Coco's Mum

Hi Everyone ! Well, I finally made it. Made it to the approval stage from my insurance that is - yippee ! Received my letter from the insurance company yesterday. Nice to see APPROVED in print. It's been a haul thus far starting with my PCP, the orientation session, sleep study, stress test, heart echo (x3) - thank goodness all was eventually good and the nutritionist. Now, I'm ready to start the pre-op diet (in 2 weeks) and then onto surgery on 7/21. Can't wait to get to my new life. I've been reading LBT since my initial appt with my PCP - you've all been so helpful and now I'm ready to join in. I've been overweight my entire life and at age 47 - I simply must make the changes necessary to go another 47 years. Thanks for having me !

Honestly, the guy I ended up going to was a rip off. I was back in my car in 8 minutes. And, his price doubled. His report (which spelled my name wrong) said my age, my history of weight issues, how I had good knowledge of the procedure and how I had a support system for immediately after the procedure. So I guess this was more of a drive thru psych eval - not a test at all. Sorry for any confusion.

I'm concerned about this topic as well. My insurance covers WLS at 50% but the office manager at the surgeon's office 'has no idea' what my cost will be. How is this possible? Not even a ballpark figure? I didn't want to get too pushy until my surgery was approved but now I need to have some idea (I do not look forward to making this call !)

Wow ! Fantastic job and you look great ... I don't have guns I have bat-wings ....

The Blind Leading the Fat .... hysterical !

Good to know. I hope this is the same in Michigan. Was told I had a small hernia and the surgeon would repair it during the lapband. My insurance covers 50% so I'd be happy if my 50% was reduced by any amount. Thanks !

ThankyouThankyouThankyou !!!! Oh my gosh you look great and I loved reading your success story !

Looking forward to thinking about sagging skin versus bulging skin

When I had the cardio stress test - the cardiologist saw two possible blockages. He mentioned: you may have moved or it could just be your breast. As soon as he said that - well, I KNEW i moved to itch the side of my breast. I had never had any type of test done so I didn't know when the the tech said - don't move - she meant - do not move whatsoever under penalty of death ! The cardio wanted to do confirm (and I did too) but twice I went for an MRI and the techs were not able to get a good vein to shoot the dye in. Very, very frustrating. Finally, after trying twice I met with the cariologist and told him - I know I moved during the first test - what can we do? I was then scheduled for a dobutermine echo (I think) and that showed that all was well. From the first stress test to the 'all is well' was just under two months. So, yes, this was a set back but I'm okay with that ... just more time for me to get my head around this new life. Learn from me - do not move !! Good luck !

I also had the endoscopy with anesthesia. The only 'side' effect was that my left side was sore for a few days (only noticeable when you laughed, coughed, etc). You lay on your side when it's done so I assume that I just tensed up the whole time. Other than that - you're fine (or I was). Other tests I had: psych exam, ekg and then full cardio stress test and test for sleep apnea.

I'll be on a 14 day pre-op diet - first two and last two days are all liquid and protein shakes and lean cuisine for days 3-12.

Good advice above. I live alone so it's not so bad but I think I still need to clear out almost everything from my freezer and cupboards so there is simply nothing there. I don't think I could bake cookies (the smell would also get to me).

Allison - this looks almost familiar. Mine is: Day 1 and 2 - liquids only Days 3-12 - do not exceed 1000 cals - two to three pro-shakes and a lean cuisine-type meal not to exceed 300 cals. Days 13-14 - liquids only

Looks like Carmen and I are the only 7/21 Bandsters so far. Can't wait to get to it. Started a list of sorts today stating why I want the surgery, things that I think I'll enjoy more being at a healthy weight. My pre-op diet is: Day 1 and 2 - liquids only. Day 3 to 12 - stay under 1000 calories. Have 2-3 Protein shakes and a lean quisine-type meal of under 300 calories - just stay under 1000 calories. Days 13 and 14 - liquids only. Shauna - I love the charm bracelet idea. And get thee to Paris !!

Where did you buy it?

I'll be at Critenton in Rochester. You are one of my LBT heros, Cindy !