Fluffin

Hi all, I am new to this great site. My name is Jeanette AKA Fluffin. I have struggled with my weight for years. I have tried diet, exercise, not eating etc and always put the weight right back on. I am really considering the lapband procedure. I have Federal BCBS of Delaware so my first step I guess is figuring out if they will pay for this or not. If not then I have to figure out a way to tell hubby I want to spend some serious money:omg: . I look forward to any suggestions/advice you all can offer. Jeanette

WAHOOOOOOOO!!! Will be thinking of you on the 2nd!! Jeanette

Hi all, I have been reading al lof this with great interest. I have not been banded yet as I have just started the journey. But I can offer some insight into the gas/pain/vomiting issue. I have had so many abnominal surgeries in the past 15 years I have lost count. The first time I had a surgury I thought I was having a heart attack if I took even somewhat of a deep breath. They told me this was normal with anytype of abdominal surgery as the gases build in the abdominal cavity and need to be reabsorded into the body. It seemed to last about a week or so and got slightly better each day. Pain meds WILL MAKE you constipated. Not only have I had the numerous abdominal surgeries but 3 spinal surgeries where I wished they would have just shot me instead. Pain killers and I got to be very good friends for weeks after each procedures. There were times that I thought I would never have another BM again. This of course causes the horrible belly ache which I am sure with the Lap Band procedures is 100 times worse then what I experienced. Days of vomiting for me after any surgery is normal due to my reaction to the morphine/antheshia procedure. Even the thought of food would make my saliva glands start and the dryheaving begin. Ice chips are the way to go. So some of the vomiting may just be residual from the pain killers in the system also. I'm of no help I know with any of this in ralation to the LapBand but I hope some of my experiences may help ease your minds that some of this may not be directly related to the Band but just to the surgery in general. Best of luck to all of you in your journeys!! Jeanette

I am going to make the call on Tuesday. WAHOOOOOO!!! All they can do is say that I don't qualify for the insurance to pay right? If that is the case then I will just have to go out of pocket. I am waiting for more blood work to come back. Checking the thyroid (again). I honestly have not been eating enough to cause this weight gain. I didn't even do Christmas Cookies this year. I know you must be excited about your appointment in a few weeks. Wish I were where you are know. The last few weeks will fly by so don't stress. Talk to you soon Jeanette

Callianna thanks for the information!! I have a number sitting next to the keyboard for a bariatic surgeon but have been afraid to call. I had a regular appointment scheduled with my family Doctor this morning but they called yesterday to reschedule. I really want to go ahead and do this but I am afraid of another surgery. I had a C Spine fusion last January. I know this would be nothing compared to that but I am still apprehensive. Have you had it done? Jeanette

Thanks for the information Jules. Hubby is out of town this week. When he comes back I will let him know this is what I want to do. Hopefully BCBS won't give me a hard time. But if they do I guess that's what I get a bonus for each year. Have a great week!! Jeanette

I just pulled up the regs on the Federal BCBS plan and it claims they will pay the procedure if the BMI is 35 or higher with co-morbitities. I am taking BP meds Toprol XL for an irregular heart beat not necessarily high BP and Topamx HL for migraines. Plus I have serious joint pain along with three surgeries for disk problems. I found a surgeon in the area so I guess I need to start looking into making the first of many appointments. What is the cost of this procedure without insurance? Thanks in advance for all your help Jeanette

Hey Tracey, This must be very exciting for you. Can't wait to see your results!! I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. FIrst I am new here and have jsut started looking into the Lapband procedure. I have Federal BCBS of Delaware. They have been really great in the past with all of my surgeries for disk problems etc. I am also on BP meds as well as migraine meds. What do you think think the chances of my insurance covering this procedure with a BMI of 35.5? Thanks Jeanette