TxJuneBug08

Help!!! I need sleep apena to be approved by BCBS TRS Activecare. I don't have the 5 yr weight history so I have to have 2 comobs things. We are going to try to use high bllod pressure and sleep apena. I have to have a sleep test done. Is there anything I can do to promote sleep apena???? Thanks

HI all ~ I was banded on June 4th by Dr. Felts (Richardson,Tx). I am scheduled for my first fill on July 7th, (to be done by a PA). I *think* I have a 10cc band with a 5cc fill already. :thumbup: I know the doctor said something like that after surgery but I was in a fog and can't recall for sure. I was scheduled for my one month post-op appointment with my doctor on the 7th also but the drs office called and wanted to reschedule. I was on vacation when they called and didn't have my calendar to book another day so the lady said for me to call back later and just do a 3 month post-op appointment instead. Everything seems to be goning fine so I guess 3 months will be fine.

I know a while back I saw a thread/sticky that had a list of questions to ask when looking for a surgeon. Now I can't find the thread/sticky. I would like to come up with a list of question to ask on my pre-op visit and thought that list might help me with some questions. I actually think I know a lot and anything I'm not sure about I have researched. I'm just worried about the questions I have not thought to ask! Thanks!

I am being banded on June 4th. I started my pre-op diet on Friday, May 23rd. My starting weight is 200# and my BMI is 35. Can someone who started at about the same place tell me about what they lost each month for the first few months? I'm hoping to be down 25 or 30 pounds in 3 months but I don't know if that is realistic since my total to loose is 75#. I really want to set some goals. I want goals that are achieveable and will require exercise and effort for me to achieve. I just don't want to set my goals so high that I can't reach them and feel like a failure. In the same thought, I want my goal to motivate me to stay on track. Does this sound okay...... May 23 start date... 200# June 4th band date ~ 3 pound on pre op diet???? July 4th 1 month with band ~ 10 pounds???? August 4th 2 months with band/ 1 month with fill ~ 20 pounds????? September 4th 3 months with band ~ 25 pounds????? Please share what you lost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, TxJuneBug08

Okay.... I bought vanilla and chocolate whey Protein shake mix at GNC and some Atkins ready made shakes. They Atkins ones are okay. The GNC are NASTY!!!!! I spent about $45 on the two large containers so I hate to throw them away. Can I add stuff to them to make them taste better??? I was thinking maybe a packet of the crystal light to go to the vanilla shake. Or does adding stuff change the shake? My preop diet is 2-3 shakes, 2 high protein lean meats, green veggies and 1 cup of fruit after a meal. So I'm not sure if I can add fruit to the shake. Thanks!

I'm getting banded on June 4th too!!!! My pre-op is June 2nd. I;m using Dr. Felts in Richardson. I have been working since October to jump through all the insurance hoops!!!

WOW 23 pounds since May 9th... thats impressive!!! Thanks

I received a voice mail today saying that my ins has approved me. I'm so excited!!!! The message said for me to call tomorrow and make an appointment. It said to have a couple of days in mind. Do you think it meant to have days in mind for my surgery or just for an appointment for some more preop tests. I so excited. I know I'll find out tomorrow exactly what she meant but I can't wait. BTY I'm using Dr. Felts with Lapband Solutions in Richardson, TX.. Thanks!!

Okay... I called today and the office was closed on Fridays. UGGGG!!! I did talk to a lady and she said that they would call me with a payment sheet for me that lets me know excatly how much I will have to pay. After they tell me that they will transfer me to the surgeons office to schedule an appointment. She wasn't exactly sure but said she thinks it will be an appointment for a preop visit and then I will schedule the surgery date at my preop visit. Does that sound right??? Thanks so much!!!! I am soooooooooooo excited!!!!!

BCBS recieved all of my paperwork on April 28. I have called them several times to check my approval status and they say no decision yet. They also tell me that it can take 2 - 6 weeks for approval. Is this normal? I don't know it I can wait 6 weeks, especially after having to do the 6 month supervised diet. Thanks!

Okay.... I started my 6 months of supervised diets at the end of October (1st WL visit) . I went the end of November (2nd WL visit), end of December(3), beginning of February(4), beginning of March (5) and will go in a few days April (6). Each time I go the next appointment gets put back a little more than a month, more like a month and 5 or so days. At my last appointment my PA said I only had one more visit. I though I had 2 left, one at the beginning of my 6th month (April) and then another at the END of the 6th month. So, my question is... on the six month supervised diet do peole usually just go at the beginning of the six months or do they have to go at the end of the last month too??? Thanks! Shari

WOW!!! 2 day is a lot quicker than I imagined!!! Thanks!

Okay.... My BMI is a 35 so I have to have 2 comorbidities to be approved by BCBS/TRS. I have high blood pressure. I had a sleep apnea test done but that was negative. So, my lap band center had me do a blood test today to see if I have any other comorbidities. So, my questions is... about how long does it take to get the results and will I have to wait until my next 'doctor supervised diet' appointment to find out the results. Thanks....

I think that having the band can be so easily 'covered' that many clebs keep it private.

and no apnea. No big surpirse. Just not sure if I have any hope of insurance coverage now.... Guess I'd better start reseaching doctors in Mexico. Onceuponatrip

I don't have a clue! *L* The tech guy would not tell me a thing, which I interpeted as "no apnea". Which I'm not surprised. I really don't think I have it. I did try sleeing on my back to 'promote' it but I guess it didn't work. I have left message with my lapband center to find out when I'll get official results and what to do next. No word from them yet..... I'm hoping if the sleep apnea did come back clean they will suggest blood work to detect something else. I've have almost 2 months of the supervised diet so I hate to hear a sorry insurance won't cover it.

Actually both.... I see the doctor only when I"m sick, which is not very often. And I had to work at getting my BMI up to the 35 that my insurance requires.

I'm having the test done this weekend. I was wondering how to enhance my chances of having Apnea. Does anyone know if they just count the number of times you stop breathing (which I'm afraid I don't do) or if they count the number of times you wake up. What else do they look at? Also, do they watch you sleep or just watch the data on the machines? Thanks

How do I find a doctor in the DFW, Tx area that has a reasonable self pay price? I was going to go through lapbandsoultions but their self pay is 15K. I was wanting to try to find something a little cheaper, even if it does not include fills and doctor visits for the first 2 years. Right now, I would perfer to not go to Mexico. My DH is concerned about me doing that. Any help would be appreciated... Onceuponatrip

That gives me hope!!! Please let me know how your consultation goes. I'm going to try to do some research on him too. Thanks!