stefgray

Congratulations on your date! I am so excited I can hardly contain it. I'm trying to get all of my stuff lined up before I go so that I don't have to worry. I'm sure I'll forget something, but will hopefully get the important stuff. I managed to clear my calendar for two weeks...no small feat! So, I'm getting there. I also got the letter saying OK. But, I'm keeping in mind that it doesn't necessarily mean that they'll pay everything. I'm hoping for no battle on the back end.

Hi! Three weeks out now and anxious to get everything lined up. I remember reading something once about a good source for help with journaling. I seem to recall that it was an online thing that could be used online or downloaded, but can't remember anything else about it. Anyone out there have a good tool for helping with journaling. It's never been my favorite thing to do, but I'm determined to do this right and want to be prepared. Thanks! Steph

Hey Tina. Sorry you're not feeling so hot. I hope that you feel much better soon. Steph

Well, I'm set. The surgery date is May 25! YAY! I get my pre-op instructions tomorrow and will start getting everything together. My husband is a quadriplegic, so we have to do a bit of work to make sure that everything is lined up properly. My brother-in-law will stay with us until I'm able to do the things I need for DH again (about 5 weeks or so). Am off now to try to figure out the whole ticker thing!

I'm in Maryland. I e-mailed the secretary today and got the same info as you about not precertifying. So, she's trying to schedule me for surgery later this month - either 5/22 or 5/25. YAY!

Thanks, Tina. I actually don't mind some of the Protein shakes, but I'm having a hard time imagining going from eating like normal to that. My husband and I talked last night about starting to phase in some of the changes I'll need to make. I'm a HUGE soda drinker. I start my day with one cup of coffee and then it's almost exclusively sodas from then on. So, I'm really going to have to work on that. I like other stuff, but it's my go-to drink! I know where David's is. I go to that AC Moore all the time and we get dinner from California Tortilla about once a week (well, we did............). stephanie

Best of luck, Pamela. I hope that all goes well for you. Stephanie

Nope. No diet or protein shakes yet. But, I haven't been approved, so I don't have the pre-op stuff yet. I would think she'd want me to follow some sort of plan before surgery, but don't know what. I don't have to lose any weight before....if I could do that, I would have already done it! Dr. Steele's office told you that?

Hi everyone. I was looking for stuff on Optifast and came across your thread. I live in Bowie, MD and my surgeon is Dr. Steele at Johns Hopkins Bayview. She's great, her office staff is wonderful and I'm very excited! I have now completed all of my pre-op stuff and it's been submitted to my insurance (also BC/BS federal). So, based on your messages above, I guess I've got a pretty good shot at being approved quickly - my BMI is 42. A few years ago, before BC started covering the band, I had met with and talked to Dr. Pinnar in Reston. He was very nice and his staff really had their stuff together. But, I couldn't afford it, so I had to wait. Now, I'm very happy! Nice to see fellow Marylanders. Stephanie

Hi everyone. My name is Stephanie. I've been lurking around this forum for many weeks now and have finally registered! You have all inspired me with your success stories and the support you offer each other. I had started looking into the lap band many years ago, but had to wait for my insurance to catch up to the times. They're finally there (so they say) and I have my first consultation tomorrow (March 12). I'm a little nervous, but so excited it's not even funny. I am curious, though, about the psych and nutritionist visits. Can anyone tell me what to expect for those appointments? Thanks very much. Steph

Thanks for your replies. I'm nervous about the dr. visit tomorrow, but looking forward to getting started. I wish I could just have the surgery tomorrow and be on my way!