January 2011 Bandsters !!!

[shifflett00 1]

My husband and I both will be banded January 11, 2011... The process wasn't as bad as I thought we both started our journals and 3 months of doctors appointments in July. We had both been to a cardiologist this year so that was done. I had done my mammogram and blood work early this year also so that was another thing checked off our list. We both could have done the surgery in October which was my plan but my husband doctor drug his feet on the letter that need to go to the insurance company about being a good candidate until all the October appointments were booked up. We decided to wait till the first of the year with the holidays coming and didn't want to set our self up with all the temptation over the holidays.

I'm getting a little nervous and anxious now. I just hope this will be a easy process and that we both have success with our weight loss. I've been surfing alot on do's and don'ts.

[txtonya 3]

I totally hear you; my process went super fast as well. I saw my PCM 12/2, had my surgical consult, nutrition class and psych eval on 12/8, and was approved by insurance by 12/10! The surgeon's office wanted to schedule me for surgery for 12/23, meaning I would've had to start my presurgery diet on the 9th! I freaked a little and got it pushed back to 1/10. I think there's something slightly daunting about knowing it's FINALLY going to happen, you know? Excited but scared at the same time. Just know we're all going through this together and this is a GREAT place to find so much info as well as support from others. Welcome!

Thats it exactly I am excited yet scared at the same time. I spent some time yesterday reading posts from others who have had or are waiting so I know this isn't an unusual feeling. Thank you for the support and encouragement.

[blondeej 111]

welcome Mrs T and Shiffle!!

[juli21 2]

So...it looks like I will be banded January 27. Already been approved by the insurance. Meet with surgeon, the social workerand the nutritionist. Will meet with nutritionist again on December 22. At that time I will schedule another appointment with the nutritionist and the appointment with the nurse to start the pre op.

[amybethy 0]

Well my last 4 days before my pre-op diet startes ill be in the wisconsin dells on vacation so needless to say I'm not going to be following any rules and there is an awesome new years buffet at the one hotel we will be at. So that will be my big last meal lol then start the pre-op diet on the 3rd.

[stl2atl07 0]

I began this process over a year ago now, I went to my seminar December 5, 2009. Even before that I went to meet a Surgeon's office, and was horrific by the surroundings. I decided not to use him, and looked elsewhere. It has been quite a journey to this place where I am now.

I got insurance approval I think back in June. I had to turn in my letter from a Psychologist saying he recommeded me for the Surgery, a Letter from my MD saying she thought I needed the surgery including all my cormorbidities(sp); I have cardiomyopathy, hypertension, diabetes, severe back pain, pickinwickin syndrome and reflux, You also had to send a 10 years history of dieting.

My Bariartic Center requires a $600.00 program fee it includes your nutrtiion class, your visits with the Dietietian, and lifetime support groups. You have to pay this fee at the time of your nutrition class.

I had all my pretesting done this month, My EGD, EKG, My Chest Xray, My Blood work., My Pulmonary function test. Everything has been completed.

My Nutrition class has been postponed until the January 3rd at 8am. As soon as I finished up with that, I can schedule my appointed with my surgeon, and schedule my surgery. Hopefully I will still be getting a January Date. That's what I discussed with Eletha, the coordinator at the center.

Everything is done but the nutrition class, and Im approved. I have to say Im glad to have one more New Years Eve to Celebrate, I just need to find something to do!

[stl2atl07 0]

Well my last 4 days before my pre-op diet startes ill be in the wisconsin dells on vacation so needless to say I'm not going to be following any rules and there is an awesome new years buffet at the one hotel we will be at. So that will be my big last meal lol then start the pre-op diet on the 3rd.

\

Have fun in the Wisconsin Dells, I was close to there once, it looked like an amazing place! Enjoy the buffet, but don't make yourself sick thinking this is my last meal. You will still be able to eat, and eat foods you like. Just in healthy portions. We are gonna be GREAT!

[Big Girl Getting Smaller 0]

Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be a January bandster! We shall see!! I am being banded in Savannah, GA by Dr. Angstadt.. They have a pretty decent program, I think most of the requirements are the same for the self-pay and the insurance patients though....

Info seminar

2 support groups (pre-op)

1 nutrition evaluation

Psych evaluation

Surgery clearance (for me that is from primary care and from cardiologist because I have heart disease)

1 fitness education class

1 band education class

Of course there are a few other things like paying my "program fee" ($275, that inculdes the support groups post-op, nutrition classes if they feel as though I need them after)

I have completed the original consult, the info seminar, going to a support group in the morning, got thumbs up by the psych evaluation and by my cardiologist, and have also done the nutrition education... I saw my PCP today to give her some of the paper work that is needed- so I will get all of that together and hopefully everything will be there to submit to my insurance... I guess my insurance required a 6 month diet/workout program by my physician, but they are changing that requirement come January, so they didn't make me start it just to have to changed- so it was waived... I am going to a support group tomorrow morning, and then another one the first week of January- so that will be marked off the list... Just have to come up with the 275 and attend the band education class- and all should be ready to go I guess...

[Big Girl Getting Smaller 0]

I attended the introduction seminar and I am interested in the bypass surgery. I have 150# to loose. I am also in Savannah, GA., same doctors.

Can I ask you how long you have been with the program from start to now? How long does it take before you actually get to the surgery? Does the program move along quite quickly? What expenses have you incured to date? Are any of these covered by your insurance?

Have you been on the 2 week liquid pre-op diet? What did you drink and where did you find your drinks?

Thanks for your time? Good luck with your surgery.

[s-girl 0]

Hey Im having my surgery Jan 20th. Im a little bet scared but can't wait. My husband had it done two years ago and he looks great.

If you're planning on being banded in January your either half way thru your 6 month wait or you've just recently met with your surgeon and you're beginning your 3 month wait filled with dr appts and nutrition classes.

I have aetna and I only have to wait three months but it'll be filled jam packed w/ dr appts and classes, etc...

I went to see a pulmonologist last week and he wants me to get a breathing test, chest x-ray and sleep study. Saw the GI yesterday and my endoscopy is set for 11/5 and my cardiologist is Friday - can't wait to see what HE has in store for me - haha --- I'm actually excited to get this "work up of the stars" --- how many others are thankful for all these tests (cause when else would we get them done??)

My BMI is under 40 and my last two years worth of weights was around a 35 but I have diabetes and high triglicerides...hoping that this is acceptable for aetna approval cause I'm gaining and not losing no matter what I do - I presently need to lose 80-90 pounds and there is no way I could do it on my own with the diabetes and hypo-thyroidism. :laugh:

I'm curious to know who is getting banded in January (My surgery date is 1/18/11 if approved). I'd love to hear your stories and concerns - anything at all --- just want to put together a group for those that are planning a new life style come January - I can't think of a better new years resolution!!!! :thumbup: ~Renee

[kdyke111909 0]

Hello All

I am planned to be banned on 01-14-11.... I am so excited!!

[melzie_99 22]

Getting more and more anxious to get started...my pre op diet starts in 6 days which means surgery is less than 3 weeks away!!! I can't wait to start my new life; very happy I finally put my foot down and decided to follow through with doing something good for myself. Even more happy to report I just found out my surgeon's office is a Center of Excellence; I kept hearing about it and finally looked into it and there he was! Makes me feel even more confident than before. I hope this enthusiasm stays with me; I'm sure the next month or two is going to be rather interesting (lol). Good luck to everyone!

[amberakamom 13]

I'm done with all my testing. Just waiting for them to call me to let me know insurance has approved! I was excited to learn that my surgeons office provides all the Protein Powder and Vitamins.

[Stephy5 33]

Its official. I am a January bandster. I am so excited. Found out today the insurance said yes and my date is 1/19... Wow our lives will change for the better in time for the new year. How lucky are we?

I am looking so forward to meeting everyone and sharing stories.

[melzie_99 22]

I'm so ready for this to get started; I'm beginning to get a bit edgy. My husband, who has said little to nothing about this whole process, asked me if I was having lapband or gastric bypass. I was a little surprised since all this time I've been talking about lap band; I've NEVER expressed an interest in the bypass. He then wanted me to know that he "knows someone who had the surgery" and that I needed to know that I won't be able to eat the same way I do now. I got aggrevated with him because it made me feel like he thought I was an idiot; of COURSE I know that! What does he think I've been doing all this time; just decided one day surgery was a magic cure all and I could just sit back and let it all happen? He then got upset because he said I never want to listen but I told him he was making me feel like an idiot and that he it made it seem like he was expecting me to fail before I even get started because this "friend" told him the process isn't easy. I know I'm probably being overly sensitive, but I hate feeling like people think this is just another fly-by-night thing I'm trying that I'm going to fail. This is part of the reason why I didn't even want to talk to anyone about it, but I hate keeping secrets from my family...