mello_one

Try this website which has wonderful advice on how to appeal. http://www.obseitylaw.com Good luck to her.

I used vacation time at work so I did not have to tell them and only told my husband and two teenage children. I asked my children to only say I had surgery if they felt the need to say anything at all and that it was a private thing if anyone pushed. I knew I would be watched and talked about at work if they knew and I did not feel my family (mother and siblings as well as extended family) would be very supportive. I knew that my husband would be supportive and my children though they had reservations have been very supportive as well. I think I would only tell those who I knew would respect your privacy and those who you feel would be supportive. For me I quit telling people when I was dieting a long time ago because I kept failing I think that was also a factor. I was afraid that if it did not work, I would be judged for my decision. Those who knew I had surgery were just told I was having female problems.

I agree totally with soon2bskinny. I have noticed times when I definately would have eaten before when I just don't feel I can physically. When I have something it is so much less than before. I am still pre fill. Go this afternoon for my first fill. You can only eat so much no matter the reason you eating. I do think that to decide if the band is right for you, you have to understand it can be beaten. You still have to work at it and make the right food choices. These are still challenges. I am very happy I have it and it is working for me so far. I have lost around 25 lbs in just over a month.

I was banded Oct. 21, 2003. Was very discouraged at first but then started to feel better and was perking up. On what started out to be my best day I ended up at the emergency room then admitted to the hospital. I was having such severe pain and vomiting I wanted to die. Just came home from the hospital still not feeling great. Have spent a lot time crying and the rest of the time wanting to. I keep thinking what have I done to myself? If there is anyone out there who had a rough start but now feels good could you please give me some encouragement and hope.

I just returned from the hospital today. It turned out that I had a bowel obstruction. No one can figure out how or why but went back to the hospital for a re section and and am now sore and grouchy all over again but I am on the mend. My Dr. states he does not know how or why it happened all the Drs. I spoke to at the hospital tell me it just does not happen. My Dr. stated I was just very unlucky. I hope I did not scare or worry anybody who has not had surgery yet. Somehow my bowel got stuck to the port site, tore and went through itself. My Dr. is very expererienced with the lap band. He did four the day he did mine and states he has never had this happen. I am already feeling better just going through post op stuff again. Thanks to all of you for your concern, support and advice!

I am very pleased for you . Keep up the good work!

I would be happy to email with you. Maybe it would help as I am a few steps ahead. I am married with two children 19 and 14 and live in Michigan. Welcome and good luck. Sharon

There are a few books on weight loss surgery. I had a very difficult time finding any available at local ( even large ) bookstores. I read one which I think is called the Drs. guide to weight loss surgery. I have since seen two others that other women have had at meetings for the wls. There are several listed on amazon.com. What I have heard and is true with the book that I read is that the lap band is not covered as much as the other surgeries. I have not gotten much at all in the way of good information r/t lap band, post op diets etc. My Dr. really focuses on the rny surgery and all the information they pass out is based on that. Good luck.

Please keep us updated as you go along. It sounds like you are doing wonderfully.

It's official, I am going in this monday October 20th for surgery! Good luck to all other october bandsters! _it has now been switched to the 21st but that is ok.

Thank you. You were so right that this will help pre banders. I hope I am getting this done next week (still waiting for insurance approval) but have been having some second thoughts as my physician really prefers the rny. He made it clear he guarantees weight loss with that procedure but not with the band. It helps to see others being successful. You have all done very well. I have checked out each site. You are motivation for me. Thank you.

Scheduled for Oct. 20th but have not gotten approval from insurance yet so trying very hard to not have my hopes up too high. Good luck to all. I will look forward to learning from those who go before me.

My insurance company describes medically supervised as a weight loss plan overseen by a physician with "periodic weigh ins" and including medications if appropriate. I have blue cross and at least in michigan they will very soon be requiring 3 consequetive years of medically supervised weight loss plan. Also my physician stated blue cross is planning on not covering the lap band as it has overall less of a success rate. I would schedule an appt. with your Drs. office and get weighed in and that should prove you are trying a medically supervised plan. I'm not sure about the not filling the rx. part though.

Congratulations on qualifying. I know you will do great! How do you find out who is doing the trials for the swedish lap bands? Does anyone know? I have an appt. sceduled for Oct. 8th for initial consult but my insurance is making it harder to qualify beginning Nov. 1. I am worried I won't be able to get this surgery. I cannot afford to pay for it out of pocket.

BCBS at least in michigan is requiring as of Nov. 1, 2003 that you show a consecutive medically supervised weight loss effort for at least three years. I was told in order to qualify, my surgery has to take place before Nov. 1. My consult and psych eval are scheduled for Oct. 8th. Is there any chance that I would have approval in time for surgery and be able to have the surgery by then? I was not in a hurry thinking I would wait until in December when I have more vacation time I could take.

I too am hoping to get an appt. with CORI centers. I spoke with Lisa who checked my insurance and told me it covered at 100% I am relieved and happy about that. I am planning to attend a seminar in Belleville this weds. the 23rd. Good luck.