HotLikeMe

Hi - I'm in Southwest Florida and I have Tricare Prime (Remote). I had my lapband last week. I was told by Tricare today that even though they won't cover the actual lapband itself (they consider it experimental) they will cover incidentals like: anesthesia, pain killers, ekg, blood tests, etc. I had to intially pay out of pocket and now am trying to get reimbursed. I'm now sending in claims for all that I've paid and keeping my fingers crossed.

Hi - I live in Southwest Florida. I have Tricare Prime and have been told that they don't cover it at all. It is still considered to be experimental. I had my band done last week and talked to a girl at Tricare today who said that even though Tricare won't pay for the actual band part, they do cover things like: anesthesia, pain killers, ekg, blood tests, etc. I had to pay everything up front and now am trying to get reimbursed.

My husband said the same thing to me. I think they think it's a joke - maybe to make us feel better - like we'll be super models or something. I was nervous, scared, freaked out, guilty, embarrased.... I almost backed out at least 20 times just a few days before surgery (even the day of surgery). Once I got to the hospital it was a little easier. The hospital staff was great. Me and the other girls there that were also having this done had a great time laughing and talking right up til I was wheeled back to the OR. I'm just 10 days out of surgery now and don't feel too bad. I've already lost 11 pounds. Just remember why you wanted to have the surgery in the first place. And, as a friend of mine keeps telling me "Nothing tastes as good as being thin." Good Luck.

My name is Cheryl and I'm married with 3 children. I work from home. I'm preparing for my husband to leave for Iraq for 18 months. He'll be leaving on Aug 14th. My children are in soccer and my daughter is in theatre. I like to paint ceramics and collect fairies. I live in Southwest Florida.

I was banded on July 26th and am supposed to still be on clear liquids. But I'm starving. I've already tried watered down tomato and mushroom soup and so far so good. Why can some of us have only liquids for 4 weeks when other doctors say you can have some mushy stuff after only a week? I don't have a fill yet - am I hurting anything to try mushy after a week?????

Hey - Freaking out in Florida here. Just about 18 hours away from surgery. Any last minute suggestions?

HELLO - I'm still here - feeling a little fragile, but for the most part, not as bad as I thought it would be. The gas pain in my shoulder is MUCH more than my stomach. I've tried Maalox, heating pad, and massager, but nothing seems to work. Today is my 4th day after surgery and I've already lost 7 pounds. I'm sure it's all water weight, but I don't care, I havn't seen the scale go down in a really long time. Thank you all for your stories and support. If it weren't for that I'd probably have chickend out.

Hello - I'm back and banded. My stomach is feeling pretty okay. But my shoulder gas pains are sometimes UNBEARABLE. Feels like they dropped me on my shoulder. I'm already sick of the sweet stuff... freezer pops, jello, gatorade... Don't want the bouillon/broth anymore either. I've tried really watered down tomato soup - that was okay. My husband made tacos for the kids last night and I sucked the taste out a couple pieces of hamburger. PATHETIC, I know. Other than all that, I'm here, a little fragile still, but can't wait to get started on my NEW life.

I too am just 4 days out of surgery. I'm not doing to good with just bouillon/broth either. My husband made tacos for the kids for dinner last night and the smell was driving me crazy. I sucked the taste out of a couple of pieces of hamburger then spit the meat out. I know that sounds disgusting, but it HELPED a lot. At least I got to taste it. I've also had very watered down tomato soup and so far so good. I'm sick of the freezer pops and sweet stuff.

Tomorrow is the BIG day. Very nervous, excited, freaking out.... anyone backed out the day before or day of?

Hi - Dr. Lieberman is in Naples. I don't know if he'll do another doctor's fills/followups though.

My doctor requires liquid (Optifast) for 2 weeks prior. However, I havn't been able to do it. I've done a low fat, low carb, tried to stick to high protein, but was IMPOSSIBLE to stick to. NOW, my surgery is scheduled for TOMORROW...I'm afraid my doctor won't do the surgery cause I couldn't stay on the liquid only. Won't know til tomorrow morning. Should I tell him I "Cheated"? I'm not going to eat or drink after midnight tonite, because of anesthesia, but is it too late?

I'm having my surgery done on July 26 in St. Petersburg, Florida. I've been on the liquid diet for a few days now. I've been going back and forth everyday. One day, I'm having it - that's it, I'm done with fat stuff. The next day it's well, I can do this myself, the surgery is too expensive. Then I get mad. WHY can't I do this myself? WHY do I have to have the band in the first place - lack of will power? Then, yesterday, I went to Fashion Bug to try to find a new blouse to wear out Friday night. In the dressing room I almost threw up when I saw myself. I kept thinking "Is this a fun house mirror? I can't possibly REALLY look like that!" So, from now on, when I think about NOT having the surgery the fat girl in the mirror at Fashion Bug tells me "Like hell you're not!!!!!"

Just thought you'd get a kick out of this. When I told my 10 year old daughter that I was getting the lapband to make my tummy smaller, she looked a little confused at first, then said "What about your arms and legs?:laugh

Hello - My name is Cheryl and I'm from Southwest Florida. I'm scheduled to have Lap Band surgery in St. Petersburg at Palms of Pasadena Hospital on July 26, 2005. I'm 35 years old, married, and have 3 children, a daughter (10), and 2 sons (5 & 3). I'm self pay as my insurance company said that this surgery is still considered experimental and won't cover it. My support system is pretty good, but my husband will be leaving soon for Iraq - so I'll probably bug you guys a lot - hope you don't mind. I'm still freaking out - a little. Still thinking I should try diet pills just ONE more time, in CASE they might work this time....but, been down that road and I'm ready for a new one. My friend, HotLikeHer, introduced me to your site and I'm glad to be here.

When I was 7 months pregnant with my daughter and trying to get out my car, I had a couple of guys drive by and yell "lose weight, fat a.." I know it hurts. I know this sounds stupid, but my husband and I actually call each other "Big Fat Pig". Not in a "mean" way but just like we would say "honey" or "sweetheart". Both of us have gained weight since we've been together (I've definetly gained more than him though). I've worked with some jerks too and even though your feelings are hurt now, just remember what goes around, comes around... and when it does, I wouldn't want to be her.

Hello - I'm Cheryl and I live in SW Florida too. About a mile away from HotLikeHer. I'm also getting my lapband done by Dr. Rehnke in St. Pete. in just over a week. Getting very nervous....

Lisa - If I didn't know better, I swear you were talking about me. Self pay, 5'3", sedentary lifestyle.... and I've been freaking out too. I'm just over a week away from my surgery and have been all over the net reading, researching, trying to find someone or someplace that said they HATED the band, it's the worst thing ever. But I couldn't find ONE not even ONE person that regretted it or was dissatisfied in anyway. Vinesqueen (Crystal - I think) THANK YOU so much for your response. It's true that I WANT to believe that band is going to FIX ALL MY PROBLEMS...I won't have grey hair anymore, my stretch marks will magically disappear, no more zits, and there will be peace on earth. WOW that sounds great don't it. Vinesqueen - Thank you so much for actually putting everything into perspective. (Although, I am hoping to be prettier.)