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

Hi there,

I'm not sure what you mean by a 6 or 3 month wait. I was approved within 2-3 weeks. Did some test and am now scheduled within 1.5 month of my start date for surgery. I am scheduled for Jan. 7th. I also did not meet the BMI of 40 but, had health issues. I am so excited to be on this journey.

some insurance companies require you to go through 3 or 6 months of medically supervised weight loss and get all the testing and consults before you can even submit for pre-authorization. once youve jumped through all the hoops, actually getting approved is usually pretty quick. it was about 6 days between my info being submitted and my doctors receiving my approval.

Hi everyone, my name is Jessica Alexander. I am in PA. I am was waiting patiently by the phone for the call that my surgery would be scheduled. I was already on my preop diet with hopes that everything would go smooth for surgery the Monday after Christmas. However, it did not, and they were still waiting on records from one of my specialists. So finally I have been scheduled and insurance approved for Jan 11th. Its been a long road to this point. I was on my 5th month when I found out I had a fractured spleen 2 months later and 2 MRIs later I was finally cleared. I am so happy. My peak weight was 339. That was my 2nd month of my 6 month visits. That was my "Moment" that opened my eyes. That day I changed my life. Started really watching what I eat, count calories, and portion control. As of today I am 298 on my own. That is 41 lbs in 6 months. I can only imagine how it will be after I have the surgery. I am so excited to get this wonderful tool to help me. I have not been under 300 lbs in 8 years or maybe even longer. I have been overweight since I was 12. I have a prolactinoma tumor which effects me hormonally. I have PCOS, endomitriosis, and Interstitial Cystitis of the bladder. And hormones effect everything. God has blessed me with 2 beautiful angels (my children). Now I must do everything in my power to be here for them and my husband as long as possible. I am on day 1 of my preop diet and feeling very hungry. I think it is all in my head. It will be nice to meet many people like me. Good luck all and God Bless.

hi guys

i am living in dublin and travelling to brussells to have it done

op 11th of jan...this day 2 weeks it will be all over

will be glad when its over and done with

Hi everyone, my name is Jessica Alexander. I am in PA. I am was waiting patiently by the phone for the call that my surgery would be scheduled. I was already on my preop diet with hopes that everything would go smooth for surgery the Monday after Christmas. However, it did not, and they were still waiting on records from one of my specialists. So finally I have been scheduled and insurance approved for Jan 11th. Its been a long road to this point. I was on my 5th month when I found out I had a fractured spleen 2 months later and 2 MRIs later I was finally cleared. I am so happy. My peak weight was 339. That was my 2nd month of my 6 month visits. That was my "Moment" that opened my eyes. That day I changed my life. Started really watching what I eat, count calories, and portion control. As of today I am 298 on my own. That is 41 lbs in 6 months. I can only imagine how it will be after I have the surgery. I am so excited to get this wonderful tool to help me. I have not been under 300 lbs in 8 years or maybe even longer. I have been overweight since I was 12. I have a prolactinoma tumor which effects me hormonally. I have PCOS, endomitriosis, and Interstitial Cystitis of the bladder. And hormones effect everything. God has blessed me with 2 beautiful angels (my children). Now I must do everything in my power to be here for them and my husband as long as possible. I am on day 1 of my preop diet and feeling very hungry. I think it is all in my head. It will be nice to meet many people like me. Good luck all and God Bless.

hi jess

we are having ours the same day

the beginning of the rest of our lives

good luck xx

Hi Everyone!

I'm havng my surgery on January 10th! I'm very excited. I live in North Carolina and will be having my surgery done at Duke Raleigh Hospital. I have actually had a really easy process. Thank God! I went to my first seminar in October, had my first appointment with the surgeon a week later, did my psych eval and nutritionist consult within the next 2 weeks, had to get a scope, then I was approved by BCBSNC.

Wanted to say GOOD LUCK to everyone getting banded in January! Also, if you live in NC (or even if you don't) please contact me if you need pointers or info regarding the pre-op process. I would be more than happy to help!

Amanda

I am hoping to get banded in Jan or Feb. I still haven't toldmy mother that Iam going tohave the surgery. My husband and kids know but I don't think I am going to tell anyoneone elsenot yet anyway.

I know how you feel on that I havent told my mom yet cause I dont want to hear her mouth. Plus I dont want to be discouraged in any way. They dont understand that its really hard to get the weight off by yourself. My husband dont want me to have the surgery cause he think that I am going to get too small. Which is a stupid way of thinking because its for my health.

Congrats! Im on the 25th of January, starting the liquid on the 11th and am starting to have anxiety. I def second guessed myself so many times also but just trying to look ahead at the future makes it easier...

if u dont mind me asking how big are u

Getting nervous guys ....uggghhh

My last nutritionist appointment is January 4th -- the worst time of the year to be weighed!! in addition to the holidays and all the parties - i was also at an all inclusive in Jamaica for one week a couple weeks back - i've gained some weight and I'm afraid that the weight gain will make my insurance deny me - I can't stop freaking over this ---- anyone know anything regarding this?

After my last nutritionist appt they will submit all my paperwork and we'll go from there

Hey Renee! I'm in the exact same place as you in this process! My last nutritionist appt is also on Jan 4th then everything gets submitted for approval. I'm so freaked out that I haven't lost enough weight and I'm sure I'm going to be a wreak while I'm waiting for the approval to come through! Good luck to you!!

Hi everyone, my name is Jessica Alexander. I am in PA. I am was waiting patiently by the phone for the call that my surgery would be scheduled. I was already on my preop diet with hopes that everything would go smooth for surgery the Monday after Christmas. However, it did not, and they were still waiting on records from one of my specialists. So finally I have been scheduled and insurance approved for Jan 11th. Its been a long road to this point. I was on my 5th month when I found out I had a fractured spleen 2 months later and 2 MRIs later I was finally cleared. I am so happy. My peak weight was 339. That was my 2nd month of my 6 month visits. That was my "Moment" that opened my eyes. That day I changed my life. Started really watching what I eat, count calories, and portion control. As of today I am 298 on my own. That is 41 lbs in 6 months. I can only imagine how it will be after I have the surgery. I am so excited to get this wonderful tool to help me. I have not been under 300 lbs in 8 years or maybe even longer. I have been overweight since I was 12. I have a prolactinoma tumor which effects me hormonally. I have PCOS, endomitriosis, and Interstitial Cystitis of the bladder. And hormones effect everything. God has blessed me with 2 beautiful angels (my children). Now I must do everything in my power to be here for them and my husband as long as possible. I am on day 1 of my preop diet and feeling very hungry. I think it is all in my head. It will be nice to meet many people like me. Good luck all and God Bless.

Fantastic!!! Im proud that you have maintained and lost this much pre op! Im not sure when im getting banded yet but im set to see my surgeon and the scheduler on Monday. Hopefully January will be my date and i can hang out a little in this forum. Best of luck to everyone here!!! Keep trudging the road guys,....it will be worth it in the end!

I think I will get banded on Jan 25th! I am so excited. Looking forward to the final word from insurance.

Hello fellow January Banders!!

Looks like I might be one of the first ones in this group to become banded as my date of surgery is January 4th!! Yikes!!! I now only have 4 days left of my pre-op diet left and just wanted to tell you guys that it does get easier as time goes by. I am on the 2 week protein shake diet for pre-op and it was very hard over Christmas. It was actually unbearable. What was the hardest for me is knowing that I couldn't eat like I used to over Christmas. Even though I know I can still enjoy alot of the same foods, the thought of losing that control of over how much I could eat really scared me and opened my eyes to maybe why I am overweight. I never thought I was an emotional eater but there must be something there that food does for me - I think it just provides so much comfort. But, as much comfort as it has provided it has provided far more discomfort for me and this is what I need to remember. If you ever feel like cheating while on the pre-op I encourage you to come back to this forum as it really helped me to stay on track. Also, I had several headaches over the first week days and was really tired. There were also lots of days that I just wanted to give up surgery just so i could eat and try to do it on my own. But again, I guess this is why I am here. I always gave up just to give into the temptation. Good luck everyone and if you need any encouragement don't hesitate to contact me!!!

I'm scheduled for my surgery the 18th too! I'm excited and nervous all in the same breath. I start the pre op diet on the 2nd. I'm mourning the loss of life as I know it at the present, but grateful for the opportunity to get healthy and extend my life with my beautiful family. My kids are my biggest inspiration.

I too have sleep apnea and am now sleeping with a CPAP machine. I can tell the difference already and I would have never gone for a sleep study on my own.

Wishing you lots of luck as you finish up your testing.

Thanks for starting this topic. Looking forward to keeping up with all of your progress and with those posted here.

I am also on my preop diet.....What wonderful words of encouragement....I sooooo want to cheat...

Hello fellow January Banders!!

Looks like I might be one of the first ones in this group to become banded as my date of surgery is January 4th!! Yikes!!! I now only have 4 days left of my pre-op diet left and just wanted to tell you guys that it does get easier as time goes by. I am on the 2 week protein shake diet for pre-op and it was very hard over Christmas. It was actually unbearable. What was the hardest for me is knowing that I couldn't eat like I used to over Christmas. Even though I know I can still enjoy alot of the same foods, the thought of losing that control of over how much I could eat really scared me and opened my eyes to maybe why I am overweight. I never thought I was an emotional eater but there must be something there that food does for me - I think it just provides so much comfort. But, as much comfort as it has provided it has provided far more discomfort for me and this is what I need to remember. If you ever feel like cheating while on the pre-op I encourage you to come back to this forum as it really helped me to stay on track. Also, I had several headaches over the first week days and was really tired. There were also lots of days that I just wanted to give up surgery just so i could eat and try to do it on my own. But again, I guess this is why I am here. I always gave up just to give into the temptation. Good luck everyone and if you need any encouragement don't hesitate to contact me!!!

Ok so I'm beening so bad this weekend on vacation at thw wisconsin dells and just stuffed me at a huge buffet start the pro-op diet on the 3rd. Surgery on the 12th can't belive its so soon. Have a happy new year all.

I think that Oxford Healthplans is the only ins that does not require a pre-op diet. The only thing is, is that my surgeon requires a 5% weighloss to help shrink the liver prior to surgery. I have 12 pounds to lose then I hope to be banded in December 2010. All of my labs, EKG & the all day seminar are done. My Psyc. eval, chest x-ray & EGD are being done in 3 weeks. I've been working really hard on my diet to get rid of the twelve pounds by November.... Good luck to all of you!!