Any October Bandsters!??!?!

SoCalCass · September 16, 2008

I'm going to Mexico too in Oct. the 21st. with Dr. Lopez Corvala

Vicki - you will like him. I was originally going to see him. My good friend that got me turned onto the LapBand had him and she loved him and the hospital staff there. Good luck on your journey!

SoCalCass · September 16, 2008

Hello everyone! Just checking in to see if any of your started your pre-ops yet? How are all of you! I can't believe that October is right around the corner.

I must admit - I went out this weekend with all of my bestest friends. We went to this CRAZY sushi bar where you Saki Bomb and dance on the chairs - their liability insurance must be through the roof! LOL! Anyways... in the beginning of the night I was introduced to one of my friends co-workers. She was having such a great time.

I didn't realize it at the time, but found out later that she had weight loss surgery. She is one year post-op and had already lost 100 pounds. Looking back I noticed that she said she didn't drink beer nor the chamange in the limo earlier. I didn't think anything of it, but once she told me she had the surgry I knew why.

She did order a glass of wine and explained that she has turned into a really cheap date. We both laughed and went on to talk about our stories. I just wanted to share with all of you this story. I was really worried that I would miss out on these crazy nights with my friends after the band ans she just proved to me that you can still have fun - just in a different way.

salome000 · September 16, 2008

October 1st for me! Dr. Pirello at Carolina Weight Loss in Concord, NC. I have a question, though. I'm sure it'll take awhile until we need to worry about this but we can eat 4 oz at a time. How many times a day? How many calories can be consumed before compromising the weight loss? I'm thinking 1200 but I'd like to hear from banders who are completing six months to a year

Vickie · September 16, 2008

Vicki - you will like him. I was originally going to see him. My good friend that got me turned onto the LapBand had him and she loved him and the hospital staff there. Good luck on your journey!

Dear SoCal Cass998058:

It's reassuring to hear someone that knows about Dr. Corvala because my family is thinking she is really taking a leap of faith to go into a foreign country and have surgery and some family members don't mine saying--You have completely lost your mind. So Thanks!

Good luck with your lapband as well. :rolleyes:

Regards,

Vickie

Renita · September 16, 2008

Hello.

My surgery date is set for October 8th. I am so excited and everything seems to be going so fast at this point.

September 25th will be all of my pre-op tests at the hospital, my bloodwork labs,gallbladder untrasound and EKG etc... I purchased all of my vitimans,calcium and Protein shakes and have been on a diet plan to help with shrinking the liver..lost 9 lbs in a week

I have started walking 1-2 miles a day..very motivaited for this life change!!

Excited to see some October Bandsters!!

Renita

NEWLIFE4BEV · September 16, 2008

Renita,

Sounds like you are organized and on your way!! Good for you!! Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted!

Bev

Renita · September 16, 2008

Bev,

Your surgery is planned for Oct.2?

That is very close also!! I am diabetic also-I take Actos daily and I am hoping once I loose enough weight I can get off of the meds.

Have you already done your pre-op tests?

Renita

NEWLIFE4BEV · September 16, 2008

Yes, I have already done all the tests, just waiting now. I see the doctor on Sept 22nd- then just wait until Oct 2nd I guess.

I used to take Actos but I needed something stronger I guess. I was taking Medformin for a long time also. Now I am taking Lantos (injection) twice a day plus Novalog (another injection) before every meal to cover the carbs. I still do not have good control. My endricrinolgist is the one who suggested the surgery.

My hope is to get off diabetic meds, also. I am walking now, too- trying to do 5 miles a week.

I don't know how to handle the meds after the surgery.....the doctor just says that I'll have to take lots of blood sugars and see what happens. Very vague. I know that the surgery will not "cure" diabetes like the gastric bypass seems to, but it's got to help!!!!

Let's keep in touch.

Bev

Michele777 · September 16, 2008

I am going to be a October bandster, lord willing. I have insurance approval and just have to get my pre-surg testing and classed out of the way. Then the doctor will schedule my surgery. Dr. Edward Lin with Emory in Atlanta, Georgia. I am really excited and nervous.

I am really glad that I found this thread.

ebflyhi2 · September 16, 2008

Hi cassie I am hoping that i will be banded at the end of oct and would love some support! ebony

Renita · September 17, 2008

Bev,

I was on Medformin but it didn't agree with my stomach.

I am now on 45mg once a day of the Actos and it seems to be fine..my last A1c was at 7.

Yes, I am hoping that the band will help my diabietes and I have already stopped the carbs..I only eat salads and drink diet shakes for now to loose before surgery.

Let me know how your appointment goes on the 22nd!

Way to go on the walking by the way!

I think that is one of the best pre-op things that we can do personally. I hope it makes my recovery quicker :thumbup:

take care-Renita

LynnN · September 17, 2008

Ohhhhh....I can hardly bear the wait!!!! I've been approved by insurance, (took 3 days!) but I can't take time off from work until October. I was told I'd be told of my date by end of the week. Until then I'm holding my breath!! I've read every weight-loss surgery book now, some twice. My life is just revolving around this waiting!!! I am addicted to this site and read most threads. So much great information here!

I had an interesting phone call from my insurance co yesterday (Anthem Blue Cross). A bariatric case worker has been assigned to me!! She's had a Lap-Band for 18 months and loves it. Obviously, Anthem REALLY feels it is in their best interest that I succeed at this! I understand that's not the way all insurance companies feel, with all the trouble they give some people!

Edited September 17, 2008 by LynnN

Renita · September 17, 2008

Lynn,

Funny you mentioned your insurance. I had Bl/BS of Illinois last year and they had so many different requirments and all before they would even consider approval so I pretty my gave up on the band altogether -well, I should say was trying to figure out how to self pay--we were on vacation in Flordia with the kids in July and I was sitting on the beach feeling like a WHALE--very depressed about everything when my cell phone rang it was a call from my weight loss nurse and she asked if my insurance was now Anthem and I said yes and she said well they will approve the band and all you will have to cover is the hospital part!!! I was so excited!!

When the insurance changed over to Anthem I didn't think to check with the WL doctor to see if their coverage was different so I am just thrilled that somehow my nurse noticed this change and called me!! She is an angel on earth and I am now on my way...this site is WONDERFUL!! I agree..anything you can think of or concern you may have is somewhere on this site!!

Take Care and best of luck :thumbup:

Renita

LynnN · September 17, 2008

Renita,

I hope you get your approval as quickly as I got mine!!! I had to undergo more pre-surgery testing than most due to my age and recent cancer history....otherwise I'd be banded by now!

Good luck to you!

Renita · September 17, 2008

Lynn,

I am approved. I got my approval in three days of subbmitting my psych eval--my pre op tests are next week Sept. 25 and my surgery date is scheduled for Oct. 8th

sorry if I wasn't clear..lol..I was just giving a history of my insurance issues until we got Anthem

Renita