Dollgirl

Hi. I was banded on 12-4-12. Right after surgery, I had little energy. Every day has been different for me in regards to my energy level. Some days are better than others. It is hard to say when you will has more energy. I think that it just takes time. I hope that this helps some. Good luck. Merry Christmas. Cassandra

Great job!

Hi. Can anyone tell me when you have in EGD in the pre-op stage? Thank you. God Bless. Cassandra

Great job! Keep up the good job! We are here rooting you on!

Great job!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi. Glad to meet you!

Hi. I am just starting my 6 month per surgery weight loss diet. Can anyone suggest a low starch 1200 calories diet which has 60 carbs per day? I would really appreciate the help! Thanks!

Hi. No not yet. I will do it later tonight. Thanks.

Great job!

Great job!

Congrats!

Hi. My comorbidities include type 2 diabetes (insulin-dependent), depression, and joint problems. I hope this helps.

For all those having surgery, you are in my prayers. Good luck and best wishes!

Hello. I apologize if I am acting superior which waso my intent. To answer some of your questions (not all): We have experienced very difficult times when my husband's company (high paying) down sized and eliminated his whole division. During this time, we had to use his retirement (not the best choice; but, the only one) to pay off our debt, autos, etc. When he found a job, it did not pay as much; but, it allowed him to earn a living. We live in a very rural area where jobs that pay good salaries are very hard to come by. So, yes, we fall below the $2944.00 limit. As for college, we did not get Food stamps or medicaid during this time. We worked to pay for most of my college expenses. In addition, my grades helped me to earn scholarships (which are considered taxable income). If I go back to school, I will find a way to pay for it as I did in undergrad school (working, work study, and maybe scholarships). Also, at this stage in life, we did not plan on raising another child. However, we saw it as our responsibility to do so. We love our grandchild dearly and did not want her to get lost in the CPS system. While I finished college, my GD's godmother, great grandparents, and aunt helped with her childcare. We are blessed to have a great family/friend support system. We also pay/paid cash for her childcare when necessary. In addition, during the school year, I work for a childcare program where I can take her with me (this is a true blessing). Although our choices don't always seem like the best financial ones, they have been the best ones for our family. In addition, we are not big spenders which helps a lot. I hope these answers satisified your questions. Can we now move on? Thanks.

Hi, All. I have just started my journey to having Lap Band Surgery. At 35 years of struggling with my weight, I have decided that this surgery is a good tool to help fight the battle. I look forward to getting to know and supporting others on their journey as well as developing a support system here. Thanks.

Congratulations and good luck!

Hi. Sorry to hear that you are having a hard time. Maybe this new band will be better for you. Take care and let us know how you are feeling in a few days. Cassandra

For Bayougirlmrsc and bandedgorJess, Being judgemental much? Please don't judge me without knowing my history. Both my husband (full-time) and I work (part-time). However, we are raising our grandchild (who has developmental and behavioal problems); therefore, one of us has to be available for her at all times. In addition, my husband has worked for 45 years and I have worked for over 25 years. Thus, we have paid into the system. At this time, my husband is working for someone who does not provide us with insurance. We have gone for 12 years without insurance and have paid our own way. (We can not afford self-provided insurance due to pre-existing health conditions). Like you, Bayougirlmrsc, I went to school full-time (graduated Summa Cum Laude, top honors), worked 2 part-time jobs, raised a child with bipolar disorder, began raising a baby, and paid taxes during this 12 year period. And yes, I have looked and am looking for employment in my field without success. Also, I am going to return to school in the spring to continue to further my education. During this time, both my husband and I will continue to work. I am very grateful to have this oppurtunity to be insured and will not waste or abuse it. If necessary, I will work out a payment plan to have to surgery. It is medically necessary for me to have this surgery. Finally, I thought this formum was a supportive one. Your responses were not supportive and were cruel. For everyone else, thanks for the support. Cassandra

Hi. Texas medicaid makes you go through a 6 month weight loss program (nutritionist [$450] and counseling [$450]--not covered--self paid) before they will set a surgery date. In addition, there are many tests, such as a sleep test and EKG, which I am not sure they cover. However, they will cover the surgery and the over night stay in the hospital; but, the fills are not covered (again, self paid--cost $50 each). If you miss any visits, you have to begin again. For some, there are local surgeons; however, where I live, it is a four hour drive to see a surgeon. Tx Medicaid puts the patient through hoops to make sure they are serious about having the surgery. As I explained to my surgeon, I would not be driving four hours (in the Texas summer hot, with a 3 yr. old and with gas as high as it is) if I wasn't serious. So far, I have been to the seminar (sp) and the initial consulation with my surgeon. Next week, I go to the nutritionist for my first of six visits. I hope that this helps. I am excited and scared to start this journey! Cassandra

Thanks.

"If you have UHC they may waive the 6 month waiting period." Hi. Not to sound stupid; but, what is UHC? I would love to the the 6 month wait period waived. Thank you.