DH & I will be getting banded in January. I would love to share this experience with others.:closedeyes:

I got my good news today...... My insurance approved me today.... I go 12/10/09 to my Doctor to see when my ban date is....

My surgery is scheduled for Feb 4th. It was originally supposed to be for Dec 18th, but I work retail and my job did not want me to be out during the holidays.

I am extremely nervous about the surgery itself. As for living with the band, I'm ready for that part of this journey. I can't wait to slim down and be active and be able to do things I've never been able to.

Its just that I've never had any kind of surgery and I've never been under anethesia. I'm just freaking out about it. But other than that, I'm so excited. Two months from today!

I just found out today that my insurance company wants a "peer to peer" discussion with my surgeon. The insurance person in the surgeon's office said it wasn't a denial, just need more info. The conference between them in Dec 9 so am hoping for an early January date.

However, I cam down with Shingles the day before Thanksgiving. I'm sure they won't do anything until this clears up and I don't know how long the shingles last. I just know they HURT!

I feel so bad for you. They are jealous of your resolve to become a healthier and happier person. DO NOT LET them pull you down. They are afraid that they too will have to face their food addictions when you start looking and feeling fabuous. Stick to it and GOOD LUCK.

My family is supportive but feel that I am taking an easy way out. We just don't talk about it much. I think my surgery will be in January. Have to get over a bout of Shingles.

I am scheduled to be banded on January 4th. ( if I don't chicken out) I have been going back and forth with this decision for about 6 months now. One day I don't want to do it and then the next day when I can't fit in my clothes, I am all ready to get it over with! I hope I'm not the only one that feels this way. I am going to be 57 a few days after the surgery and I keep asking myself do I really want to do this at my age? I am diabetic and take insulin 3-4 times daily and also have high blood pressure so I know that losing this 50 or so pounds will probably help me there but I get so scared when I think about giving up all the foods that I love and also the throwing up thing. I HATE throwing up!!! Anyway, good luck to all of you January bandsters and I hope I will be one of you. Maybe we can start some kind of special thread just for us so we can keep up with each other. I would do it, but not sure how to. Maybe one of you can start one.

:wink2::biggrin:

Hi you sound like you could be me!! I am 58, with diabetes, high blood pressure along with about 10 other things. I am scheduled to be banded this Wednesday, 12/9. My doctor said this would affect my diabetes and high blood pressure, but more slowing than gastric bipass. I am excited and still nervous. I feel like I just don't have a handle on the diet portion of it all. I am going to call my nutrionist on Monday at talk to her. Hope it helps.:wink2:

Not really sure which one I'm replying to but I also am in my late 50's and wondering if this such a good idea at my age, but I am so tired of being fat. I'm still waiting on insurance approval. There is already a thread started for January Bandsters. I think if you just type that in the search it will come up. There are quite a few people scheduled for January 2009. Let's stay intouch.

Marge

I am so glad to have found this thread. I wish all of us success and cyber-friendship for years to come.

Nancy

1.What is your current and goal weight?247/140

2.What is your surgery date? 1/6/3010

3.What is your age? 62

4.Where do you live? Michigan

5.Where are you having surgery? University of Michigan Hospital

6.Who is your Doctor?? Jonathan Finks

7.Insurance or self-pay? Insurance

8.What was your "deciding factor" for having this surgery? For me it was a heart attack in July 2008. While I was still in the hospital I spoke with the cardiologist about this surgery and he said wait 18 months (January 2010) and go for it. I'm going for it!!!

Nancy, I am originally from Michigan. We lived in Grand Rapids for years and are now living in Florida. Am hoping for a January date but so far still waiting for insurance approval.

:thumbup:Good luck on your surgery and your new life.

Well, one month from tomorrow I will be banded. I am happy, nervous and excited. I really can't wait.

I don't have the support of my family. My mother says why are you doing this and you can do it on your own. Why sould you starve yourself. Thats why I weigh 366 and she is close to 400. You would think she would be more understanding,

My daughter is taking me to and from the hospital. She is really not interested. She's 18 and about 290.

When I started the process two and a half years ago (insurance problems) I told my best friend of 15 years she stopped talking to me. Only started talking to me 3 weeks ago. I am not going to tell her.

I am going to need the support of my LAP-BAND® family who do understand.

When I get to goal I'm gonna do everything.

Congratulations Joyce for making the decision to change and possible save your life despite the negative reactions from your friends and family! You must be a very strong woman!!! I bet your decision makes your mom and daughter take a look at their lives and perhaps it's not something they are ready to deal with. As far as your friend goes...she doesn't seem like a very good one :w00t:. I've been lucky with the reactions from family and the friends I've told, all have been supportive and encouraging. Although I discovered yesterday that my "best friend" told the ONLY person I didn't want to tell. But I'll deal with him later :tongue2:.

Hopefully your family will come around when they see how much success you're having, perhaps it couldhave a positive impact on their lives. A healthier mom and daughter should be something they encourage and I bet they will come along. Stay strong!!!

Nhverve

Thanks so much for the support. I hope my mom and daughter come around, the friend is not really a friend.

Hi All,

I am new to this site. I just received my date of January 9th. I have been reading alot on this site and think that it is a great way to support each other. I have learned alot of valuable information already and hope to continue. I am not looking forward to the liquid portion of pre-op but it has to be done. If anyone has any advice I could use it.

Hi Joyce,

I am in a similar situation where I feel that I am only able to tell one person, my friend since 4th grade, who understands my weight problem. My roommate/boyfriend of 5 years does not want me to get it and tells me this everyday since I started looking into it. I feel that the rest of my family would not be supportive so I am going to see how it goes without them. If you need any support I am here.

I got my official insurance approval 3 days ago and I have my appointment with my surgeon on Dec 18. After talking to the nurse, she said that they are setting dates about 3 weeks out, which would put me mid to end January. I am using my BCBS. I was happily suprised it only took 1-1/2 for the approval. Preapproval...I had to go to the pulmonologist, a nutritionist and a psychologist and I had to get my weight records sent to my surgeon to show that I have been overweight for atleast 3 years...but that was no problem at all, since i have been overweight my whole life.I am gonna be 31 on the 8th of December and do not to be still at the weight that i am when i turn 32. My concern is what and who to tell. I have the 100% support of my immediate family and my closest friend. But I really dont know what to tell the people at work (I am gonna be missing a week) and the rest of my family and friends. They think that that losing weight is simple...mind you they are all toothpicks. My nutritionist suggests that I just tell them that i am seeing a nutritionist and be done with it...but that wont help me with the excuse for missing work though. I am so glad I found this site....The idea of having support from those that are going through the same thing as me at the same time as me is just wonderful. Lets do this together!

Edited December 5, 200916 yr by krstjump03

hey well i hope ill be banded in jan i have my consultation with the sergen next thursday so im hoping i will have a x-mas give of a lifetime

Hey Krstjump03,

My BCBS only took a day too for approval and I was so surprised. It took the scheduler about 2 weeks to call me and set the appointments though. My Dr. consultation is on Dec 18th as well and then endoscopy on the 22nd. I have been through one before and they are not that bad. I still have to do my cardiologist and pulmonologist appts but those are easy too. Good luck with it all. I am NOT telling work because it is none of their business. I will tell them I had to get my appendix out or go in for minor surgery but that is it. I did at first tell a couple of people at work that I was considering it and it was mixed reviews, so that is when I decided not to say anything. The people I work with are on Jenny Craig so I feel like what the heck do they care anyway. Well good luck with it....maybe tell them you are going on vacation!