Hello. My name is Lauri. I first visited this site Aug.2, 2004. Since that time, I have been trying to get approved for the surgery. I have spent alot of time and money and still, I wait. My family is frustrated and keeps asking me if I really think this surg. is worth all the time, stress, and money. Frankly, I am beginning to wonder myself. I have been overweight most of my life and for the past 30 years, losing weight has been the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I go to sleep. I don't want to give up but I am scared, worried, frustrated, and almost broke! I am so afraid that I am going to go through all of the things that my insurance wants me to do and that they might still denie me? Can anyone help me? I guess I just need to talk to someone who won't ask me, "Is that all that you can think about?"

Thanks,

Lauri

5'1 235

PS. When I was younger, my cousin, who died recently, used to call me "little lulu" I would really like to be that person again.

Lauri, how close are you to being through w/ the "rig-a-ma-roll" that your insurance requires? Please follow through on this. You owe it to yourself to get some answers. Hopefully, you will get good news from your insurance company. But you'll never know if you don't first complete their tests. Please try to be patient. It may take a while to get a response from them. Remember, you didn't gain all your excess weight overnight. But you are doing something about it now. In the meantime, please be kind to yourself, try to think positive thoughts, find some type of exercise that you enjoy and can stick with, drink lots of water, and make healthier food choices. Please keep us posted. Best of luck to you!

Hi Lauri,

Believe me, a lot of us understand EXACTLY how you are feeling. My road from first doctor's appointment to final approval was almost 9 months long. It's very hard not to feel obsessed and to agonize over every little step--we know!!

Just take it a day at a time, and don't be afraid to make the calls you need to make to get the show on the road. You're crossing your t's and dotting your i's, so make sure your doctor's office and insurance carrier are on top of it as well. It does take some time, sure, but there should never be more than 30 days between submitting info to the carrier and their answer. And in most cases, it should be a LOT faster than that.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Thank you both for your support and encouragement. It's good to know that there are people out there that have been through this and understand. On the UP side of things- I did join "Curves" 6 weeks ago and have met some wonderful people, lost one pound and 5 inches in my hips!! Thanks for reminding me to drink water! It's so easy to just grab a coke when I feel tired. I look forward to chatting later.

Lauri

Honney, I Know How You Feel About The Insurance Thing. I Waiting 1 Year Exactly To Get Approved. Then I Was Declined Once. I Was Really Upset. I Was About To Give Up But Something Told Me To Try Again. I Finally Was Appoved And I Was Banded On October 5th 2004. I Have Lost 11 Pds Since Then But I Wish I Could Loss More. I Need To Go Get A Fill Because I Can Eat Anything I Want. I Can Also Most Eat 4 Pieces Of Pizza.

Wow! I was told I would be on a liquid diet for nearly 3 MONTHS! I am glad to hear that you were able to have your band done and are doing so well! Keep me informed.

Thanks so much!

Lauri

Honney, I Know How You Feel About The Insurance Thing. I Waiting 1 Year Exactly To Get Approved. Then I Was Declined Once. I Was Really Upset. I Was About To Give Up But Something Told Me To Try Again. I Finally Was Appoved And I Was Banded On October 5th 2004. I Have Lost 11 Pds Since Then But I Wish I Could Loss More. I Need To Go Get A Fill Because I Can Eat Anything I Want. I Can Also Most Eat 4 Pieces Of pizza.

Pizza, two weeks after surgery? This is pretty scary. Did someone tell you that you need to follow a diet of liquids, then mushies for the first 4-6weeks? This is so that your band can heal in place to help prevent slippage later. I would definitely forego the pizza or any other heavy solids for at least a while. And, well.. I hate to tell you (cause I'm sure you know) but Pizza is not really very band/weight loss friendly food.

Lauri, who told you you'd be on a liquid diet for three months??? That's very extreme; most doctors tell their patients liquids for a couple weeks, maybe a month, and then soft foods/mushies for another month at most. 3 months of liquids only would be really tough! What's the thinking behind that?

pizza, two weeks after surgery? This is pretty scary. Did someone tell you that you need to follow a diet of liquids, then mushies for the first 4-6weeks? This is so that your band can heal in place to help prevent slippage later. I would definitely forego the pizza or any other heavy solids for at least a while. And, well.. I hate to tell you (cause I'm sure you know) but Pizza is not really very band/weight loss friendly food.

Leatha,

I totally agree with you!!!! I was so paranoid about following my doctors instructions. I am so surprised that pizza is allowed so soon after surgery. I know docs have different dietary instructions after surgery but this is so far out in left field.

Chris

My nutritionist said 4-6 weeks of liquid only and then 4-6 of what she said should be slushy or watery baby food consistancy. Is that too concervative? She said it was to avoid problems with the band slipping.

Your nutritionist may be basing her advice on what's told to RNY patients. I know when I was given instructions the nutritionist used an RNY direction sheet and then crossed off and altered all the time frames. So the printed sheet said something like 4 weeks liquid diet and she crossed off "4 weeks" and wrote in "7 days." Are you sure your nutritionist isn't giving you advice for RNY patients?

There isn't any such thing as "too conservative," I guess. There won't be any negative aspect to following that sort of diet after surgery except that you'll be starving. Most banded patients are thinking about their first fill at 6 weeks out, but if you're still on liquids that will obviously be out of the question. The need for a fill can only be assessed once someone is totally on solid foods--which, for most people, is at no more than 4-6 weeks out.

Ask again if they're sure you're being given instructions for BANDED patients. I'll bet they're missing the boat on this one.

LoveMe, I second what Alex and Leatha said. Maybe your surgeon had a good reason for letting you eat pizza so soon after surgery. . . but that's not the standard recommendation. When I was in the mushy phase I had some melted cheese and sauce (no crust, no toppings), and I'm not sure even that was such a great menu addition.

Lauri, most of us here can relate to your frustration, and your desire to take control of your body and your life. Waiting for insurance bureaucrats (who haven't even met you) can drive the most patient person totally bonkers, and those of us who aren't patient. . . well, some of us wind up doing self-pay out of sheer exasperation.

I second Alexandra's comment on the nutritionist's diet suggestions. If you do get banded, you'll get used to challenging, and educating, medical professionals who aren't familiar with the band!

It sounds as if you've already done quite a bit of research. If you're having second thoughts, read some more. Don't get the surgery if you aren't sure it's for you. But if you think -- if you KNOW -- it's the right thing to do, don't let anything stand in your way! You'll have lots of support from everyone here. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

Lauri, this forum is about patients w/ Lapbands, not gastric bypass. Is that what you're hoping to get? There's a world of difference between the two. Please be sure that you and your dr. fully understand what you want BEFORE your surgery. The presurgery and post surgery rules are different for both procedures.

I went the insurance route also. First denied, appealed, then 8 months later got my band.

I love your post about "posting w/ kids climbing all over you! LOL I often have demonic symbols flying off my keyboard from a starving cat. LOL

We look forward to getting to know you better. Best of luck to you!

Highjack here, Loveme, please contact your dr. and find out exactly what his postop directions are. Please follow those directions as much as you possibly can. This is very important!

It concerns me that you've been eating too soon following your surgery and not eating "Bandfriendly" foods. You need to give your stomach time to heal from your surgery and let that Band anchor before you're running foods through it. I've eaten pizza toppings a few times, but haven't tried the crust. I'm too afraid that it will get stuck and cause problems.

I know I'm old enough to be your mom, so just consider this from your "mom bandster". We all want you to be successful and not have any problems that could risk you losing your band or possibly endanger your health. Take care!

Thank you all for the encouragment and advice. I am waiting for the band not the bypass. When I talk to my doctor, I will get more specific. I am so ready!!!

Lauri