I am awaiting approval and can hardly stand the wait. I am so ready for my new way of life! I am 37 and I have a 35 bmi w comord's. I am wondering if there is anything I should be doing in the meantime before I have the procedure?

when will you be banded, I would say to use a small plate when you eat and eat your protien first that would be a good start

I don't know where you are in Texas, but my nutritionist only told me that for pre-op, I should be concentrating on learning to sip small amounts of liquid, give up caffeine and carbonated drinks, eat more protein than anything, eat little carbs, but good ones, and no starches if possible. My surgeon is in McAllen - are you anywhere near there? I am looking for support groups nearer to Brownsville.

Thanks for the tips! I am also in McAllen. Which doctor did you use? When was your surgery?

I live in Brownsville, but am using Ernesto Garza in McAllen and will be banded at McAllen Heart Hospital. Brownsville and Harlingen don't have any surgeons in my insurance network. It's been a long road, but am hoping to get final approval next week and then I hope they'll schedule surgery right away. I have chronic pancreatitis caused by diabetes and am gaining weight like crazy!

I am using dr.reyes. I believe they work together. I have heard great things about their practice.

Dr. Reyes is the best! It's so funny because my primary care doc referred me to Dr. Reyes, but the office girls said I could get it done quicker with Dr. Garza so I agreed. That was back in June!!!! So much for moving quickly! At this point, tho, I don't care which one of them does it as long as it gets done and done right. They have a good reputation. Maybe I'll see you at a support group, because I'm thinking McAllen will be the closest place to go unfortunately for me.

Well what is taking so long? My claim was submitted to insurance last week - so I wonder how long I can expect now? Hopefully will see you at support group!

My insurance company said it will take up to 14 deays, and I'm only a week into filing. Dr. Garza's office was incredibly slow in doing things - they're too busy! Did you meet with the nutritionist next door?

My insurance company said it will take up to 14 deays' date=' and I'm only a week into filing. Dr. Garza's office was incredibly slow in doing things - they're too busy! Did you meet with the nutritionist next door?[/quote']

Yes, I did. I think I have done everything. Is there anything left after insurance submission?

I don't know. I'm in the same boat as you. I'm hoping the office will call me and tell me I've been approved and that they want to schedule the surgery. The only other thing I could think of would be a 2-3 week pre-op diet of some sort. Let me know when you hear from insurance, and I'll do likewise.

I angry! I just got off the phone with my insurance carrier, and they tell me that the surgeon's office requested surgery for yesterday! Nobody told me!~!~! Now I have to call Garza'S office so they can explain how this all happened! The carrier says to go ahead and have the surgery even though the preauth request is still pending! I am very confused, upset and frustrated with Garza/Reyes' office! Will keep you posted.

Well, I finally got approval today after lots of phone calls to both Dr. Garza's office and the insurer. Surgery is scheduled for next Monday. Any word on yours yet?

I angry! I just got off the phone with my insurance carrier' date=' and they tell me that the surgeon's office requested surgery for yesterday! Nobody told me!~!~! Now I have to call Garza'S office so they can explain how this all happened! The carrier says to go ahead and have the surgery even though the preauth request is still pending! I am very confused, upset and frustrated with Garza/Reyes' office! Will keep you posted.[/quote']

Oh no. That is terrible! I can't imagine what happened. But I guess the good news is that you are approved! So happy for you. I haven't heard anything yet. I will call tomorrow - keep me updated

Well' date=' I finally got approval today after lots of phone calls to both Dr. Garza's office and the insurer. Surgery is scheduled for next Monday. Any word on yours yet?[/quote']

Yay! So soon. That is great. Glad u got it worked out. Are you on any special diet? So who is your insurance co?

Remember, I am old enough to be your mother, so because of disabilities I am already on SS and get Medicare. I have a Medicare Advantage policy that covers everything Medicare coveres plus more. This surgery is a Medicare approved surgery for diabetics who are obese, so approval must be given within 14 days. I'm with Physicians Health Choice. I read somewhere, though, that insurance companies must give an answer within 30 days. You can call yours and ask for a status and ask about how long it should take and then you'll have some guidance.

I'm going in on Thursday to pick up paperwork and pre-register at the hospital. I'll probably get instructions about fasting the night before, but I just don't think they put their patients on a special pre-op unless there are reasons for it. I do know I was supposed to stick to low carb, which I didn't do (vacation came up) so have a gained a couple pounds since they last saw me. I don't know what they'll say about that. I'll keep you posted...