Lorsbander

I love it! Very informational. I found someone from my state going to the same doctor. We both submitted to insurance on Monday. We e-mail all the time and are able to really support each other. I am so glad I found this place, too!

OH, good luck, by the way!

Wow! I did not realize a doctor would do one that fast. I have been researching this and doing every test and evaluation under the sun before my doctor will even think about doing the surgery. He also requires a 2 week liquid diet before surgery. I started this process in March and my records, etc were just submitted to insurance on Monday. I am nervous, too, but I have had several months to take it all in. I can't imagine how you must feel.

<p>I am seriously considering getting banded. I have already done all the testing, except the psychological testing, which I go to next week. I am starting to get a bit anxious. I have also been thinking a lot about my social life. I am no alcoholic, but I like to go out 1-2 times a month and drink beer with my friends and family. I usually drink about 6 beers. Is this something the band will not tolerate?</p>

Sorry about that guys! The carbonation can cause your pouch to expand and lead to band slippage. My doctor does not want us to drink at all. A very small amount of alcohol will have a big effect on you. It can lead to cross-addiction. Apparently he has had a few patients have severe problems with drinking with the band. I know I will have to give beer up for sure. It will be rough. I am working through it, though. I kinda feel like I am grieving. I know the band will be worth it. Hopefully it will happen soon. I'll let ya all know!

Hi!!! I am new to this thread- not from Georgia, but have BCBS of Georgia. (I am from Iowa) My records were just sent off to insurance today. They did not seem to require as much as some other insurances do. I was wondering if anyone out there had BCBS of Georgia? I am quite nervous about whether I will be approved or not. Anyone have any insight? Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Hello Iowa gals! I have heard only good things about Dr. Glascock. I heard he is a stickler, though. He wants everyone to follow his instuctions precisely. He is tough, but I think that is what I need. I am a little worried about my insurance paying for this. I recently got a bill for my psych eval and my consultation and they would not pay for either of them. I am pissed off! (I have BCBS of Georgia.) The psych eval was $248. (The psychiatrist was a real quack. Very unprofessional and inappropriate. I am a counselor, so I would know.) I suppose I am gonna have to fight with my insurance for this. Crap. Hey, XGRL, I am a UNI grad, but my husband and I are big Iowa State fans. Go Cyclones!!!!!! I live in Eastern Iowa. Talk to ya all soon!! Have a great weekend. It's gonna be a hot one!!

I have no energy either. I am 34 with 3 kids: 8, 4, and 2. The youngest 2 have mild disabilities. I work full-time as an advocate/counselor for victims of domestic violence. I cannot keep up with any of it anymore. I can't wait to get the band to take my life back. I feel empowered just thinking about getting banded!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Jackie! I haven't been here in a while- it was great to see you are still here! WOW! It sounds like you are working your butt off! Hopefully literally! You are determined and positive. You have been so helpful to me. I have appreciated your strength and enthusiasm! I am sure you will be approved. My pulse ox was sent to my family doctor today and then to Dr. Glascock sometime this week. Hopefully no apnea, but I am prepared for the worst. How has it been going with your machine? Keep me up-to-date! Take Care girl!! Xgrl- are you from Iowa, too? What area and what doc are ya seeing? We will take all the support we can get!!!!!!

Hi Melissa! I have BCBS of Georgia, too. I am hoping everything will be turned into my insurance by the end of next week. I was very surprised that they did not require 6-12 months of physician surpervised diet documentation. I am from Iowa, and have found that BCBS of Iowa requires a lot more than Georgia does. Hopefully I will be approved. I'll let ya know what I hear. Good luck to you!

I am in the same stages as Jackie is with Dr. Glascock. I would also like to hear from others banded by him. I am starting to have second thoughts about the surgery. (Not about Dr. Glascock's office, though.) Is anyone out there?

Sounds like Mary will be getting a call from both of us on Monday! I do not have to do the sleep study unless I "fail" the oximetry test. I would probably go to Cedar Falls/Waterloo to get the sleep study if I had to. My husband tells me that I snore. I've noticed that sometimes I will snore when I am falling asleep and it wakes me up. Maybe I do have sleep apnea. I hope not, but just one more reason to get the band. (All the leads and stuff would freak me out, too! - it's worth it, though!) My husband, sister and co-workers are very supportive of me. My mom wasn't at first, but says she is fine with it. I guess my dad feels it is drastic. I have been keeping things on the down low with my mom and dad until I know I am getting the band for sure. My kids are 8, 4 and 2. I have not told my 8 year old yet, but I know it will scare the heck out of her. I am not sure how I will deal with that situation yet. She is very intelligent and sensitive. Any ideas? The other 2 kids are too young to understand. Thank God! I am so glad I found you! Just knowing someone else is in the same place as me is comforting! It is just a wait and see game now, I guess. Let me know if you hear anything!! Have a wonderful evening!!

Welcome, Karen! I'm from Iowa! We are neighbors! I am new, too. I just found LapBandTalk last week, and now I'm addicted! It has been so helpful! I am almost done with my requirements for my insurance. I go for my psych. eval tomorrow, and then my doctor will submit to insurance. Keep up the diet and exercise program. It may be tough, but it's worth it! I feel the same about gastric bypass. The band is the way to go! Best of luck to you!!

My insurance does not require the doctor supervised diet. I have gone several times over the years, though. Jackie- I am so sorry about your husband. I am sure your kids are very protective of you. I am also sure that they understand why this surgery is so important to you. It's the beginning of a new life. A long, happy one! Let me know how your sleep study goes. Best of luck to ya! Keep me posted!

I just got off the phone from the doctor's office. After my pshych. eval they will submit to insurance. Mary is the gal who does all the insurance stuff. (She was very nice, by the way.) I asked about how long it would take to get banded after approval. She stated that it depends on my tests. I told her all the test were done, except the overnight oximetry test. She stated that if that test came back that I may have sleep apnea, that the 2 night sleep study may take a long time. Evidently the sleep studies are backed up. I told her that I did not think that I had apnea. She told me that I would be surprised, most of the people coming in do. Just great! I thought I was ready to roll! I also found out that my bloodwork (that I have done twice), was incomplete. I was not tested for alot of things they needed. I guess I should have talked to them first. Now I have to go in again! I am supposed to call Mary back on Monday to see if they received the psych eval report. If so, she will submit then. Feeling a bit frustrated.

Jackie- I had my consult 4 weeks ago. I met with the dietician and with the PA, Angela. I also talked with Nikki about insurance. They were all very nice and supportive. I need to call Dr. Glascock's office today to see if they have submitted my records to insurance. I assumed they got everything, but I better check. I go to see the pshychiatrist tomorrow. It took me 2 weeks to get in. I have all of my pre-op tests done except for the overnight pulse oximetry test. I also wonder how long it takes to get banded once I get my insurance approval. Good luck!

Wow, Lucy! What you wrote was perfect. I was thinking the exact same thing. Thank you!!

Suzie, I hope your surgery went well and that you are feeling great! I am finishing up with my tests and waiting for approval from BCBS of Georgia. (But, I live in Iowa!) I will be watching this thread for your postings. Take Care!

I am from Eastern Iowa. I am finishing up with tests and waiting for insurance approval to get banded by Dr. Glascock. I would love to hear from other Iowans, too!

I am completing my last tests and waiting for insurance approval. My doctor is Dr. Glascock in Cedar Falls. Is there anyone else from Iowa (or elsewhere) who have gone to Dr. Glascock? If you are from Iowa and gone somewhere else, I would like to hear from you, too. I am getting nervous.......

I do love it! I find myself checking my computer several times a day! I have gotten the best info at this place. I have read about things with the band that I had not even thought of. It has really made me think. Plus, now I know I am not alone. That alone makes me feel better! I have happened upon a few postings by Iowans, so I responded. I am hoping to hear from them. Have a wonderful week!

I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and ask specifically about beer. I will let you all know what he says! Hope everyone has a great week!

Hello, Optimistic1! I am going to be banded in Cedar Falls soon! I read you were banded on 4/3. I hope you are doing well. I would love to hear how the process went and how you are doing. A fellow Iowan!! (I was born at Sartori in CF!!)

I am looking into getting banded in Cedar Falls, Iowa by Dr. Glascock. He has done about 1300 bariatric surgeries, and he sounds great. I would love to hear from anyone he has banded.

I wonder about the Guiness thing, too. I guess I thought it really didn't matter what kind of beer it was because it is all too bubbly for your band. Carbonated beverages, etc are not good for the band and will make you sick. Right? Can anyone clear this up for me/us?