Chrisann

Hi, everyone. I am scheduled to be banded on January 21, 2008 in NYC by Dr. Christine Ren. I am planning to go back to work on January 28. Is that enough time? I don't know if I can take more time off than that.

I thought the surgeon's office goes after the Appeal and pre-certifications for you. Maybe I am wrong.

The documents at the NYU medical center in NY, where I am going to have mine says that 35-40 BMI you must have a serious health risk. Over 40 you are morbidly obese and you can have it regardless. The doctors office is pretty good at getting people approved too from what I heard.

I am the first one of the day, have to be there at 5:00am with the surgery scheduled for 7:00am. Its because after being on a liquid only diet, my veins recess, and I can't be put under too easily by using the veins. They had to do it in my leg for a colonscopy and it didn't work. so Dr. Ren feels that by being the first one, they have a better shot of the veins in my arm.

<p>In researching my choice of Dr. Ren at NYU for my surgery, Jan.21, they told me that sometimes insurance doesn't cover fills, and that her charge is $100 each time.</p> Dr. Kurian is now at NYU Medical Center as well.

I am single, and 40 years old. Pretty much by choice. I ended a 12 year relationship 6 years ago, and have been dating on and off. Generally, didn't like the guys who were asking me out because I was big, and thought I was desperate. I am getting banded on January 21. I am not doing it now to get a man, 6 years ago, probably, now doing it for myself. I guess that once the weight is off, my dating pool could open up, but not even sure I want to test it. My best friend is a guy, who has had many failed relationships with the barbie girls, he is a big guy himself, and is not supportive of my choice for the surgery. I don't get it. Except maybe that part of our non romantic relationship was because I was big so we were close because he wasn't attracted to me. Now I can't figure out what our friendship is going to be when I get banded. It just hurts me a lot that he is not supporting this choice.

If my insurance wasn't paying, I have a good Oxford PPO plan, I couldn't do it. No one in my family, let alone me, has that cash to cover this. My BMI is 47, but I am healthy right now, blood pressure and cholesterol are low,etc. But I know, that could change rather quickly. I give you guys all props for being able to pay for it. :clap2:

Thanks, was wondering because I have always been looking at the downside of the surgery. Like why people failed and what possible things would go wrong. I read so much about the positives that I want to be prepared for negatives even if I never face them. I have no will power whatsoever, and that is why I am the size I am.