Just beginning the process

smylie1 · November 6, 2007

Hi, I'm not having any luck "searching" out these questions, so I apologize if these have already been answered a hundred times already.

1. What tests are needed before the actual procedure is scheduled?

2. Has anyone had any trouble with insurance paying (I have BCBS of NC)?

3. Does Lap-Band help the food addict. If I was a smoker, I'd smoke 3 packs a day, but I'm an eater!

4. Has anyone had their procedure done at the Hickory Surgical Center in Hickory, NC? How was your experience?

Thank you so much for your time and attention!!

Mysticalks · November 6, 2007

Hey Smylie!

I'll do my best to try and help you out.

There are a bunch of procedures that need to be taken care of before the actual surgery takes place (even surgery scheduling!) In my personal case, my insurance required me to do a lot of stuff for approval- psych evaluation, cardiology clearance, pulmonology clearance, a test for H. Pylori (a stomach bacteria that causes ulcers), Nutritionist consult, proof that I've tried numerous diet programs and failed over the past 6 months (I got a letter from Jenny Craig stating my weight from the first time I went there until the last visit), proof of my comorbidities (I had to ask my endocronologist for proof of my insulin resistance, PCOS and obesity). This all depends on your insurance requirements, and to get all of this done, it took me 3 months. I have Coventry, and supposedly they're pretty decent when it comes to paying for things!

I was banded on Oct 31 and I'll admit that I LOVE food! I don't know if it would help the food ADDICT, but I think you have to have the right mindset going in. You need to WANT to be healthy and be willing to change your lifestyle. I'm not too happy thinking that there wont be any chocolate, ice cream, etc. But think of it this way: once you're at your goal weight, you can treat yourself here and there with your favorite foods! The lap band is great because it's lessening your food intake. So even if you do buy a cheeseburger and fries at McDonalds, you most likely won't even finish the burger and never get to the fries, so at the end of the day, you're taking in a lot less calories than you usually would. Take my advice though...after going through such a procedure, it wouldn't be too smart to continue to go to fast food restaurants, but I'm sure you know that already LOL (oh how I've heard it a million times from my doctor, friends, family, etc). I think you'll be surprised at how much it might help you. Good luck with your insurance and let us know if you get approved and continue with the lap band journey! I hope I helped!

smylie1 · November 6, 2007

OK, maybe I'm not an addict, I can control it once I get started. That's why I honestly don't know what happens to make me go off the diet programs I've been on. I just lost 30 pounds about a 6 months ago and put it all back on! WHYYYYY!!??? I needed reassurance that there are people out there who love food like I do and it has worked for them.

I am so miserable. I'm 5'5" and weigh about 255. When I got married, I weighed about 115. 16 years and 2 kids later I'm 140 pounds heavier! How does that happen!!!??? My husband says it doesn't matter to him but come on, how can it not? I have no energy, I constantly make "I'm fat" jokes, I hide from people I haven't seen in a while if I see them out somewhere, I just hate it!!

I know people say (and it's true) that losing weight will not fix the problems in your life, but when the only problem in your life is weight related, how can it not? I have a great husband, awesome kids, we're not strapped financially, I like my job...but I feel like I can't be myself because "myself" is buried under all this flab!

OK, thanks for letting my cry on everyone's shoulder!

Mysticalks · November 6, 2007

I think you and I have always been in the same or similar boat! I don't feel as if I have many other problems except for my weight. My weight has caused mostly ALL of the problems in my life--it's caused me to become unhealthy, which has restricted WHAT I can eat, how much energy I have (which is almost none), and has made me take as many pills a day as my 80 year old grandpa. It's always been so difficult to lose weight for me, and that's why I'm hoping that this will finally help me. I'm 1 week post-op tomorrow and I've been on the liquid diet and have already lost about 3 pounds. And it's HARD for me to lose weight, so it's exciting for me!! I don't think I've had enough experience to let you know if it's truly "helped" a food ADDICT yet! I'm so happy to hear that you have such an amazing family- a support group, I feel, is necessary when considering such a procedure. Thanks for letting me cry on YOUR shoulder! lol

smylie1 · November 7, 2007

I called and started the ball rolling today! I am registered for the mandatory information session and I called my insurance and made sure that it is covered if I meet all the criteria. I'm supposed to be receiving the "package" from the doctor's office within the next few days. I'm worried that not having documented proof of my BMI over the last 5 years will hurt my chances with the insurance coverage. I wonder if the sound of sand in my left knee, plantar fascitis, HBP, heart palpatations, and sleep apnea will help. :confused:

I'm anxious to here how things go for you. 3 pounds is awesome!!!!!