Texassippi

__________________ I had my surgery on 1/15. BCBS Fed is my insurance. When we called before my surgery to get the preapproval, they told me and my dr. they no longer do preapprovals, whether it be GNY or lapband, that you have to have the surgery and then submit your claim. In my case, that meant paying as a self-pay upfront. We are now waiting on approval. What they did tell us were the conditions that you had to meet, but again, they couldn't make a determination until after the surgery. The conditions you had to meet were a bmi of 40 or over, or a bmi of 35 with obesity-related ailments, 5 years of conservative dieting, i.e. ww, atkins, exercise. I asked our rep if you had to have the diets documented b/c I have done ww enough to know it like the back of my hand (just didn't succeed for very long) and didn't attend the meetings. She said no. I asked her did it matter that I didn't have medical records with my primary dr. indicating I had dieted or was trying to lose weight (b/c if I'm not sick, I don't go to the dr.), she said no. So because I had a BMI over 40, had dieted my heart out for the last 10 yrs, meeting their conditions, both dr. and I felt confident that BCBS Fed would pay. Just found out this morning that my anesthesiologist bill, $1,000, was denied b/c ins. said it was not necessary. Whatever that means. The rep volunteered to have that claim re-reviewed. The claim for my surgeon and hospital are still under review w/out a determination. I don't know if this helps or not. I wish you good luck!

My weakness in life is sushi. I see a lot of people cannot tolerate white rice. I've only been banded for a week, but I feel myself panicking at the thought of not enjoying it again! I am dreaming of the textures and tastes right now!! Is there anybody out there that has had good/bad experience with it?

Had sashimi tonight... FABULOUS!

I was browsing the web and found this funny t-shirt that I thought I would share. I was shocked to see it. If you're interested in it, you can go to http://www.cafepress.com/buy/fitness+and+dieting/-/pv_design_prod/pg_1/p_storeid.98602582/pNo_98602582/id_16828490/opt_/fpt_/c_360/

I am so excited to know that I can still have it! I love the idea about the soybean wrap and cutting it into smaller pieces! What great ideas!

I am newly banded and a LONG way from my goal, but my husband and parents are each pledging me $5 for every pound I lose, so that when I reach my goal, I can reward myself and go on a shopping spree! What motivation! I have a really pretty jar that we put in the kitchen, and each month we will put the cold hard cash in the jar for ME! This helps in the replacement cost of all the new clothes I will need!

I'm newly banded and have never been told what the "rules" of the lapband are. Is this something general, or are there actual rules and guidelines to follow?

I was banded on the 15th, and I feel like I can just consume a ton! I have my cup of liquid/pureed soup, and 20 minutes later, I feel like I want more. After two cups in an hour's time, I'm fine, but I'm afraid that I am consuming too much. Then two hours later, I want more. My dr. didn't give me a lot of insight as to portion control, so I don't know if I'm on track or having too much. I hope I'm not "pigging out" and don't realize it!!

Hi everyone! I am new to this site and find it very informative. I am one week postop and on liquids only. When I have my broth, water, protein shake, I don't feel like I have any restriction, that I could sip, sip, sip and sip some more. Am I to feel any kind of restriction at this point?

The only thing that I have noticed, I don't like wearing a bra with underwires in it any longer than necessary. I don't know if it's because of the gas pressure or what, but I can't wait to set the twins free, if you know what I mean!! Ha! It's a pressure feeling that sits right below the breastline in the center. I don't have an incision there, but that's the only noticeable thing that I have experienced "on the inside."

I was banded on the 15th, and I found/find that my best rest comes when I am elevated and not laying flat. I had a pulling sensation at my port site when I was laying flat. And as for the gas pains, I walked and took Maalox. For me, the gas pains eased up tremendously by the fifth day out, and only getting better to where it's almost nonexistent. Good luck!

higgij ~ I had my surgery 1/15/07... today's my one-week anniversary! I think I'll Celebrate with... hum... broth! Ha! I go back to see him on the 31st for my first followup. Including the two-week liquid diet, I have lost 17 lbs. How long did he have you on Clear Liquids and shakes before he let you move on to thicker liquids?

Saraincincy ~ Dr. R. Walker Byars in Oxford, MS did my surgery. Everything has been super easy with recovery. That's why I was concerned about the liquids going through so easy, maybe too easy! I'm only allowed to have clear liquids and Protein shakes for two weeks. Then I get what I think is referred to as full liquids for two week: creamy soups, puddings, yogurts, etc.