back to the gym today... and I'm using My Plate to track the food. So far so good... okay, it's only been a day and a half but I've gotta start somewhere!

Kat, you sound a lot like me! I, too, was concerned with my personal hygiene - SO EMBARASSING to admit! I, too, am maxing out at stores, wearing a 30-32. Congrats on your overwhelming success! You're an inspiration!

I will be working with my dietician/nutritionist through my surgical center for a diet plan, but my fiance and I joined the gym this past weekend, so we'll be going daily to that. I highly recommend "The Daily Plate" as well... another bandster turned me onto it and I've loved entering in my food and really seeing what I've been putting in my mouth. Helps me keep on track!

Actually I have BCBS of Illinois, although I live in Minneapolis. And while it's super frustrating to have to wait six months when you feel you've already waited a lifetime for this option to come along, I really do feel it's going to be good for me. Like others have said, I'm trying to be positive about it... get to the gym, get used to eating like a bandster, get used to the change in lifestyle and maybe even lose a little weight to get me jump-started. Best wishes to you! In the meantime, I encourage you to jump into the exercise threads and commit to moving a little more, or eating a little more. Making little changes now will help us a lot when the band comes!

While I haven't been banded yet, I have been down to 168lbs (which on me equaled a size 10). Now at around 350, it's amazing the HUGE difference in the way I'm treated. In fact, I wasn't psychologically prepared to be 168lbs. (down from about 225 at the time), and all of a sudden guys I went to high school with who wouldn't give me the time of day were suddenly REALLY interested in talking to me when I ran into them at the local bar. Strangers would sit next to you on busses, people were more friendly and likely to strike up a conversation. Interestingly, WOMEN became more closed off, assuming incorrectly that I was a bitch. Frankly, I hated it. It will be a challenge to get over as I lose weight this time around. Thankfully, I won't be in the dating world, so I don't have to deal with people who would never have given me the time of day suddenly interested in boning me. As an aside... when I interviewed for the job I currently have, my parents were both convinced that they wouldn't hire me because I was too fat to look appealling.