WEESIE

I was able to get my insurance company to read me the exact requirements. I called many times through the approval process and the agents were varying degrees of cooperative. I would just keep calling until you find one who will read it to you. You are paying the premiums and it is YOUR policy. You have a right to the information. The information they gave me was actually less restrictive than what the clinic got. We submitted with what they told me and it went through. My holdup was also the five year history which the clinic believed I needed, but after being told by UHC that my policy did not require it we submitted with no documented history and it went through. I do have several co morbidities. Good luck to you.

So for the first time since surgery on May 25, 2011 I feel full. I was getting hungry and grouchy. I was digging for a liquid that would feel more fulfilling. My doctor instructions say "liquid soup". I have no idea how that differs from a broth. I found the Metafast cream of chicken soup, which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. I made it, added Mrs. Dash to it and diluted it to just about a medium milkshake consistency. It was very filling. The question, do any of you know if there is a problem with this being called a liquid soup? Sounds good to me, but I don't want to do anything wrong. Ideas?

Thanks for the input, Cindy.

Connie, please send me the quiche recipe when you get it. I would love to have it.

I used insurance. So far I am happy with them. I didn't realize the differences between places on aftercare. It seems that the consensus on here is that both TLC and True Results do a good job. There is one comment on here that gives more details on the comparison.

Yes, I get this all the time. I have always gotten this while I have tried to lose weight over the last 25 years. I started this with a BMI just over 36. Initially my patient advocate even said she was concerned about me being approved. I have always had chicken legs and chicken arms. At times I choose to dress in such a way that my chicken (now normal sized) legs and arms are emphasized and my torso is minimized. I also had liposuction on the quadruple chin a few years ago for job stability. So yes, I do look smaller than I actually am. I also don't have a BMI over 40. But...there are some people who don't question my decision My PCP doctor who writes my three blood pressure medications each month. My Rheumatologist who treats the fibromyalgia and arthritis My Endocrinologist for my diabetes My husband who sees the rolls on my five foot frame under the clothes. My husband who pays the $300.00 copays on meds each month and hopes we never lose insurance and can't afford my scripts My children and grandchildren who want me to attend graduations and weddings in the years to come. Myself....I want to live longer, be happier, be healthier, have less pain, take less medications and feel better about myself. So I might not have reached a BMI over 40. I was not as healthy as a lot of people with that magic BMI of 40 plus. Fortunately for me the criteria for surgery include "unhealthy" people with a BMI over 35. Source: Weird Comment by fellow Bandster

Yes, I get this all the time. I have always gotten this while I have tried to lose weight over the last 25 years. I started this with a BMI just over 36. Initially my patient advocate even said she was concerned about me being approved. I have always had chicken legs and chicken arms. At times I choose to dress in such a way that my chicken (now normal sized) legs and arms are emphasized and my torso is minimized. I also had liposuction on the quadruple chin a few years ago for job stability. So yes, I do look smaller than I actually am. I also don't have a BMI over 40. But...there are some people who don't question my decision My PCP doctor who writes my three blood pressure medications each month. My Rheumatologist who treats the fibromyalgia and arthritis My Endocrinologist for my diabetes My husband who sees the rolls on my five foot frame under the clothes. My husband who pays the $300.00 copays on meds each month and hopes we never lose insurance and can't afford my scripts My children and grandchildren who want me to attend graduations and weddings in the years to come. Myself....I want to live longer, be happier, be healthier, have less pain, take less medications and feel better about myself. So I might not have reached a BMI over 40. I was not as healthy as a lot of people with that magic BMI of 40 plus. Fortunately for me the criteria for surgery include "unhealthy" people with a BMI over 35.

Deena I will pray for you. There is a solution to this and the pain will not last forever. I will pray that God give you peace, rest, wisdom and knowledge. Be sure to take your pain meds. If they aren't working you do need to contact your surgeon. Please keep me informed about your progress.

Joni, an ulcer never came up in my workup. I had an ulcer when I was younger but I have not had any real problems since then. I did have Gastric Reflux for years. This did not interfere with my banding on May 25, 2011. They found a large hernia which was repaired and possibly was causing the acid reflux. So, I am saying you don't need to assume you will be turned down because of a past history. Good luck!

So, I know this isn't the food/recipes forum, but I just had to share my favorite fulfilling mushy dinner so far. I put a can fat free refried beans, a half a cup of salsa, about a tablespoon of cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning in the food processor and pureed until smooth. I then measured out a half cup of the mixture, sprinkled some shredded cheese on top and warmed it up in the microwave. I finished it off with a small dollop of sour cream. It was shockingly tasty and very filling! My husband was having a very Mexican dinner that I couldn't have, and I didn't even feel deprived! I was so pleased with myself! lol. Source: My favorite mushy meal

Welcome. I look forward to following your progress as you begin this journey.

Have a good day. We're praying for you today. You are already out of surgery if it was all on time. Keep us informed of how you are doing.

Texas, My stomach and mind believe that I am hungry. But, when I eat a little or drink some Protein shake it gets bearable quickly. I don't feel hungry but the full feeling is no place to be found. My stomach might still be growling so I guess that is not a hunger growl. I hope I figure out these new feelings and sounds before I am on solid foods.

Today is so much better than any previous. I can't wait until it cools off outside so I can see how long I can walk today. Yesterday I was able to walk for sixteen minutes consecutively. I am a little slower than others because I enter this with my other health problems, but this is my hope to overcome or have less problems from them. I can't wait to see my blood pressure medication dose go down. Tomorrow is my grandson's graduation from fifth grade. I feel like I will be feeling much better by then. Maybe I can act like I never had surgery and mean it tomorrow.

Today is so much better than any previous. I can't wait until it cools off outside so I can see how long I can walk today. Yesterday I was able to walk for sixteen minutes consecutively. I am a little slower than others because I enter this with my other health problems, but this is my hope to overcome or have less problems from them. I can't wait to see my blood pressure medication dose go down. Tomorrow is my grandson's graduation from fifth grade. I feel like I will be feeling much better by then. Maybe I can act like I never had surgery and mean it tomorrow.

Congratulations on the successful trip! You and your body are amazing. I'm glad you can do all this.

Hi friends, I was diagnosed with fibro in 2000. I have good and bad times. I just was off of work for four months becasue of it. After rest, medication change and aerobics I was feeling better. After I recuperate from this I will be ready to go back to work....FINALLY. By the way, the most affordable way I found to get water aerobics is to go to the YMCA. They have an arthritis class called joint adventures. You pay a monthyly membership and you can go to anything you want. My doctor prescribed water therapy and it would have been $55.00 per visit. He approves of the Y.

Laura, my insurance request was submitted and it included the initial weight. My clinic also says that they cannot re-weigh you within 30 days of the initial weight. I don't know for sure about that long out. But, also you are over 35 BMI. Does your insurance cover with morbidities? Maybe you have some morbidities. A lot of people have apnea which is considered one. Also maybe hypertension or diabetis or pre diabetis? Just cover all your bases. Good luck!

Source: "HELP" my top part has lost weight but the bottom is hanging around =(

Thank you for the response. When I attended the seminar there, they said something about an exercise physiologist and a dietitian. Have you ever been involved with this and do you know if it is included? Does aftercare mean anything more than being filled?

I used insurance. The day of surgery from check in to release was exceptional. A nurse stayed by my side for most of the three hours that I was in the first level of recovery. I haven't had any information or experience with after care yet, but I hope it is as good as the surgery day was.

Jersey Girl, you amaze me. I thought I was doing well when I walked 16 minutes all at once a little while ago. Have fun! You are on your way to skinny land.

I also have the UHC choice plus. The insurance agents did tell me that my company has among the most lenient they have ever seen. It did go very well because I had the BMI greater than 35 and comorbidities. Good luck with having yours done quickly.