Swan56

Well it's official - i am a December Bandster! Got my call today and my tentative date is now set - 12/27. I'm super excited! I'm sure the nervousness will kick in soon as well - lol

I can totally understand the emotional aspects of the journey. At my psych visit, the psychologist told me that previous experiences in my life could come flooding back again. That my weight could have (and more than likely was) a defense mechanism. Losing that would be like opening myself up all over again. Having a degree in psychology helps me to understand that part. I know I'll have to deal with the emotional part throughout the weightloss to be successful. One day at a time, one obsticle at a time, we will get through this! Congrats on your success and your six month anniversary! Does anyone treat you differently?

I have BCBS - but it's not federal.. a local government plan. I was approved in 11 business days. Granted it was also during the thanksgiving holiday. I've been happy with BCBS but I have heard good things about Cigna as well. Good luck!

My appointment went really well too. I was required (by insurance) to do two different bubble tests - around 550 questions in all. The psychologist basically went over those tests with me made sure I had an understand of the process. He told me I was good at putting my game face on and pretending everything was okay when deep down things were bothering me. That my defense mechanisms have given me a strong spirit. He also warned that my weight loss could change relationships and bring back memories (abuse). Weight is a defense mechanism in abused children and he said if I wasn't fully aware of the situations that it could come back to haunt me. My advice - be honest, be true... facing your issues will help you in the long run.

I had a post JUST like this a couple weeks ago. I've been heavy as long as I can remember. I guess there is a picture of me at like 4 when I wasn't but after that, as long as I can remember I was chunky. I was about 260 in college and my husband married me at about 270/275. Picuring myself smaller is a stretch but what I was told is - don't think so much about how you will look (although that is so exciting). Think about how you will feel. How much easier it'll be to bend over and pick up something off the ground or try your shoes or cross your legs - something I dont' think I've ever done. How exciting it'll be to shop at normal stores, buy the cute clothes... I'll be 30 in a week and these are some of my motivators. Not to mention the HEALTH BENEFITS! And as far as your friend goes, I have learned that there are times in life when you have to be okay with being selfish. You are doing what is right for you. Embrace that! Hopefully she will come around the to the idea of you being healthier. Encourage her on the way. Maybe she too will decide to change her life for the better.

Thank you Katy! How long have you been banded? What do you think is the hardest part of the process? My insurance is an 80/20 plan as well, with an out of pocket max of $1000 individual or $2000 family per year. So if I would have had to wait until after January 1, it would have cost $1,000. Times like these I am super gracious of my great government benefits despite my not so great pay... LOL. Your coverage is still really good though. I really feel for those that don't get any help at all. That's a big chunk!

I got approved today - 12/27! Woohoo - we'll be starting this journey a day apart.

What about alcohol during pre op diet? I know the big issue would be the sugars in the drinks but my big 30th birthday party is about 9 days before surgery. I am skipping Christmas dinner (2 days before) and not having cake on my birthday (13 days before) but I figured a drink or two as long as it's not beer (carbs) or some super sugary drink may be okay...? Just need some opinions...

Did you smack him? I think my husband would've gotten hit if he gobbled me... lol

YAY! Congratulations! Mine was submitted on 11/22. Still waiting - i hope that means I'm soon

WAY TO GO! This is my first forum as well and I can't wait until I have stories like this to post. Congratulations on your engagement!

Okay so I checked my insurance companies website, logged in, and checked the pre-authorization area. Up to this point it has been empty but when I checked today it says "Referall #.... Approval/Partial approval.." and goes on to list my name and doctors number. So i'm confused... did i get approved? The part that confuses me is the "partial approval" part.

No Not in yet. Michele emailed me back and said that it just means they are reviewing the case. She called them late morning and they told her there wasn't a decision yet. I HATE WAITING! lol

Congrats on being so success lellow - and your willingness to be so open.

You guys are all awesome for sharing! Great job and a HUGE inspiration to me - getting banded in 3 weeks (Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas to me!)

People all seem to home some type of strong opinion of being overweight and WLS - ESPECIALLY if they have never fought this battle themselves. I have only chosen to tell a few close friends, 2 co-workers, and my immediate family. I haven't been banded yet and am not sure if I will change my mind once I have some success with the band. It's noone else's business - that is beyond true; however, I feel, in a way, that my unwillingness to be open about it could hamper people getting proper knowledge. Granted, there are obese people that are obese because of lack of willingness to stick to an effective plan and then there are those of us that have tried every plan known to man, exercise, and still have no luck. What I'm trying to say is, if those of us that have sincerely tried everything and failed achive success with the band and we don't share - we're doing the band a grave injustice in the eyes of the public. That being said - I firmly believe that having WLS is a personal choice. Everyone has every right to not tell people. Going into this process, I was (maybe still am) a bit embarrassed that I couldn't do this on my own. When my stepdad suggested it, i was offended. I thought to myself - "I don't need that. I'm young, I should be able to do this on my own." And after trying yet another diet and yo-yoing, I realized - hey, i've been trying this on my own for years with NO long term help. When I finally had done enough research on my own to determine this was the best decision for me, my stepdad says, "There is no reason you should be as heavy as you are. You eat fairly well and you've always been active..." Keep in mind, my stepdad has been where we are - not having WLS - but weighing close to 350 lbs as a 5'6" man he was very much morbidly obese. He lost the weight shortly before meeting my mom (now I understand why he always wore those shorty-short running shorts that embarassed us as teenages - he was just proud of what he had done ). Point being - WLS will probably always be controvertial. You just have to figure out how private or open you want to be about it. It is your body and your business - take care of you first!

Well my insurance is a PPO and covers 80% of WLS (until my out-of-pocket max for the year is met and then is pays 100%). I work for the government so I have really good insurance. I've met my max out of pocket for the year so it should be 100% covered. That's why the "partial approval" part confused me. I emailed the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office with the information and the referral number and asked her about it. I should hear from her in the morning. She's so good at responding and taking care of everything

Hey ChefGabbie and welcome. I'm new myself and won't be banded until the end of this month. But i just wanted to let you know what I have found lots of valuable information on what you expect as well as a lot of support on this forum. It's nice to read what to expect. I've done TONS of research on the procedure but it doesn't compare to the personal testomonies I have seen here. And with the liquid diet - hang in there. The point is to shrink your liver pre-surgery (or so i'm told). So while you may not be seeing much difference, there could be a lot going on internally that will help your surgeon get the result he needs on banding day