Sooverit!

What about snacking, is it still an option? I heard popcorn is a no no with the band so this is a good thing because my dh brings home big bags of "Smart Food" popcorn and since we've gotten DVR I've probably put on at least 10 lbs . I guess snacking is out then but I think I would really go through snacking withdrawal when I get banded. Anyone have trouble breaking the snacking habit? Are there healthy snack alternatives?

I try eating like a "bandster" now before I am banded to get practice but I can not do it. It seems like I can't enjoy my food because I am thinking if I am chewing enough and if it would get stuck when I have the band. Also all that chewing seems to take away the pleasure. If a bit of food gets pass your throat this is not chewed enough does it come right up and is it always unpleasant? Is this true for those that have the lap band?

Thank everyone for replying ...I guess that's part of the job of the band beside restriction. Also was wondering about snacking...think I will post a separate thread.

I have Cigna with a 36/37 BMI and I am on my 3rd appeal. My Primary Care Physician who is studying to be a fill doc in Smithtown, NY told me she has many patients who were turned down by their ins co only to be reimbursed after they paid out of pocket. Anyone have this experience?

Wow Jodi I am impressed with your stats! Way to go...thank you for replying and your inspiration. I always wondered what being stuck really felt like! Ouch but this can be a motivator I see.

Really like your advice Bluez. I copied it to recipes when I am banded on day I hope soon! I agree, during the post op or any surgery the last thing ironically I would think about is losing weight. I hope I'm not as hungry as poor Cori...I'm getting hungry just reading it. Hope it doesn't last too much longer? How long is the liquid stage? All docs are different on that ...2 weeks would be my limit then I'd ease into something more and do a lot of sleeping and pampering.

Oh boy Hallen are you ready to get tough. I should say though that there are different types of policies that Cigna offers. I have PPO I went into this with the same BMI as you as well as the same co mobidities. That was about eight months ago and CIGNA has turned me down 3 times. I am using Obesitylaw.com to help me with appeals. Their reason is that LB is still in an experimental stage! Before that it was not having a 40 BMI but they don't want you to gain wieght and resumit .actually they just don't want to pay up or are delaying it. Cigna can drive you crazy. There is a site dedicated to us called Cignasqueakywheel.com. My PCP who's studying to be a Fill Doctor said that many of her patients will pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed by Cigna but ofcouse this isn't a guarantee. Good luck with them..please keep us posted. dont' give up...I haven't!

Hi Mary: We are the same age and I always like to check in with woman our age because I think it's a challenge with menopausal weight gain that comes with this time. How are you doing? Are you winning the battle? Glad your palpitations went away. I started getting them a year ago and was very scared as I lost a sister to a heart attack. It turns out my palpitations are yet another symptom of fluctuating hormones. I am pre banded but have are almost there just battling with my insurance company but still have so many questions.

Hey Peggy: Thank for the web site link..going there after this. I am in litigation with the help of obesity.law right now. They are a great service and nice folks too. Cigna is a tough one to get approval from. First they turned me down because they said I don't have enough co-mobidities with a 38 BMI then the last two denials said "the Lap Band is considered "experimental" and they don't cover it. They really are dogs...there is a web site just for folks who go through this with them! I am actually considering Mexico at one point but I'm changing my mind. I'm hoping I can find a surgeon, as I'm thinking they are all pretty experienced by now and my PCP who I started with a few months ago just told me she is training this month to be a fill doc, I felt this was a sign I should move forward. Also since I turned 48 I'm gaining weight every month no matter what I DO! I'm starting to withdraw a bit since I stopped working a few months ago. i just don't have the self confidence to look for a job at this point. Thank you Peggy for listening to my lap band blues.

Hello I was wondering if anyone here in Ohio could please tell me how much their Lab Band Surgery costs out of pocket? thank you in advance. M

I just don't understand why the local surgeon here (Dr. Geiss)on LI just responded to my e-mail that if I have a 36.5 BMI without blood pressure or diabetes problems then I do NOT qualify for surgery?? The reputable surgeons I met with at NYU Med center think I'm a perfect candidate. Two of my Primary Care Physicians recommended surgery for me. I just can't see why they would turn me away. Well my insurance company agrees with this guy so next step is Mexico! Perhaps the surgeon only want to take insurance patients? thanks for listening

Wow willowy...that sounds nice Kit...Don't know if I'll ever look willowy again...I just can't imagine it. I know what you mean ..I think my bones grew since I gained this weight! I have seen pics of me when I was younger and I did look much smaller boned! You go Willowy Kit!~:thumbup:

Great advice again Kat! I love what you said about the slip-on shoes along with all your other great tid bits. I just happened to purchase a pair of slip on sneakers yesterday because they were on sale and they are coming to Mexico with me. Also you are right I am going to pack super light which I'm pretty good about. My husband packs everything he owns when he travels and I just see the trouble he has so I go the other way. Just noticed you are a "big" :-) girl too...I am 5'9" as well, actually 5'8.5". I don't like being tall and overweight....just don't feel normal.... Anywho you are an inspiration. Thank you again Best, marg

Dearest Kat: Thank you again for the wonderful knowledge you shared with me. I hadn't thought about how far the airport is to the hospital! Also I think I will make sure to get a direct flight! Now that I think about it I bet the flying part of the trip will be the biggest hassel! I am sorry that you had to go through a chemo ordeal. I am so very happy tho that you are smiling and well now! Best to you, Marg

Wanted to write more ...but lap top has mind of its own. I am thinking of going to Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey MX in February. It is half the price of having it here in NYC.

HEY lYN: Are you going to Mexico for the surgery?

Hi I am currently 49, pre banded with a 36 BMI and an active person who enjoys exercise but eats huge portions of food. I used to lose weight effortlessly but since my last pregnacy 10 years ago the 60 lb pregnancy weight was not moving. I too am a little worried to that because of my age I may have some problems losing weight like everyone else. Well they promise a minimum of a lb. a week. so here's praying. I'm just so tired of worrying/thinking about my excess weight!!

Thank you so much Kat for your generous and thorough response to my ??s :-) Also a big congratulations to your on your superb weight loss! Way to go! I'm only slightly nervous because I will be going solo and your words assured me that this will just be another "adventure". It will be half the cost of having it here in NY. and I think it would be fun to get a little vacation of sorts in? I hate to bug you but how was your post op experience? We are the same age and I am fairly active and strong. I do yoga, cycling, hiking...so I am hoping this will help me to have an easier recovery time. well either way thanks a milllion ..

Hi Kat: I enjoyed reading your posts here! I am considering surgery in Mexico and found that I liked the hospital and credentials of Dr. Rumbaut. I also respect Wasabubblebutt's decison though as well as yours. Dr. Acleves is also a consideration. I wanted to know if your staff at the hosptal and hotel spoke English>? This one factor would be a huge factor in chosing to go to Mexico or not. Can you share your wisdom with me. Thanks so much Mar

Hi Terry: Just had to post how much I like your jewelry site. Very clever and tasteful!

Hello everyone, I am a 48 year old female, 5' 8", 238 lbs. and am about 80 lbs over ideal weight. I have not been banded but just had to say that this is an amazing site and I am very greatful for all the generously helpful people here. I probably wouldn't have the courage to get this operation if it weren't for all the help and encouragement given here. After reading the health risks from being overweight I feel 100 percent on the positive side about this procedure. I have learned that is not a magic bullet and it will still take effort on my part to lose the weight but this I am hoping will be a powerful tool in helping to stop re-gaining the weight that we work so hard to take off! I like going to the gym but I don't like being the only fat person that's been a member for almost a decade. I have an appointment with the NYU Medical Center in Manhattan. CIGNA pays 100% when you have it done there. (Would love to chat with someone who has gone here or plans to!) I am thinking positive thoughts that they will pay up. I am a grey area BMI though at 37/38 but I do have recent back problems and high cholesterol. I am only nervous about them not paying. Don't want to go into debt again. Was wondering which was worse being in debt for a decade or 80lbs overweight? I've come to the conclusion that risking a shortened life is worse especially when you still have young kids. I am excited about the health benefits of this procedure and of course the perks of fitting into clothes better. I know this has got to be healthier than using diet pills and over exercsing! Thank you all once again for your support! Joan NY

Hi all, Still pre banded and waiting for approval but in the meantime I have really vamped up my exercise routine and I feel much better. I can still do just about anything because I am very strong as I've worked out most of my life. I am looking to get the band because of my over size 40 waist (also chest too big now and strangles me at night) which I understand is very bad for longevity and I have a young daughter still. My question is has a lower BMI person ever missed being able to splurg once in a while and just overeat. Is it possible to do this once you are banded? After I exercise I am famished and worried that I will really feel cranky or more likely lose my MIND if I can't eat if I am very hungry. Any comments?

Have you tried Cignasqueakywheels.com?

Too funny...this is exactly how i feel I am almost too embarrased to post sometimes because people have seen me trolling here pre banded for over a year. I am in my 2nd tier level (as I'm learning it's called) of appeal from the good guys at obesitylaw.com. If I get turned down a third time from Cigna I'm packing a bag for Mexico ...just so I don't have to be obessesed obout this any longer! I am just a little jealous of those people who get approved first time. My Primary Physcian who's training to be a fill doc told me that all the insurance companies eventually "cave in" and approve if you don't give up......so just don't give up .....e