justathing2me

Besides the colonscopy, because I am only 38, I did all of these tests and a nuclear stress test in preparation for my surgery 8/1.

My surgeon said occasional wine is okay.

I had my first visit with my PCP today since making the decision to have lap band surgery. It was for a routine physical which I really didn't think I needed considering all the extensive testing I've had in the last couple months, but I figured it would be good for me to see her to discuss my surgery and such. Well it turns out the comorbidities are multiplying, I'm now borderline diabetic and the home sleep apnea test suggests sleep apnea, so I will have to do an overnight study. My liver enzymes are slightly elevated due to obesity and fatty liver and I'm deficient in a bunch of minerals. On the bright side my urine test was negative, whoo hoo! My question is, she asked me during my visit if I wanted to take medication for weight loss (metformin) and I told her no, because I'm trying to get away from medications ( I also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol). She also informed me that I may or may not get rid of this medication once I lose the weight and of course she said she wasn't trying to "talk me out of" my surgery. Needless to say, this appointment has me all worked up! When I left there, I headed straight for the gym! So I wanted to find out what the experiences have been here. Were you able to stop taking your medications? Have you ever taken metformin for weight loss?

An update, I've decided to go ahead and try the metformin, my doctor is prescribing it to me because according to my A1C I am borderline diabetic and she says it can assist with weight loss. We'll see how it goes from now until my surgery date 8/1.

I too had to do a psych eval, it was two sessions and I had to complete a risk assesment for depression (it was only one page). The only issue I had with the psych eval was that my first session was 45 min ($50 copay), second visit, 15 min ($50 copay) and she is also charging me $50 for the report.

My surgeon told me that I would be staying overnight too! However, I think it's his personal preference, not an insurance requirement.

Good luck!

add me : justathing2me

Good Luck!

Wow! That's great! Truly inspirational! I can't wait for my surgery!

My pre-op diet will consist of 2 weeks of the Optifast diet program., It's 1000 calories and you must have 6 servings which can be shakes, bars or soup. I think I'm going to do 3 shakes, 2 bars and 1 soup.

I have Connecticare and I wondered this too! My insurance lists the requirements are: Must meet all of the following: 1. The individual is age 18 or over. 2. The individual has a Body Mass Index of between 35 and 39.9 with one or more of the following life-threatening, obesity-related comorbidities: cardio-pulmonary problems (Obesity-related cardiomyopathy, Obstructive sleep Apnea (w/AHI >15), Pickwickian syndrome, Respiratory insufficiency, Hypoxia at rest ), Type II diabetes, CAD, Medically refractory hypertension. OR The member has a BMI of 40 or greater that has either persisted for at least 1 (one) year or is associated with one or more of the lifethreatening, obesity-related comorbidities listed above. 3. In the two years prior to the surgery, there must be documentation of participation in at least one physician-directed weight loss program for a minimum of six months. Such a program must consist of dietary therapy (utilizing a dietician/nutritionist), a low calorie diet, structured exercise program and behavioral modification. The documentation should contain the physician’s notes detailing the member’s progress through the course of the program. 4. There must be evidence of a psychiatric or psychological evaluation demonstrating no barriers to the understanding of, and compliance with, the surgical procedure and required postoperative medical and dietary care. Members with active alcoholism, drug abuse or an uncontrolled major psychiatric disorder are not medically appropriate for bariatric surgery. My Bmi is 37.9 and I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I am scheduled for an in-lab sleep study because I failed the at home test (apnea lInk), so I may have obstructive sleep apnea. As for the medically refractory hypertension, well, my bp is relatively controlled with my medication. My dr. doesn't think getting an approval will be an issue so it's also nice to hear that you were approved.

I tried doing a litte internet research and the answers are not conclusive. I did an at home sleep study (Apnea Link) in which I failed, my AHI was moderate, therefore I am now scheduled for a lab sleep study May 23rd. Has anyone done both? Were the results of your at home sleep study accurate? Since my BMI is below 40 my insurance requires co-morbidities. I have high blood pressure and cholesterol which are both relatively controlled by medication.It's not that I am trying to "rack up" in the co-morbidities department but I definately need an approval when it comes time to submit to my insurance.

Thanks! Do you know if the home sleep study is just as accurate as the lab study?

What an inspiration! Congrats!

That's great!

Congrats! My insurance requires a 6 month supervised diet and I am on month 3. I'm getting banded in July too!

Believe me, it flies by! I just went to my 3rd appt. today. I'm learning a lot too!

My insurance requires 6 months of a physician supervised diet. I started in February and will have my surgery the end of July. All insurances are different and have different requirements. So I would say it depends on whether or not your surgery is being covered by insurance. Welcome!

Definately keep us posted. Hope all is well.

I don't have an answer to that but I certaintly know the feeling!!

Wonderful news! Congrats!

Good luck!