February '09 bandsters?

[LifeStartsNow 0]

Good advice - and thanks. I think you're right about the options. If I don't make it with my current ins - it is a PPO in fact - it runs out March 31 and our company is changing to only one option which is cigna and won't cover it unless I am at a bmi of 40 or greater for more than 2 years. Also, my husband's insurance doesn't cover it either so the only other option I think is Mexico. Self pay here is about 18K. Thanks for the info you gave me. I'm just so very happy for you - truly -b/c since you have had to wait so long - I'm sure it is that much more meaningful to you for it to be approved. You go!

[froggin4colorado 0]

Froggin here...my preop consists of 3 days on a liquid diet. So, on Feb 13th, I will start on only liquids and go in for surgery on the 16th. They said I couldn't use my Breville juicer to juice fresh fruits and veggies because of the amount of sugar in fruits. So that means I can't have store bought juice either. So, I am considering doing strictly Water or use the Master Cleanse that weekend. Its also known as the lemonade diet--it keeps hunger down and it cleans your system out which is what I understand what they want me to do. Fasting is such a wonderful thing to do if you want your body to start repairing itself!! I think that is the most exciting part for me, letting my body clean itself out while fasting 3 days before hand and the 2 weeks after surgery. The part that sucks is the side effects of your body dumping all the crap- toxins...headaches, sweats, chills, feeling fluish, etc. I've always wished I had enough will power to do a long fast but could never go for very long. I know some on here will bash me on this but if you read about rawfoodism and research the benefits of fasting, hopefully you might not burn me at the stake!

[exumtam 0]

Froggin ..............Very interesting.... Really never heard or thought of it before.. will research it a bit more. My sil does a colon cleanse but nothing like what you do. hummm.

[shellyphaunts 0]

3 more days and I will be banded!! I don't know what time my surgery is on Monday, but I will keep you guys posted on everything..

Good luck to everyone :thumbup:

Laurr, Congrats!!

I, too, will be banded on Monday. :eek: My surgery is scheduled for 3:30pm. I can't eat or drink after midnight the night before. I have NO clue how I am going to get thru an entire day with no water!!! food, not a problem. But I am one of those people who constantly has a glass of Water in their hand. I may go nuts!!! Maybe I should just sleep until noon, then get ready and head to the hospital.

Anyway, good luck to you!

And to the rest of us fabulous February folk!

Hugs,

[tink0527 0]

I'm 6 days out with the per-op diet. It's harder than I thought it was going to be. Feb. 10th can not come soon enough!!

[wendyg 0]

Hi all, my surgery is scheduled for Monday at 8:45 so I have to be there at 6:45. 10 day pre-op liquids has gone OK, but I have eaten cottage cheese a few times - so I guess that is 'cheating'. I was super nervous at the begining of this week but I feel lots better now, plus I've dropped 8 lbs!! The Unjury is not too bad though, I'm going to buy some other kinds today from costco and Trader Joe's . . . any experiences you all have had on the liquid diet with Protein?

[JayinMA 1]

Hey all I'm getting banded on wednesday and this weekend I'm going to be shopping for my post-op needs, Just wondering if you've done your shopping, what have you picked up?

Right now I have liquid tylenol, gas-x strips, chewable vitamins, heating pad, and lip balm...

[emmage 0]

Hey all I'm getting banded on wednesday and this weekend I'm going to be shopping for my post-op needs, Just wondering if you've done your shopping, what have you picked up?

Right now I have liquid tylenol, gas-x strips, chewable vitamins, heating pad, and lip balm...

Excuse my ignorance...Im being banded on the 23rd Feb - what do you need the heating pad for? What are gas x strips?

Thanks

Em

X

[owhynot 0]

Hey all I'm getting banded on wednesday and this weekend I'm going to be shopping for my post-op needs, Just wondering if you've done your shopping, what have you picked up?

Right now I have liquid tylenol, gas-x strips, chewable vitamins, heating pad, and lip balm...

Hello to all my fellow Febs!

Tuesday is my day....yikes!

So right now I am making chicken stock, and have already frozen some stock and beef stew to have on hand over the next few weeks. Gotta get the popsicles and Jello next.

Today I had to buy some different Protein Shakes (ended up getting packets of SF Carnation Instant Breakfast) because I was having an allergic reaction to the EAS whey Protein Powder. I was getting itchy Patches on the back of my hands, upper lip, and a rash under my wedding rings. Since that has never happened before, I had to blame the Protein, and my nutritionist agrees. So, hopefully I can tolerate the Carnation without an problems....

Also got myself set up with a new water bottle and chewable Vitamins, finally. Tomorrow going shopping with my best friend for household things, and will add some of your post-op supply suggestions to the list. I'm not expected to spend the night in the hospital, but will probably bring those extra panties too!

Wow- it's hard to believe that the big day is almost here :thumbup: but at least I know I am not alone.

Good luck to the Monday folks- please let us know how it all goes for you!

And thanks to those who post about their experiences- it really does help us 'newbies'! :thumbup:

[LifeStartsNow 0]

Good Luck WendyG!! Monday and your new life begins! I saw those 20g protien shakes at costco today - but I've never tried them. Let me know how you like them.

Edited February 2, 2009 by LifeStartsNow

[ravin2faith 0]

I have gone through all the requirement of the sleep study, blood work, psych, letter of medical necessity, 5 year weight history pheeew and now I have to wait for my claim to be processed by BCBSIL and hopefully it is approved. Waiting is the worst! I cannot sleep because I am so worried about what the decision is going to be.

[wendyg 0]

Good Luck WendyG!! Monday and you're new life begins! I saw those 20g protien shakes at costco today - but I've never tried them. Let me know how you like them.

Hey thanks!! I'm going to Costco today and will let you know, I bought EAS from Walmart yesterday - the premixed ones . . . a little pricey but wow, so good! 42g in 17 oz.

[ascobb 0]

I'll be banded Feb 4th. I'm SO excited and just as nervous.

[ascobb 0]

Hopefully I'll have my lapband done in Feb also. My paperwork is being submitted to BCBSTx fep today. Does anyone know how long the approval/denial takes once submitted?

I have the same insurance (BCBS Basic FEP). As long as your BMI meets criteria and you're using a surgeon and surgical center that is a preferred provider, you're surgery should be covered. BCBS FEB does not give prior authorization for the surgery. They will give your doctor an approval number that just shows the plan covers the surgery. Once your surgeon submits the claim to BCBS, they will review it for medical necessity. Only after that will they decide if they're going to pay for it. It's a bit like russion roulette, but I've been told by multiple coworkers that they didn't have any problems.

Just make sure you keep documentation of previous weight loss attempts so that if BCBS wants more information, you'll be able to provide it.

My surgery is Feb 4th.

Good luck!!!

[Babe 0]

just wanted to wish all you Feb 2 bandster good luck! let us know how it goes.