ElizabethAnne

Thanks, Julie. Oh my gosh, I know exactly how you felt! Although I loved school, I remember well those dreadful weigh-in days. My class had to endure them each quarter from kindergarten through 8th grade, and each time, I was so humiliated. Years later, I'm still not sure what the point was, but thank goodness that educational practice has ended!

Hi Everyone, I've never joined a group before, so this part is going to be a new experience for me just like WLS is going to be. My story is similar to others. Looking back at old photos, I wonder how it escaped me, but I truly didn't know I was fat until I was in the first grade. This realization came about when my pediatrician told my mom that she needed to put me on a diet. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My life was never the same. As an adult, my weight has ranged from a low of 118 (during the short time period in my life when I had absolutely no hunger because my doctor prescribed Phen-Fen) to a high of 219. Like most obese adults, I have tried many weight loss programs over the years and have had brief periods of success when I have lost 20-70+ pounds. I am good at following weight loss programs, particularly the rigid medically-supervised fasts. However, though I have been committed to walking 5 miles almost every day for 20+ years, I always gain back the pounds I have lost. I make healthy food choices, for the most part, but I am always hungry. Consequently, I eat way too much. In July of 2009, I reached the point of desperation, realizing that with the excess weight I possessed, I would unlikely be able to be as physically active as I age. This realization led to a plan to seek lap band surgery. Unfortunately, my insurance company required that my medical record show failure to sustain weight loss within the two years preceding surgery and documentation of my progress toward a goal of weight loss. My request for surgery was denied because insurance determined I didn't possess the “needed” medical documentation. My medical records were thorough, so I almost gave up. However, in February 2010, I started regular visits at my doctor's office. During each visit, we specifically discussed in detail my weight loss efforts. The two year time period actually passed by more quickly than I thought it would. My final visit was on February 13, 2012. The insurance company received my paperwork on February 15; I was approved on February 17 and received my approval letter on February 21. My surgery is scheduled for April 10. It still doesn’t seem real yet. I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of research since 2009 and have concluded there are no clear-cut answers that lap band surgery will be the solution I need. My surgeon believes it will work for me, and although I trust him, I am still afraid of yet another failure in a series of lifelong attempts to maintain a healthy weight. I would probably be shocked if I knew how many hours I have spent reading and posting on LBT, but I am thankful for the information posted here and am inspired by others' stories of success. I appreciate everyone who generously shares their knowledge and experiences, and I am looking forward to being a contributing member of this group.

Sophia, Thanks for starting this topic. I am still at the pre-surgery stage, but I have been drinking 1-2 Protein shakes a day to try to get used to them and to try to lose weight before surgery. This information is going to be very helpful.

What a great post! Best wishes to you this weekend!

The dietician told me not to use a straw.

Based on the recommendations I read here, I bought the Premier Nutrition High Protein Chocolate Shakes the last time I was at Costco. I wanted a grab-and-go shake because I didn't want to have to take time to blend a shake it the morning. I'm picky about protein shakes and thought it tasted fine. Not great but fine. I wish Costco had other flavors available.

I am so sorry. I can only imagine how dejected you must feel. Once your denial letter arrives, you will be better able to evaluate how you wish to proceed.

Why were you denied?

I'm sorry this has happened to you. I have BCBS, too, and struggled trying to understand my benefits. I my started this process in July 2009 and was denied the first time in December 2009 because my "documentation of physician supervised weight loss efforts did not demonstrate that attempt was made over a sufficient period of time." My policy required documentation for two years. My medical records showed far more than a two year history of weight loss efforts, so I called my insurance company to get clarification concerning exactly what I needed to do to be approved; it was difficult to get a clear answer. The woman I spoke to on the phone was very nice, but I could tell she became annoyed by all of my questions. I finally asked to speak with her supervisor because the answers I had received were vague at best. I almost gave up. However, in February 2010, I started regular visits at my doctor's office. During each visit, we specifically discussed in detail my weight loss efforts. The two year time period actually passed by more quickly than I thought it would. My final visit was on February 13, 2012. The insurance company received my paperwork on February 15; I was approved on February 17 and received my approval letter on February 21. Interestingly, when I first started the process in 2009, a 35 BMI with a co-morbidity was required, but the medical policy was revised in September 2011 and required a 30 BMI with a co-morbidity. Be persistent and hopefully, you will receive your approval soon.

Congratulations on your success! Successes like yours are very inspiring to those of us who are at the pre-surgery phase.

Many of us have similar life stories, Jim, and you said it so well. I am fairly confident that I will be able to reach my goal weight, but like you, I am most worried about gaining the weight back. And now that I have a date, I am agonizing about whether to tell people I am having WLS. Half-truths are not my style. However, I am reluctant to do so because I am most afraid of yet again one more failed weight loss attempt.

Another great post, B-52! I appreciate the details you provided in your story. Enjoy your success!

That's terrific! Congratulations on your success!

Congratulations of your success!

I went to a WLS seminar first. At it, we were given packets telling us what needed to be done before our consultation with the surgeon.

I have BCBS, too, and want to encourage you. My final "diet" dr. appt. was a late afternoon one on February 13. Insurance received my paperwork on February 15. My approval letter was dated February 17, and I received it February 21. I must give them credit for being much speedier than I thought they would be. Hope you receive an approval soon!

Can anyone recommend a gummy-type calcium supplement? I asked the dietician about the brand I am using (Vitafusion), and she said they are fine, but she thought there are lower calorie ones available. The Vitafusion brand has 75 calories in the daily total of 6. I haven't been able to find any that are lower in calories. Thank you!

I appreciate all the suggestions and will now need to see what I can find locally.

Great post, B-52! Your posts always encourage me. Whiners and excuse-makers annoy me, too, but I try to remind myself that they exist in all aspects of life. Though we can't change our genetics or some of the life challenges we face, we do possess the power needed to work our hardest to overcome our obesity. You've and others have said more than once that the band is a tool, and that's exactly what I need. Individuals like you inspire me!

I appreciate your input. It's difficult to know what to do, isn't it? By the time I have surgery, I likely will have waited almost 3 years, and I certainly want to do everything right so there's not another delay. I wish our insurance companies would inform us in writing concerning exactly what they expect.

I have had very little experience with forums. Is there anyplace on LBT Forums where I can learn things such as how to create a signature, how to follow a topic, how to delete a portion of my post if I make an error, what's involved in friending someone, what "neutral" means on one's profile, etc.? It would also be nice to have access to a User's Guide that explains all aspects of using LBT Forums. Does something similar exist? Thank you!

It is around 32.5. I want to be as healthy as I can before surgery but am concerned about what will happen if my BMI goes under 30. Since meeting with my surgeon in January, I have been counting calories and walking 5-8 miles daily, so the weight is coming off right now. I've always been able to lose but just can't keep if off. I know I eat way too much, and although I have good intentions, I do not possess the self-discipline I need. When I started this process in 2009, my insurance required a BMI of 35. Throughout the two year period that I was required to diet, my weight fluctuated some but my BMI was around 37 most of the time. However, when I had my initial appointment with the dietician, she weighed me first, and wouldn't discuss WLS with me at all because I was slightly under the required 35 BMI. I had dieted successfully and lost some weight around that time. She told me to schedule another appointment if I was ever at a 35 BMI. So, I quit dieting and walking, then I called her back the next week and was able to schedule an appointment with her about three weeks after my initial visit. My weight yo-yoed while I was doing the required 2-year diet. At the beginning, my insurance required a 35 BMI, but last fall it lowered the BMI to 30. I want to keep trying to lose weight but after my experience with the dietician, I am concerned about losing too much. I think I will probably try to lose to a 30.5 BMI, then just work at maintaining until I start my pre-op diet.

Welcome! My insurance required two years. I met with my primary care doctor a couple of times and then completed the remainder of the visits with his physician assistant.

Thanks for bringing this topic up. How does your surgeon decided where to place the port? Were you asked in advance about where you'd like it? It bothers me if my bra rides up slightly or the straps shift, so I definitely would not want the port rubbing against the waistband of my clothing.

I am so sorry that you are going through this and am happy you decided to post here. Would you consider going to a different therapist, specifically one who understands eating disorders? You'd likely be more comfortable with one who does. Please be confident there are professionals who care about you and can help you. You do not have to struggle with this on your own. I like Cheri's suggestion about taking someone with you that you love and trust---at least until you know you've found a therapist whose style fits you well.