DMDubey76

How exciting! So happy you're feeling well! My pre-cert was sent in to Aetna late last week, so I'm waiting for a date. It is so wonderful to read your positive experience. Thank you so much for sharing!

Oh yes! thank you. Now that's something I probably would've forgotten!

I'm pre-surgery but have been preparing my pantry. I bought a few flavors of the GNC 100% whey Protein powder. http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2944017&cp=3703232 BOUGHT SO FAR: -Vanilla and chocolate (2 lb canisters) - figured it's a universal flavor that I can mix things into. Saw on bariatriceating.com there are some good sounding Torani sugar-free syrup flavors that you would use for coffee. -Chocolate/Caramel (1 lb pouch) - I tried it in 8 oz. of brewed (Kuerig) coffee. Not bad, but I think I need to play with it a bit (maybe those sugar-free Torani syrups) -Mixed berry (1 lb pouch) - As of today, I have not tried this one yet. When I went to GNC the lady recommended: Isopure (http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2134407&cp=3593187.2108294): Low in carbs 200 calories (Nutritionist stressed the PERFECT shake is under 200 calories and has at least 20 grams of protein) 50 grams of protein ISOPURE will be the next one I'll try (because GNC offers a "Gold Card" membership where you get 20% off the first week of every month). However, bariatriceating.com has some GREAT sounding protein options. All of the products on that site have been taste approved by their employees who have had bariatric surgery. Since they carry all different brands the website isn't partial to one brand. I'm very interested in the Protein Shake info I find because even after we start eating regular food I would like to keep one meal as a protein shake every day.

I have Aetna Choice POS II (To me "POS" stands for something far different then what they say it stands for ). Anyhow, I started the "journey" on June 6, 2011. I called them prior to even going to a seminar and they were kind enough to email me a packet of all the information. They pay 80% of the surgery. The criteria they list is: If you have 40+ BMI (check) Or: At least 100 lbs. overweight (check) Co-morbidities (i.e. sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, etc.) (none here, thankfully) After you meet either/or both of those criteria(s) then you move on to the "preliminary" doctor visits: -Psychiatrist visit and letter of approval for surgery from him/her -Sleep Study (plus a follow-up visit where they went over the results) -Cardiology (I also had an echocardiogram/ultrasound of my heart) -At least one support group visit -At least 2 nutritionist visits -At least 1 dietician visit (mine was 1 day split into also visiting the surgeon) -Blood work So that's where I am with my Aetna. I did ALL of the above requirements. Bristol Hospital recently sent my claim to Aetna. Now I'm waiting for approval.

Here's what I have ready so far (even though my surgery date hasn't been set yet...freakin' insurance, lol). Don't go by me, I'm not known to pack light. But I figured I'd throw some ideas out. BASIC STUFF: Toothbrush Travel size toothpaste Face cleanser Face moisturizer Chapstick Undies Bra or not (depends on how it will feel pushing up against me) Jammies (light top and loose bottoms) Slippers Short robe Elastic to pull my hair back Deoderant Going home clothes (t-shirt and loose bottoms) HOPING I'LL BE UP TO A SHOWER: Travel size shower gel Travel size shampoo and conditioner Travel size body powder Shower fluffy/sponge thing I'm pondering bringing my laptop or my kindle. I'm a techy geek, but I think maybe I'll unplug myself that day (other than my iPhone of course)

September 2 is my son's birthday...so it WILL be a good day! Good luck to you!