ren0318

I was certain that I had made up my mind to get the sleeve, however the more time that seems to pass while I'm getting the rest of my pre-reqs out of the way, the more I can't make a final decision on what procedure to have. Honestly, the more I think the more I come back to the lapband. So I'm wondering, what does a days menu look like for a lapbander, once you are all done with all the various stages (liquid, soft) after surgery? I know that the sleeve diet is similar, but I still would like some comments.

Thanks everyone! I believe deep down lapband is the way I'm suppose to go. I like hearing about other's positive experiences.

That's great Sharpie! How long did you have diabetes and what kind of meds were you on?

Diabetes is my primary reason for having the surgery as well!!! I have type II however I'm on an insulin pump (it does't really work) I'm extremely insulin resistant, glad to here it helped you!

I agree, I can not take heavy duty pain meds, they make me nuts! I had an out patient procedure at Christmas time last year and I cried for 3 days straight!! Finally figured it was the pain meds, when I stopped the meds I stopped crying and feeling awful....Good Luck

Hello all I've not checked in since around April....I was looking today to see how long I've been on this forum and it's been 2 years this month! And I still have not gotten my surgery!!! I thought I had everything done for my insurance and when it got submitted on June 2nd it got declined due my psych evaluation was over 6 months old (that was because of that crazy allergic reaction I had back in January and spend 12 day in the hospital that kinda through everything off schedule). So after that happened I hit a wall, didn't care, was over it, had a why bother attitude, this is taking way to long......Then the other day I had a little talk with myself and I had to remind me why I was doing all this in the first place.....my diabetes! The insulin, the every other month trips to the dr.s office, the blood pressure pills, the acid reflux pills, antidepressants, the high cholesterol and dangerously high triglycerides medicine the sleeping medicine and the list goes on and on...My GOD I'm a mess. So...I put my big girl panties on and called to reschedule an evaluation with the psych Dr again (I go next Friday) and then my insurance coordinator at my hospital can resubmit to my insurance. I pray that I'm able to have surgery by September! So ready to move on.

hum you would have thought your case worker would have known the requirement and ensured to had met them all before submitting. That's is such a bummer to get you excited about the submission only to be denied. I started my journey last August and still have not had my surgery, I had a medical ER in January and that messed up everything! I have to redo my psych apt, cause it's now over 6 months old I have Cigna and they require it to be 6 months or less, my plan didn't call for weight loss just a supervised weight management plan. I agree with whoever said find out specifically what they need you to do and get busy. You can do this!!

I would double check that with your insurance company before you spend time and money and then perhaps learn later that is not accepted. Just to be sure:)

Your at the home stretch! Good luck tomorrow!

What wonderful results, congratulations!

My insurance requires me to be on a diet for 3 months prior to surgery. I have been going weekly to the hospital I'm having surgery at attending nutrition classes, tracking my food, exercising etc. I've not lost one pound and I only have 3 weekly classes left! I know I'll lose on the all liquid diet, but I feel frustrated that I'm doing all this and still can't lose. I guess this proves a point as to why I should have the surgery in the first place! So I guess if the insurance wants to really make sure I can't lose it the old fashion way I have plenty of proof for them:)

Yes my dr said the same thing on my very first visit, he said lose 5-10% before surgery, I asked about that because I'm right on the line for the BMI requirement and he said, that does not matter, the insurance goes by today's weight.

I have Cigna and only needed a 3 year weight history, and a 3 month weight management plan prior to surgery.

I completely understand. I barely mentioned the idea to my sister and sister in law last year and GOOD LORD, you would have thought I told them I was cutting both my legs off! "You do not need that surgery" "you are not that fat" "you doctor is a quack" on and on......so I have not said another word to any family members since then. I've been quietly attending my weekly nutrition classes, quietly having all my pre surgery testing done....and when I have my surgery I'm telling them that I have to travel for about a week for work. And leave it at that. The crazy part is almost my entire family have serious health issues, including diabetes (which is my main reasoning for the surgery), but they are not educated at all about surgery or getting healthy in general and it was not worth it to me to argue with them:) Good Luck!

My family is supportive about my surgery, to an extent. They are all about me having it and get healthy, but...they are not willing to give up their junk food in the house. Which is very hard on me. I realize I can't expect them to give up their right to chose what they want to eat, just cause I can't have it, but it's so hard when I know that stuff is just feet away from me. So I need help. How do you handle yourself when bad food is around?

I am also on the insulin pump, and I use a LOT of insulin everyday! I'm nearing the end of all my pre-op requirements, I can't wait to say my diabetes is no more! Congrats to you!.

Well DL, you all did help me make a decision actually--I'm 99.9% sure I'm going with the gastric sleeve! I read all your posts and did a lot more reading on all 3 procedures and sleeve has won! And once again I want to thank you all for your feedback and for sharing your experiences with all the procedures!

WOW, lots of information, thanks everyone for you input!

I'm about to start a new position at work in a few weeks and I'm almost done with all my pre-op requirements for my insurance, I'm trying to get a general gage as to how long most folks are off of work after bypass? Thanks!

I apoligize for starting a debate that was not my intention. Only looking for different experiences.

I also have GERD! I've not seen the surgeon yet, but my diabetes Dr. is suggesting on bypass.

Thanks Chelly, I really think I need to do what's best for my diabetes which is bypass, and I suppose I'll have doubts right up until they knock me out! My endo really is pushing for bypass....

Well I've looked at that too--- I'll take any feedback:)

Well I went yesterday for my first appointment. BMI 36.1, so I meet that requirement (remember I have diabetes and high triglycerides). Met with the endocrinologist (for diabetes) I have to get my blood sugar down under a 8A1C, currently at 9.3, had a ton of blood work done, met with nutritionist, and a surgery coordinator. Dr told me I have a 90-95% chance of leaving the hospital without my insulin pump! How awesome that will be! The surgery coordinator, gave me a list of requirements for my insurance. One BIG problem.....I have to give a 3 year weight history, well I have that, but I having not been over a 35 BMI for 3 years. My BMI blow up after being put on insulin. And continues to raise. I have been obese for years, but not morbid obese until the past year or so. I ask if my BMI had to be at 35+ for the past 3 years to be approved, she said, "normally, however it depends whose desk it lands on and sometimes what co-morbiditys you have"! I have called my insurance (CIGNA) and searched and searched everything I can find on the web and no where does it say that being at my current BMI for 3 years is required for approval. Dr said I have MAJOR insulin resistant which means, I make insulin, I take insulin, but my body cells won't allow it in. This mean I have to take more insulin!!! OMG, which causes more weight gain, it's a vicious cycle! So now of course I'm upset! The Dr said the surgery is the best thing I can do, to put my diabetes in remission and get off all the meds I'm on. I'm going to proceed. My company's insurance is self-funded, which I've read I can appeal with my employer if Cigna denies me. I can't imagine them denying me when I lay in front of them how much they pay out every year for all my medicine and Dr visits due to my diabetes! They will save a tone of money in the long run. So now I have to track my blood sugar before every meal for 5 days and fax that back to the endocrinologist . Then he will adjust my insulin! I have to make an appoint of course for my psych visit. Then I have to have a endoscopy of my esophagus, I also have major acid reflux and Barrettes esophagus. The surgeon wants to let at the "territory" before he operates. Plus 3 month of classes/diet. I suddenly feel like my head is falling off!!! It's a lot! I'm going to try and remain positive I need to make this happen! Ren

Thanks for everyone's comments on this post! Extremly helpful. I've been lurking on this board for a long time....reading and reading, I am in process for baratric surgery, which one I have not yet decided. I have type 2 diabetes and that is the main reason I want to loose weight. Many say the RNY is the best for diabetes, but I believe any weight loss and exercise will help knock it out! I start my 3 month weight management program required by my insurance in January(I was suppose to start last week, but had a scheduling conflict so moved it to january. I orginally wanted lapband, then switched to RNY (I also have GERD), but the closer it gets to making this a reality, the lapband is really what I want.Normally when I behave my GERD behaves too. I like that the band can be adjusted as needed. I like that it has little recovery time compared to the other choices, and I like that I can still be "normal" in the fact that I will be able to eat what everyone else is having but on a MUCH smaller scale. Anyone have GERD? Can you tell me about your experience with the band?