sassaay

Hi Sheila, I guess we are what they call "band twins"... I was successfully banded on the 3rd as well and this is the first time I have even felt like checking in with my friends on this board. I have ALWAYS thought I had a high threshold for pain, but I am telling you... immediately after surgery when waking up in recovery I thought I had made a huge mistake. I have never felt such pain... but, it started to subside very quickly as they gave me pain medicine and I just kept asking for it until I was more comfortable. Every day gets better, but I must admit that I think I let those around me feel like I wasn't doing "good" enough following surgery. My mom kept saying, I am REALLY surprised you are in such pain. Well, I finally decided that it hurts and there is no way around it. I am doing everything my doctor has advised and I am resting when I think I need to. I had to return to work on Thursday, but since I work from home that consisted of sitting with my laptop on my lap in bed for about 5 hours on and off throughout the day. Today, I feel a lot better and I imagine tomorrow will be better still. So far, I haven't had any real depression... but I do know that I have strong hunger pains. Something I wasn't expecting based on other reads from this forum. I read so many people say that they were not hungry and could barely stand to drink all their liquids. Well, I seem to be hungry most of the time and broth and Protein drinks are only doing so much. I tried some sugarfree Jello yesterday and that seemed to stay with me a little longer. I hope you continue to feel better. Donali - Thanks for your feedback to Sheila. I will take it in mind for myself. I am glad to be back here checking in with my friends.

Hi Band Family, First let me start by thanking all of you for being so supportive and keeping my spirits up over the last few days. I enjoy checking into this site daily and keeping up on everyone's daily events. For those of you who have been keeping up on my drama... here is the latest. My original surgeon called me this morning to ask what she could do about Cigna HMO denying me. I said I wasn't sure, but I would be willing to try for an appeal... I didn't mention that I had already called Dr. Kuri's office in TJ and was planning on a trip across the border. She said she would call the insurance company and tell them that they are "forcing" me to go with gastric bypass even though she knows I won't accept that option... she would also tell them that gastric bypass is far more risky and expensive. She didn't think it would help, but she was willing to try. Well, about 3 hours later her receptionist called and asked if I was sitting down... I got approved!!! Dr. Machado spoke with the medical director at Cigna and got me approved. I don't know if the conversation went like she said, but I don't care bottom line is my original date is back on and I won't have to self-pay to get my beloved Lap-Band!!! I am so happy, but now I am running around like crazy because I go in tomorrow morning and I had all but pushed those plans off for 3 weeks. Had to juggle everyone's schedules around, go back to my original request for time off work, etc. Thank you, thank you, thank you... to all who helped me through this hiccup! I will check in again as soon as I am back home and feeling up to it. All of you are the best!:confused:

Hi Bob, I am right with you... I am still so upset about my insurance fiasco. Anyway, all the best to you. Since you will be just a few days ahead of me, check back in when you are feeling up to it. I would like to know how it goes for you. Take it easy and let's both enjoy a "smoother" ride from here on out!

Hi Vera, I am sorry to hear about your son. I hope he is feeling better. Having pneumonia as a child is miserable... well, it is probably miserable as an adult too... but I always feel so badly for sick children. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take Care,

Thanks Alexandra! Yesterday I was a mess and I had dreams about my hurt feelings all night long, but this morning I am in better spirits. I know that the 23rd will be here soon and this time, no stinkin' insurance company is getting in my way. It is a blessing that I have options because I know so many do not. Hi Marsha, who are you insured with? I see you live in Florida, what made you decide to go all the way to TJ for surgery with Dr. Kuri vs. going to Monterrey with one of the doctors there? Do you plan to get fills in TJ too? If so, maybe one day we can meet for a "fill" date? Thanks for your good thoughts and congratulations to you! I will be thinking about you as March 5th approaches. Thanks again you two!

Alexandra & Becky, Thank you so much for your support and concern. About 10 minutes after my post, the surgeon's office called to say that Cigna denied me... they gave her a list of reasons why they would not cover Lap-Band... It's experimental, weight loss is slow (which is what I want), too much after care associated with Lap-Band, no real proof of its long term success... blah, blah, blah. Oh, but if I want Gastric Bypass... well go for it! I cried some more after that phone conversation and then I just got mad! I don't even want to go through the headache of an appeal... it is just too emotionally draining. I have been dreaming about this for so long and they just shattered my hopes. Made a decision to use money out of my home equity fund and go to Mexico for a self-pay. This was my original plan because I just new the insurance company was going to let me down. I called Dr. Kuri's office in TJ and from my hometown it is a relatively short flight to San Diego. The total cost is $8750.00 for the Deluxe package and I got round trip tickets for my Mom and me to San Diego for less than $100.00 each. My surgery date is set for 2/23/04... so instead of 3 days, I will wait another 3 weeks. I am so glad that I have this site to share my hopes, dreams, frustrations, successes... basically the highs and lows. You all are fabulous and I appreciate the support. Next stop... changing my auto signature! Thanks again!:confused:

Hi Mary, Congratulations! I know that you were probably scared about what would happen with your weight with an unfill, but you are now proof that the body can put itself into starvation mode when it is not getting the proper nutrition. Good for you! Not sure if anyone has asked already, but do you have any pictures and/or stats to share with us about your progress? As a pre-bander (only 3 days to go now!)... I love seeing everyone's progress. I hope you reach your goal soon. Take Care,

Hi Baileym, I originally saw my PCP in June 2003 to "talk" about weight. I wanted to get a feel for his thoughts on WLS (all types) and to also request a referral to a nutritionist. I was hoping that someone could test for my true basil metabolic rate because I swear I have stunted my metabolism from so many years of yo-yo dieting. Anyway, he referred me to a dietician and I was a bit miffed, but I went anyway. I ended up sharing ideas with her and teaching her a few things about foods I currently eat that are high Fiber, low fat, etc. She taught me absolutely nothing and I think she realized that. During my last visit we spoke about WLS and she encouraged me to go back and talk to my PCP. She thought I would be an ideal candidate for Lap-Band and my Medical Group had recently contracted with a Bariatric clinic, so she thought he would be more receptive than when I originally spoke to him. By this time it almost November, so I did some research on the Bariatric clinic and attended their informational seminar. That night they gave me a bunch of paperwork to fill out; over the next week I filled that out and met with my PCP. He put in the referral request on Nov 4th and I was approved to meet with the surgeon less than 2 weeks later. I met with the surgeon and she submitted the request for insurance approval back to my PCP and I was approved for surgery just after Christmas. If you are interested in a “generic copy” of my WL Resume, provide your email address or email me at sassaay1@yahoo.com and I will forward you a copy. Hope this information is helpful.

Hi Baileymb, It took me a very long time to realize that having Lap-Band surgery is not being a failure at weight loss on my own. Heck, I had been trying everything in the book for 28 years and yes I could lose weight when I dieted religiously... but I could never sustain the low caloric intake it required for me to keep the weight off! When I first decided to ask my PCP for a referral for Lap-Band, I thought he would look at my history (I made a kind of WL Resume) and tell me I hadn't tried hard enough and to not give up so easily. But, he read my resume and put in for the referral right away. When my surgeon submitted my request for insurance approval, I again expected them to come back with a "no" that I did not need this; I could do it on my own if I just tried a little harder... but no, within 2 weeks I was approved. At first, I was kind of upset. I felt like a failure, like the whole world was agreeing that I didn't have the willpower to do this on my own... that I really am a big fat pig and I need help. But then I discussed it with my DB and he said that he really felt bad for me because he has seen me work so hard for as long as he has known me (8 years) struggling to exercise, eat healthy and lose weight only to see me never reach my goals... But still I never gave up! I never thought it was OK to just be fat and happy. He asked me why? Why hadn't I given up long ago when everyone around me said they loved me just the way I am? I thought long and hard about this and it dawned on me. I had to do this because I wasn't happy being fat. I wasn't happy knowing that I was putting 10 additional lbs of pressure on my feet and ankles for every extra lbs of weight. I was tired of always trying and never being successful. I didn't want my life to end early because of some weight related disorder. I wanted to have more energy and really feel like I can accomplish something when I put my mind to it. I wanted to put myself first for the first time in my life. I will be banded next week and yes in the back of my mind I worry about having surgery and all the bad things that can happen... but I have given my doctor specific instructions about conversions to an "open" and switching to a RNY. I want this because I know that if I do all the things I am currently doing, trying to eat healthy, exercising, and drinking my water that my new tool will help me be a success. No one can make this decision for you... all we can do is offer support and share our stories. Read the message boards, especially the not so pleasant experiences and decide if this is something you could handle if it happened to you. I was at my wits end and knew that this was my only option. I hope you find peace in your journey. :confused:

Hi Birdee, I tried the syrups too... thanks to Kiera. I am using the sugar free white chocolate in my coffee. I think the amount you use will depend on your individual tastes. I don't like things really sweet and I tend to feel that Splenda is a bit too sweet and has an after taste if you use too much. I ordered the "plunger" (can't remember what they called it), just like they have at the coffee shops... so I put 1-2 squirts in my coffee. I started out with only 1, but I think I like 2 best. They are not all sugar free, but the company does seem to have the biggest Sugarcreek collection I have ever seen. The delivery was quick and the price was cheaper than in the grocery store. I haven't yet tried them in my Water, oatmeal or Protein shakes like I have seen Kiera suggest, but that is next. If you try them, I hope you enjoy!

Hi Teri, You and I are one day apart from our entry to Bandlandia. I am scheduled for Tuesday. I hope your surgery is quick and painless. Be sure and check in when you are feeling up to it. I know I will be looking to hear from you since we are so close in our surgery dates. I think I am going through the "last supper" syndrome. I have been trying hard not to get carried away, but it is difficult. I don't think I have the frame of mind that I won't be able to eat certain foods after being banded, but I am dreading the clear liquid stage which starts on Monday for me. Keep in touch.:confused:

Hi Alexandra, I have been trying all the Protein drinks (getting ready for my liquid phase) and my biggest complaint is that they are too sweet. I wonder if you have tried the Zero Carb Isopure (Glass), it is clear and comes in a glass bottle. I tried the Apple Melon and surprisingly it wasn't overly sweet. I tried it twice, once with food and once without. I preferred it without food. I plan to use this during my week long clear liquid phase (which starts next week!) I just thought I would throw it out there, but I have heard a lot of people say that after surgery things taste even sweeter... so I may feel the same way about this one once I am banded... we will see. Good luck in finding something that works. I don't have much of a problem eating non-breakfast type foods for breakfast... so I say go for the soup if that's what you desire.

Hi Babs, What a touching post... I bet your children were so happy to finally be able to play with you. I just love how you said you were trying to reach for the sky. With your band, it sounds like the sky is the limit! Great Job! Thanks for the inspiration.

Wow Jennye! How exciting! I can't wait until I am 3 months out... what a great feeling it must have been to see the look of surprise on the faces of med assistant and your PCP. I had a very disturbing experience with a nurse practitioner during my annual this year. She was new to me since my previous NP left my med-group. I have never had such a painful exam and I couldn't help, but think that she felt it was OK to push harder and treat me rougher because of my weight. I left out of there with a pain in my abdomen. I know that this is completely off topic :confused: ... but for some reason, your post reminded me of this and I started thinking about how great it will feel to be where you are with your band! Hopefully I can get there in as good of spirits as you. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Bright, I have to agree with Vera... YOU LOOK WONDERFUL! And you sound so happy, it makes me so happy for you! It sounds like you are really taking advantage of your tool and I hope I can be as successful and motivated as you. Wish me luck! Two weeks from today and I shall "hopefully" be in "Bandland"! Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.... And Happy 3 month Aniversary!

Thank you so much for sharing your year with us! It really gives me hope that even if we aren't perfect 100% of the time, our bands will still help us reach our goals without ending back up in a worse position (increased weight gain) than we were when we started. Congratulations on your 80lbs. You were definitely missed while you were on your 2 week vacation with your sweetie!!! Glad you had a great time and glad to see you back here! Take Care,

Hey Alexis, I just checked out your "blog" site and it looks great and may I add.... SO DO YOU! What a transformation! But, I must admit that when you look closely at you’re before picture... I can see the "you now" hiding inside... You just look so much happier now! Keep up the great work!

Hey Jayla, This doesn't sound right to me. Did you just find this surgery center or did your PCP refer you to them. I heard through the grapevine that the health org my PCP is affiliated with was contracting with the bariatric surgery center I wanted to use. So, I went to the seminar and got all the paperwork, but then made an appointment with my PCP. I asked my PCP for a referral and then sent in the paperwork. The surgery center called me, but I told them I was still waiting for my referral. They suggested I wait, so that all I had to pay was my co-pay. Long story short, the referral came 2 days later I made my appointment with the surgeon; she ordered some tests and sent me back to my PCP for approval. Those were approved, my surgery was approved and my pre-op appointment is next week. Anyway, sorry for going on... maybe you should talk to your PCP to see if they contract with this center and can refer you so that you only have to pay a co-pay. Good Luck.

Shelly, I really feel for you and everything you are going through right now. I am so scared of ending up in the same position. My company has gone through so many changes in our benefits coverage; I often wonder what might be coming next. Since I have been approved, I now worry about what might come after surgery next year when the company looks at more ways to cut expenses. Regarding secondary insurance, it looks like that is your only option and I sure hope it works for you. My sister-in-law is self-employed and just trying to get approved for coverage has been a challenge due to pre-existing conditions like back aches and her son's have ADHD... when she finally did find coverage it cost her about $700.00 per month for a family of 5 and she still ends up paying through the nose for co-pays and prescriptions. It is a rip-off. I think our country really needs to do something about the health care industry... but don't get me started. I hope all works out for you. Let us know how your swallow study goes.

Hi Everyone, I figured out how to resize my photo to know more than 50 x 50 pixels... but every photo I try is of such bad quality. How did those of you who have posted your photos, get such clear shots? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks,

Mary, I am glad you are o.k. and sorry that you had such a painful night. You were smart in taking the drive to see your doctor. It is great that you were able to get such a quick response. Who is your doctor, by the way? I guess when you got home you threw out all your Ibuprophen I know I am putting that on my “to-do” list for post-surgery. I hope you are feeling better real soon.

Thanks Kelly & Alexandra for the flattering comments! I guess I am one of those “lucky people” (if you really want to call it that), that seems to wear there weight well. But, I am still up there and considered morbidly obese with a BMI over 40 and a lifelong history of battling with my weight. I just know that I probably wouldn’t look “healthy” if I lost 100 lbs or more, so my goal is more around 75 – 85 lbs. We will see how I feel once I am banded and start losing! I will try taking a photo with a higher resolution and see what happens. Thanks for the help.

Good for you, Gabby! I hope you keep recuperating quickly as well as enjoying your full liquids until you reach the mushy food stage... I see so many postings about people getting sick of the liquid stage very quickly. Sounds like everything was a huge success. Please keep us posted on your progress. I am pre-band and love to hear as much as I can about other's experiences. Take Care,

Hi Sheila, I am sorry to hear of your delay. I wish I could offer some advise on the cardiology sign-off, but I haven't had that experience... although if your PCP was the one who performed the EKG and said it was normal the sign-off is probably nothing more than having a Cadiologist (expert) review and agree. Regarding the insurance approval... I have a fear that the same thing might happen to me. I am pre-band with surgery scheduled for 2/3 and recently on the Spotlight Health board I saw some posts about the proper "code" for Lap-Band... well this is not the code that is on my insurance approval, so I am very scared that something might stand in my way. My pre-op is next Wednesday, but I am afraid to even ask. I have a code for unlisted laparoscopy. I hope things work out for you, please keep us updated. My thoughts are with you for a quick turnaround and a new surgery date! Take Care,

Megan, You make some good points. I am pre-band, but I have been wondering how I will feel when I start getting bands and will I get hung up thinking too much about food and what to eat. I know that everyone's experience is different, but it helps me to hear about all the differences that do exist. Thanks for your input.