hello all just joined in mn

[Sun Rae 7]

Hi AmyBethy! I am new too and awaiting approval from my insurance company. My insurance carrier is Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. I had to have a psych eval, proof that I had participated in some type of structured weight losss program such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. I also had a letter from my regular physician as well as one from the surgeon that will do the procedure - both recommending the procedure due to health problems that I have started having. My BMI is 50 and I am so ready to move forward. I will definitely let everyone know as soon as I hear something =)

[SmallerChristie 0]

Hi there! I just joined a few weeks ago, too. I'm also in MN, and have Health Partners.

I had to have a psych consultation with MMPI evaluation, and complete 5 sessions of phone consultations with a Health Partners dietician (at a minimum of 2 weeks between each call), and get a letter from my Primary Care Provider documenting my weights over the last 2 years and previous weight loss attempts. The whole thing went VERY smoothly.

Once all of those requirements were met, they didn't hesitate to approve the procedure. It took just about 4 months between my initial consultation at the surgeon and my banding.

I went to the University of MN (Fairview).

Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions!

[SmallerChristie 0]

Hi Fellow Minnesotan! I am new here too. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield so I have to wait out the 6 months to get it covered. I am going to U of M Fairview with Dr Leslie. I meet with him again on Monday and surgery will be in NOvember sometime. I cant wait! I need to lose 15 pounds before the surgery and its not going so well. I have been working pretty hard to get in off, I am thinking about doing Protein shakes to get it off. Good luck!

Hey Jenn! Dr. Leslie did my surgery, too. I haven't really interacted with HIM all that much, but he definitely knows what he's doing and I haven't had any issues since my banding 3 1/2 weeks ago.

I had to lose 20 pounds pre-surgery and lost it almost entirely by just MOVING more. Having been a couch potato for the past several years, it didn't take much more than 20-30 minutes of daily walking to drop that 20. I lost a total of 38 pounds pre-surgery without really changing my eating habits all that much at all.

Be careful that you don't burn yourself out on the Protein Shakes before the surgery, because after the surgery you might not have too many other options initially. Unless of course, you LIKE them. I was ok with a few of them initially, but now the thought of them makes me gag!

[angelpix 0]

Jendubbd - I'm scheduled for Sept 10th with Dr. Leslie! I found it fairly difficult to get in contact with his care coordinator, left many messages that were not returned. I hope you have better luck with her. I'm still a half pound short of my presurgery weight loss and have until Sept 1st to drop it. Starting Protein Shakes tomorrow to make sure nothing creeps back.

[jenndubbd 2]

My bmi is 42. My dietician recommended about 1000 calories to get a jumpstart on things. So I am doing a Protein Shake, at least once a day and then light meals and healthy Snacks. I know that will get me into a good routine.

[jenndubbd 2]

38 pounds! That's great! I wasn't able to see all the replies for some reason and only saw the last one....weird. anyway, I know what you mean about not actually seeing Dr Leslie. I had an appointment with him yesterday and waited for him and he came in and said I have a meeting I need to go to, do you have any questions? I was sort of irritated. I did ask him some questions but then got more answered by his scheduler. And more importantly a date!!!! I wonder why its so hard to get a hold of the care coordinator, hope you do soon,as your surgery is right around the corner.

[amybethy 0]

Hi AmyBethy! I am new too and awaiting approval from my insurance company. My insurance carrier is Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. I had to have a psych eval, proof that I had participated in some type of structured weight losss program such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. I also had a letter from my regular physician as well as one from the surgeon that will do the procedure - both recommending the procedure due to health problems that I have started having. My BMI is 50 and I am so ready to move forward. I will definitely let everyone know as soon as I hear something =)

Is your health partners through an employer or the state?

[Sun Rae 7]

Is your health partners through an employer or the state?

Hi AmyBethy. My provider is through my employer - BASF.

[amybethy 0]

Ok so it might be different for me thanks

[anthonynelson 0]

Hello people...I am Nelson. Few days back my partner drew my attention to my increasing weight. So, now no looking back...i want some genuine tips about weight loss...

[shay98 0]

Hi Christie

I was banded on the 27 July 10. I noticed you have lost 49 lb. Is that since the banding or the pre surgery prep as well. Thanks

Cheryl

[SmallerChristie 0]

Hello people...I am Nelson. Few days back my partner drew my attention to my increasing weight. So, now no looking back...i want some genuine tips about weight loss...

Hi Nelson!

What has been most successful for me is tracking what I consume, and the activity that I get, and trying to make sure that I output more calories than I input. It really all comes down to eating healthier/smaller portions and being as active as possible.

Good luck!

[SmallerChristie 0]

Hi Christie

I was banded on the 27 July 10. I noticed you have lost 49 lb. Is that since the banding or the pre surgery prep as well. Thanks

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl. OMG, no, that hasn't all been since the banding (I wish!) 38 pounds was pre-surgery - April through July. I've lost 11 since my surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago.

I've been less active during my "recovery period" and in the last week or so I've found myself to be incredibly hungry and able to eat ANYTHING. Ughhhh.

At this point, I'm going to be happy if I don't gain weight in the 5 more weeks until my first fill.

[amybethy 0]

Well I just got done with my info seminar and yup still want to do this now on to filling out paperwork lol fun fun fun. The sergon said it takes about 3 to 4 months to do all their stuff till surgery so I'm looking at nov or dec probably dec for me as my birthday is in nov and don't want to be feeling sick then but will do asap if I can not waiting just for that lol.

[Carosel2002 0]

*does the I'm from Da Range polka dance*

Hey all!! I had my surgery @ the U of M w/Dr. Leslie. He's awsome!! I waited the 6mo (BC/BS) and seemed to actually go quickly!! I liked the fact that it teaches you how to eat properly (even if I was bitchy the first month or so :sad:) Good luck on the hosp./surgeon you choose!! It'll be great!!!