Apples2

Whoever you quoted "good things come to those who wait" was correct. You are very lucky if you are this far along in the process. Just be thankful that you don't have six more months in front of you on a pre-op diet and that you can at least see the light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck with your insurance approval, surgery and the journey to a new healthy you. We are all blessed to have this opportunity.

LJM...I love the fact that you are going to do the "pampering day" b/4 your surgery. Good for you!!!!!!!!! Just want to wish you good luck with your surgery. We all deserve to wake up in the body we thought we would have when we started this process. I, too, will some day need TT and who knows what else. I am yet to be banded, have lost 40lbs pre-op and can already see the hanging apron. Happy Anniversary and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers on surgery date. You will do just fine

Yep, I sit and read and have had so many questions answered without even having to ask it myself!

Congrats. Looks like you are on your way! Do what the doc says and follow the diet rules and you should be very successful.

Welcome Redberd, I am pre-band also. This site is the greatest for info...almost anything you have a question about can be answered by someone who has experienced it. You don't have to worry about being judged and that are no "stupid" questions. I wish you luck.

It's surprising what weight loss can do for the mind and spirit. Happy that you are smiling! I smiled this morning also. Had not weighed in for 2 weeks. My first weigh in under 200lbs. Started at 236 and not banded yet. Mr surgeon likes the weight loss first. Have a couple of months to go and really tired of being hungry. But, I smile each time I put on a t shirt that is 2 sizes smaller. Good luck to you and keep smiling

Hey,that's quick and just awesome. I had a Feb 19 surgery date but ins. company want 3 more months of the pre-op diet. I'm surviving and just waiting for this process to get on the road to surgery, recovery and maintenance. All the luck in the world, Pearlygirl!

Amen, Gem! Stay strong and include the rest of us in that prayer of yours!

Great news, Pearlygirl!!!! Hope things continue to fall into place for you. Cannot wait for that day of insurance approval. I wish you luck with your weight loss and also wish for you an uncomplicated road to your destination.

...just make sure you do not consume liquid 1 hr. to 45 min b/4 meals and 1 hr. to 45 min after meals. Other than that, don't think there are any rules. Lucky man in your life!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know of three people within 12 miles in our area that just produce calcium based stones....I would be one of them. The first one hit in September, 1994 and I have basically dealt with them at least every six weeks, if not once a month since that time. I have gotten to the point in the last seven years that I pass them all on my own (without pain medication) at my home and not in the hospital. I do have to be careful when they are moving through the left side. I have a double urator (sp?) so it does tend to get caught in the "v" and I have to go under to have it removed if it does not pass on it's own. I can not count the number of stones I have had in the last 13.5 years. I guess it's just my gift from God! Thanks, God

Every insurance company and every lap band dr. have different requirements. All I can tell you is what was required of me. I went to the initial seminar where my surgeon gave us general info about the lap band and then had an open question answer session. Received questionnaire the same night, filled it out and sent it back to surgeon's office. My six mo. supervised diet started with my first visit with the surgeon. Each mo. I visit my surgeon to go over any questions and he documents my weight loss. After I meet the 6 mo required time, my surgeon's office will turn in all my paperwork to my insurance company. The first two months into this process I met with the nutritionist, psych, had sleep apnea test and any other test that was required. Your doc might have different hoops for you to jump through and at different times throughout this process. I wish you luck. The six mo. seems endless at first...but not so bad. Gives you time to consider what you're getting yourself into.

Oh no...last year's thread? Bummer

Hey, anywhere there's not snow!!!!!!!!!!! Karen from Minnesota

We've all been there where we were not totally understanding of others and what they were going through. I am sure most people who respond negatively to others do not mean to do so. I just feel that close friends and family should at least educate themselves somewhat so THEN they can assess our situation and decide if they want to support our decision or not. I have been supportive of every one of my friends in one way or the other over the years and now I feel like I am sitting on an island with no one that understands except for my immediate family (I have no family members other than DH and sons). Good friends need to know (just listen) what their friend is going through. I will just wait and see how this all pans out. I might be surprised at which of my friends end up being supportive.

Hi Karen, from another Karen. Sounds like you've done your research and made your decision. This lap band process is ALL YOURS. You can invite only the people that you feel will be supportive in on your process. The others with negative opinions might just have to sit this one out. I, too, have heard all the negatives. And, as said by others above, most people are just concerned. I have told only a few good friends, my sons and, of course, my husband. I tend to have a short reply for my friends that suggest I really don't need to do the lap because I have lost close to 40lbs on my pre-op diet. It is just a matter of them not understanding the process. My answer is "I have done the research, feel it is a non-evasive procedure and it is going to provide me with a lifetime tool for weight maintenance". I then give them my surgeon's internet site so they can look into it further. I plan on living and loving this band for what it will help me achieve. My friends (that call me their very best friend in the whole world...I wonder) that cannot understand or don't take the time to find out a little bit about what I am going through and will go through with this band, might have to sit by the wayside while I am on this journey. This is a lot of work and I don't have time for negativity. I thank God for my very supportive husband and my adult sons that will be there for me no matter what. I am doing this for all the right reasons and I will not let another person doubt what I am doing. Hang in there, Karen. Try to have a quick response to negative our doubtful friends and co-workers. Just know in your heart what you are doing is the right thing for you. Take care.

Congratulations, Ronwifey. I have a couple of months left b/4 papers get sent back in again for approval. (My dr. thought he could get me through in 3mo. but ins. co. requires 6). I am diligently trying to lose more pre-op weight. Was a little disappointed when I was denied after 3 mo. but dr.'s nurse assured me it was only a time thing. I bet you are relieved and anticipating your next steps. I am looking forward to being at the step. Take care and good luck.

Hi Amber, I'm from MN. Sounds like you came through surgery just fine. I wish you continued luck. Take care of yourself and wishing you health and happiness

A lot of us are in the same boat, Aqua....waiting for that insurance approval. Hang in there. Stay positive. Appeal if you have to. I am doing the six month BCBS pre-op requirement. It's really not that difficult. I keep focused on the positive way in which the lap band will eventually change things for me. 95% of my friend do not understand that if I can lose 36lbs b/4 having surgery...then why do I need the band if I can lose weight. Dah! If I didn't have this lap band in my future, I know I would get discouraged and just gain it all back. When you want something so badly, it's worth working towards that goal. Be patient. Rely on this forum when you are feeling anxious. It's gotten me through a couple of "bummer" days. There's always someone at the stage you are at, or someone who has more experience to bring you around to positive thinking. Hang in there and shoot for what you believe in. I wish you luck.

The only thing that I worry about in the entire lap band process is the fact that I most likely will want to have a tummy tuck after I reach my goal weight. I already have hanging skin. I want to reach my goal and look and feel the best that I can and think the only way to do that is with a tummy tuck. I have heard and seen so many horror stories about tummy tucks. I do realize that going to an accredited surgeon is the most important thing. I do know I am being silly even letting those horror stories stick in my head. Anybody out there that can calm my fears?

Way too funny. I am sure at the time you were mortified but love the fact that you could laugh at yourself in the end. I am a very clumsy person. Always have been. Graceful and I have never met. I can stumble without anything to trip me up. I am at the point where when it happens and someone notices, I would like to say "Hey, this is me being normal". Good luck and hope everything "falls" into place for you on your Lap Band "trip"

Vessa, thank you for the support. Just going to plug away at these next three months and be happy for the opportunity to even have this surgery. Thank God for the Lap Band inventor!

I am on pins and needles waiting for insurance approval from BCBS of Minnesota. Was told by my doctor's office manager that I would hear within 14 days. All paperwork was submitted on 1/29. Got a call yesterday saying that they needed some sort of documentation to prove that I actually had tried a diet plan in the last couple of years. (For some reason there were very few weights documented in my clinic file over the last 10 years...even though I discussed my weight issues with my GP numerous times). Was able to find a receipt from NutriSystem and provide it for them. Anyway, since that phone call I have been in a panic thinking that maybe the insurance company won't go for it. I know I should be patient and think positively. I was told last night by doctor's office manager that I should hear by Friday. I can't sleep and feel sick to my stomach. I know that this surgery is the best thing I can do for myself. All I want is to live the rest of my life healthy and to be able to do all the things I used to do. Is that too much to ask for? I know the band can help me keep my eating in check and that can only be a good thing. Just need to get through today and tomorrow.

Mike, Good luck from fellow Minnesotan. I have yet to be banded but on my way. A couple of months remaining. So happy for you and for your daughters and wife. You will be able to do things with them that you never dreamed you could. God Bless

Bummer...all prepared for surgery and no where to go. Again, good luck on your surgery and take good care of yourself after. Hope it all falls into place next week.