peacebaby

I know you meant no offense, but I want to gently point out that OCD is an actual mental illness that some of us live (and struggle) with.

Hi there! I was banded 10/23.

I didn't actually speak to my Blue Cross rep, though we left messages for each other. Once the tests were done, the approval came in 4 working days and I had the surgery the following week (last Tuesday!) The surgeon's office provided me Blue Cross's expected coverage and the balance I would need to pay them prior to surgery ($4200 for surgeon and assistant). Good Samaritan never even brought up payments, I just checked in and gave them my insurance information and paperwork from the surgeon. That may not be usual?

Hi Chickie... I have seen this anti-thin attitude in my own family. I was a skinny kid who fattened up in adulthood, and the "scrawny toothpick" comments were just as painful as the "fatso" comments have been. My sisters, fat their whole lives, ostracized me until I became fat too, and they have always been incredibly hostile to my daughter, who is just naturally thin. Not anorexic, not unhealthy, just thin. It reminds me of the behavior of oppressed people who grow to hate not only their oppressors but anyone who hasn't been or isn't still being oppressed. Does that make any sense? (I left a friendly comment on your blog.)

I have OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) which is controlled with meds. I was worried this might be an issue. But my surgeon encouraged me to have my own Psych do the evaluation, which focused on whether I understood what I was committing to, had realistic expectations, understood the risks, was ready to make the changes, had a good support system. Even for a nut, it was easy :boink:

I have Blue Cross of California PPO, and they are paying a portion of the Lap-Band surgery. They didn't even mention bypass as an alernative for me. They do require you have the procedure done at a "center of excellence". In order to get authorization, I had to have my primary and psych doctors write letters about my ability to understand and commit to the program. I also had blood testing, EKG, treadmill EKG. I also had to meet with a nutritionist and a life coach. To tell you the truth, I was really surprised how quickly it all came together. Now I'm worrying (of course) whether akk the good news was bad info. But we'll take it a day at a time.

I was banded last Tuesday. I actually threw up after taking anti-nausea syrup (oh the irony), but the patch is great. No nausea at all.

I was banded last week, 10/23/07, by Dr McKeen at Good Samaritan in San Jose. I was very well cared for by every member of the staff that I met. They do a lot of these surgeries and are very supportive and skilled. I really can't say enough good things about everyone from the admitting clerk to the anesthesiologist and the pre-op/recovery nurses. Good Sam was selected as a bariatric "center of excellence" by Blue Cross, whcih had a lot to do with my decision to have surgery there. But after I started looking into my choices, I became really encouraged by all the extras they offer for ongoing support (free support groups, classes, forums, etc.) Good luck!

Yep, I told the lawyer what had happened. He was NOT amused. I hope the kids learned something.

This experience was both a low and a high point in my life. I was out walking with my little dog, probably looking a bit silly to some people, fat chick with little dog. Some kids in a Jeep drove by and ALL of them hooted and oinked at me, the driver included. And then they smashed into the Lexus that was stopped at the light. And then a well dressed guy in a suit got out and said "I'm a lawyer, and you're never driving again." We hardly ever get to see someone get their come-uppance, so this was sweeeeeet. I actually felt sorry for the poor kid and he begged the lawyer not to tell his mom.

If all goes well with the insurance authorization, I'll have surgery 10/23. This is my gift to myself for my 50th birthday (11/6). I was a skinny kid in fat family, then gained a lot of weight in adulthood. About 25 pounds came on slowly over time, another 100 in two big gains. The first big gain came when I became seriously ill and inactive. Once I recovered I lost 60 pounds with fen-phen and long daily walks, but gained it back after my dog died and I stopped the walks. Gained a whole lot more when I began taking medication for OCD, which was a godsend that gave me back myself... plus 50 extra pounds of myself! Now I am ready to do this to get my healthy body to go with my healthy mind. Everyone here has been a real inspiration. Thanks!

This site has been an incredible source of honest information and real inspiration. After a lot of research, heartfelt consideration, discussion with my therapist, and visits to my internist, I took the plunge and saw my surgeon this week. Tomorrow I meet with the nutritionist. My therapist is writing his evaluation letter. If the insurance review goes well I could be banded as soon as Oct 23. So thanks very much for all the information and sharing your stories. It has helped me so much. And where do I get one of those nifty progress meters you all have?