PrettyGirlJey

I finally got myself out of the "I can do this naturally" bubble and decided to tell my PCP that I need help losing weight. He was Sooo helpful and I wasn't embarrassed at all. It took me about 3 months to build up strength to go to him about this. In my head, I thought he might think that I was lazy and seeking the easy way out even though I knew that I have tried every single thing and nothing really worked! I've been obese for 29 years and I'm only 29 years old! Anyway, I have HIP Medicaid and they would cover all weight loss surgeries pending its medically necessary. I was told by the customer service rep from the insurance company that requirements are a BMI of about 40, 6 months supervised diet with a licensed dietician or 3 months under a bariatric surgeon's supervision and something like high blood pressure or diabetes or sleep apnea etc. I really really want to shed this weight. I'm 5'8 and 340 pounds, I would like to get down to about 240. I'm waiting for a referral to a bariatric surgeon to take the next step. Will keep every1 updated and I really really appreciate everyone sharing their journey, it gives me hope and you guys are very educating so thank you. Keep sharing and keep moving in the right direction.

I met the surgeon today at the seminar and I don't think I want the lap band anymore. I have gastritis and I'm afraid my band will erode. I'm also worried about slippage and additional surgeries to remove the band. I wanted the band because I wanted something that was reversible or temporary even but the more that I think about it, my obesity has been permanent so why not a permanent tool. I realize that most people question their original plans but I think I'm going with the gastric bypass instead. Idk! I have an appointment with the surgeon on 3/5 maybe I'll make up my mind then.*sighs*

5k??holy cow! I suppose you can get a medical loan if you don't have the money up front. GE Care credit is a good company if you need to go that route but your surgeon's team would probably be able to get you help financing if you needed it.

I'm meeting with my surgeon next Thursday and i'm super excited :-D

:-D

I hate that smell, ugh. Hurts my stomach lol. Cinnamon chew sticks might help!

I am not telling my mother about my surgery b/c 1) she has a big a** mouth and will tell everyone and not in a nice way either. She'll be like "she didn't lose the weight by herself, anybody could lose weight with a lapband" and "I would never have a surgery to lose weight, I told her she just has to eat less" and allll types of bullsh*t so to avoid that whole shabang I'm not telling her lol. 2) it's none of her business..she's not a doctor nor is she the insurance co. Her knowing, doesnt benefit me so... I think everyone's mom is a pain in the cheeks tho so...ehh whatever. Just ignore her and leave her home. I don't think she's coming with you to your appointments for your best interest but because she wants to know that you're going to fail because she failed her life and misery loves company.

Love it!!

Great! I'm happy for you! Good luck with your surgery. You should probably take a good pair of bedroom slippers and by good I mean a pair you can walk in with grips on the sole. There's another thread on here with things you'll need. Check it out.

I have HIP and I need to get a referral to see specials so I had to speak with my PCP first to get the referral for a bariatric surgeon. Once I get the referral in the mail I have to call the surgeon to schedule attendance in his seminar, after the seminar he does a consultation and then the ball will start rolling. You have to find out if bcbs covers lapband and what their requirements are. They may not need you to get a referral from a PCP. Some insurances requires a BMI of 40 or 35 with a obesity related condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. they may want you to have a supervised diet for 6 months with a dietician or 3 months with a bariatric surgeon but you have to see what they require then you'll know how to get your ball rolling! Good luck!

No more shaving woohooooo! That alone would make me happy lol. I would love to see pics after the compression garment comes off but you look awesome, cute figure!!!

Lol

Well the good news is....they can't repo your band lol, On a serious note, I fee like there's more to this story, why did they decide to reverse it? They must have given you a reason...were you entitled to coverage under that plan? I'm not sure what tricare is but I know someone who was getting medicaid but they started making too much money to qualify for medicaid so they had to pay for all those things they did cover when she wasn't entitled to it. Idk but whatever the situation is, it sucks that you had to file bko. My cousin pays $80/ fill, maybe you can pay out of pocket? I wouldn't use that insurance for anything lapband related since there's an issue...just my opinion!

I certainly will!

Most of the supermarkets now have organic produce like Path-mark, stop and shop, etc even Walmart has organic stuff too, don't forget with whole foods, you're paying for the ambience and recycled brown paper bags etc. I get my meats at whole foods but you can find better priced items of the same quality at your local grocery.

You fought a craving, that's huge! Don't down play it. You rock!!

Wow 121 pounds is an entire person! Good job!! You look great!!!

Someone's got their panties in a bunch lol

Hmm tough situation...is this a job or a career. My decision would weigh heavily on that.