Alexandra

Hi Tash, Another August bandster-baby!! Welcome to the boards, and I'm really glad to read that your recovery was quick. I'm starting to get a little nervous, so your story is very encouraging. Thanks!!

Hi Maudi, More power to you! The more of us who pick at Aetna the sooner they might ditch that silly investigational/experimental exclusion. In the meantime, welcome!

I just checked out our chat function, and it seems pretty simple. I've only used chat rooms before on occasion, so I'm no expert. One other board I'm on has an open one all the time, and when someone is in there he or she posts a note on the general board so others can see and chat if they like. Does that sound like a good idea? I don't mean that we should set specific chat times--although that can work too, of course--but that if anyone is online and wants to start a chat they should post a notice to that effect and then stay available in the chat room for the next ten minutes or so to give others a chance to join. I'll get the ball rolling, I guess. SO: I'm in the chat room. Anyone interested? Click on chat at the top of the page. I'll be there until 7:00 eastern time.

My banding is one week from today!! I'd be a basket case if I weren't totally preoccupied with a weekend trip to Cape Cod. Right now we're supposed to be packing the car and getting all set for a 4:00 a.m. departure. We're getting back on Sunday and I know that Monday I will be scared, excited and everything else. I'll be here for sure!!!

I've been reading lots of posts here and elsewhere from people who say they've "hit a wall" and "need to get back on the program," and who sound frustrated and angry at themselves. I say to those people: stop beating yourself up!! Active weight-loss mode is not a normal state of being for the human body, and I think your body is telling you something when this happens. It's saying "slow down, take a break, let me recover." Of course I may feel differently about this when it happens to me , but part of getting banded for me is that I hope to be able to counteract negative feelings by realizing that I've got a new plan of attack this time. The cool thing about the band is that it will still BE there to help me when I decide a plateau has gone on long enough and that my body is ready to start losing again. That's what gets me so excited about this thing--it's not going to desert me completely (like will power does)! If losing my extra 140 lbs takes three years, that will be 38 years less time than it took to come on. Losing that much weight must be done slowly, as far as I'm concerned, to preserve my health and sanity. And that's just FINE with me! :D

That restaurant doesn't sound familiar. Was it there in 1979 - 1983? That's when I was up there. Our favorite, when we could afford it, was Wing Tai. Then there was Dave's Sisters Subs, of course. It's been several years since I've visited, unfortunately. I guess it's about a 5-6 hour drive from where I live now. I loved the Finger Lakes reqion, and would seriously consider relocating there someday...

Hi Nikki, and welcome!

Ooh, ooh! I know where Sodus is!! I went to college in Geneva and Sodus was an occasional road-trip destination. Cool!!!

Hi Dramy, My insurance carrier, Aetna, also excludes the band specifically. I was able to have their denial overturned by going through the independent review process guaranteed by my state's insurance regulations. Before going there I had to go through three internal appeals, all of which were flat (and very fast) absolute denials based on the band being "experimental." I don't believe Aetna ever got past that policy to actually look at my medical situation. And everyone considering the appeals there is, obviously, on Aetna's payroll, so they were bound by that policy as well. But when an INDEPENDENT reviewer took a look at the situation, the decision came down that the band is not experimental and that it is appropriate in my case. Call your state's department of insurance and see if they provide for any third-party review of managed-care decisions. You'll have to exhaust your carrier's appeal process, but if they exclude the band completely that process should go quickly.

I just discovered that my surgeon's post-op instructions suggest a way of making my own liquid Protein supplement. It's essentially Egg Beaters and milk mixed with ice that can be flavored with juice concentrate. This sounds pretty good to me, actually--sort of a takeoff on the old Orange Julius--and I was wondering if anyone has tried it? For those of us with thyroid conditions it might be a great alternative to powdered protein supplements, which seem to be mostly soy-based. If I'm to be the first guinea pig I'll let you know how it goes!

LOL! That's exactly why I can't tell even white lies. I know I'd get tripped up!

My heart is warm and fuzzy reading your post, onemoment! Wednesday's right--68 lbs is a fantastic loss, congratulations!!And just think, your band will be with you permanently to help keep the learning going. Keep posting! You have a lot to share for us newbies and we need your voice of successful experience!

Barb, this is exactly what I needed! Perfect, thank you!! I was just talking last night with a friend and telling about my surgery date, and even though I thought she understood what banding was she said "now, this is the same operation Al Roker had?" Oh boy, I thought, here we go again... But you sum it up beautifully. And I also will venture to say that your positive reactions from people are probably 50% at least due to the fact that you're so positive about the surgery in the first place. What a great way to be! Only 9 more days for me...

Hi Mary, Congratulations on your surgery! 15 minutes? Wow! You know, juice isn't the only liquid there is. There are loads of different kinds of Soups that can provide you with Protein and the calories you need. Cream of chicken springs to mind, for example, and that's very filling as well. Are you drinking any Protein drinks? The liquid thing is about letting your stomach heal, not starving yourself to death. I'm planning on stocking up on smoothie ingredients and spiking my drinks with Protein powder once I'm off of Clear Liquids. Your doctor seems to have recommended a more strict diet than many; my doctor's program allows full liquids (as opposed to clear) two days out and soft/mushy foods after that whenever I feel ready.

Hi Tad, I had my own insurance battle and won, and help other people with insurance issues all the time in my work. Jerry's advice is excellent, and I'd also say that it's very important that you understand exactly what your plan does and does not cover. The worst thing is to be fighting the *wrong* battle or answering the *wrong* questions. Research your policy first, and then proceed on that basis. Please don't hesitate to come here and ask questions. Every policy, every person's situation, and the rules in every state are different, of course, but there may be people who have faced the exact same issue(s) that you're up against and can help.

It's happened! I just got a call from a lovely woman in the Aetna External Review department to tell me that they and my surgeon have come to an agreement!!! Oh my god. I feel like screaming! I can't believe it. I think I'm hyperventilating... :D

Ugh, Dawn, what a drag! I used to be married into a family like that, I know how awful it is. Such poison is SO unnecessary, and really puts a pall on life.

Hi old1947 chubby! Do you have another name? I don't want to call you "old"! Congratulations on losing 38 lbs! Do you think the band has been helping you, even if you don't feel restriction? You've been doing *something* right, that's for sure! What's your secret?

I just checked out our chat function, and it seems pretty simple. I've only used chat rooms before on occasion, so I'm no expert. One other board I'm on has an open one all the time, and when someone is in there he or she posts a note on the general board so others can see and chat if they like. Does that sound like a good idea? I don't mean that we should set specific chat times--although that can work too, of course--but that if anyone is online and wants to start a chat they should post a notice to that effect and then stay available in the chat room for the next ten minutes or so to give others a chance to join. I'll get the ball rolling, I guess. SO: I'm in the chat room. Anyone interested? Click on chat at the top of the page. I'll be there until 7:00 eastern time.

Hi Sheila! You've probably heard this already but don't be surprised if that seminar is 99% about the bypass and 1% about the band. Just be sure that when you ask your questions they understand you are not asking about the bypass. I've run up against that misconception almost every single time I talk with a doctor or nurse. Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

I'm glad my thoughts helped! When is your surgery? I still haven't told my in-laws and it now occurs to me that I should ask DH if he has, hmmm? :laugh Earlier I was thinking about whether it's the sort of thing that bears a phone call on its own or if I should just wait until an opportune moment arises. We see them so seldom, though, that it might not come up at all until I've lost 50 lbs, and then they might be hurt that I didn't fill them in beforehand. Hmmmm... what to do, what to do... :ermm

A simlar thing happened to me, and I was a little upset for a while. I was visiting my oldest friend recently and while I was there her mom called. My friend was outside so I answered the phone. Her mom has known me since I was a child and our relationship is great, but I was a bit surprised when she said "so, I hear you're having surgery?" I'd told my friend about it, but I was pretty surprised she'd felt free to tell her mother!! Then in thinking about it I realized a few things: a) there was nothing I could do about it now, the information was out; my friend had not been told to keep it a big secret, so I couldn't be mad that she shared a piece of pretty interesting news with her mom; c) anyone who knows and who actually mentions it to me is only doing it because they CARE about me. That's hard to absorb, that last item, but it's really true. No one who has mentioned it has had anything but good wishes for me. Now there is someone else in my family who I know has been told by a third party, and who has so far not said anything to me. I'm trying not to think that's because she doesn't care, and rather it's because she thinks I don't know she knows. Bottom line, it's not something to feel sad, bad, or angry about unless you actually asked your husband to keep it to himself. It's only an operation and the end result will be better health for you. Would you be as sensitive if the operation were, say, the removal of a cyst? Your family members love you and care about you and I'm sure your FIL was sincere in wishing you good luck, so that's the spirit to take it in. You might even be glad that he did--would you rather that the whole family knows about it but YOU think they don't? I'm not saying your husband did you a favor, but your FIL did in letting you know it's not a secret anymore. There's always a bright side.

Definitely call!! Don't hesitate just because it's Saturday, either. And please let us know what's happening and how you are! Of course, if it is the surgeon's Palm Pilot he'll be calling you.

Nette has given you terrific advice, and allayed some of my own concerns in the process. Thanks, Nette! I'd also like to add that of all the band doctors people talk about, Dr. Ren is among the most experienced and most respected. I've never heard a negative word about her or her team, so you are in VERY good hands. If you're not used to getting nursing care I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised. They're used to dealing with fear and will treat you extremely well. I'd suggest expressing your fear rather than holding it in, because then they'll know how to set your mind at ease. And, of course, it will all be over before you know it! General anesthesia is not like sleeping, exactly--there is no consciousness of the passage of time. You will wake up in a flash after going under and then you'll be BANDED!! Good luck, and please keep posting! Talking about your fears is a great way to get through them.

I just posted this info at Spotlight and it occured to me that not everyone here may be familiar with it. It's the best thing about this interface, if you ask me! ------------------- One of the great things about the vbulletin format at LBT is that you CAN see which posts you posted to and which ones have new replies. On the main page click "view new posts" and any thread which has a big black dot in the middle of its icon is one to which you have posted. I personally prefer the LBT format immensely over Spotlight's, Yahoo, and over listserves. The View New Posts option lets me pop in and out and check all sections simultaneously for new threads of interest. When I see one I want to read I open it in a new window to read and reply. Then in the other window my list of new posts is still there, waiting for me to move on to the next one. No remembering needed. -------------------------- PSA over.