Apples2

Hi Nat, I imagine that my band date will also be in March unless I hear something soon from my ins. company. I wish you luck. I decided that I can handle anything that comes my way. Have handled so much with what comes with being overweight...it can only get better!

Good advice, Periwinkle. You can be so close yet so far away when you want to be accepted to the program. Good luck with your surgery (and the days anticipating it). If I get approval this week, I should be able to have the surgery on Feb 19

Need to clarify that my BMI was at 39 and had been for more than five years. My surgeon wanted me to be at the 40 mark

My surgeon kind of helped me out with my BMI. I suddenly got shorter. Drank lots of water on the way to my appt. and b/4. Couple heavy, layered sweaters, heaviest jeans that I could wear. It all worked to get my foot in the door. But, have been waiting for approval from ins. co. and they are questioning everything. I am on pins and needles.

I am hoping to be in your boat a few months from now. I am a positive person and only see the good in all of this. I, too, feel so much better after by 30lbs weight lose. My knee that was bothering me no longer hurts and I have the energy of a 19 yr old again. I am 52 yr. old and feel like I wasted the last 12-15 years of my life being too heavy to enjoy things. I want my life back and I am determined to stick to all the rules and live the rest of my life being happy and active.

Some surgeons just expect that the six mo. diet be in place b/4 HE will approve sending everything to your ins. co. for approval

Have not had the surgery yet. Most of my friends have questioned me. I have lost 30lbs b/4 surgery and they doubt why I should have the surgery if I can take off the weight. I know I would still be a HUNGRY skinny person

Would love to live my life without worrying about acid reflux. I think I have been on Prilosec since it came on the market....about 12-15 yrs. I imagine that if they find a hernia, I will have to deal with it at the time. If it is found pre op, and my dr. will not think of doing the repair, I will have to find another dr. that will. I have decided...no matter what... I am having this surgery. I want this life change. I have everything that a person could want. I am happy but this excess weight affects everything I do. Started the process November 12, 2007. Have lost about 22lbs and already feeling so much better. Even last weight during a vacation to FL last week. I am so concerned that I will be thrown out of the program for having a hernia and am encouraged by your comments. Thank you.

I have a question for all of you that have had a hernia. Is there always an upper GI done b/4 surgery? I have had acid reflux problems for about 15 years (about the time I started gaining weight). I have never been diagnosed with a hernia and have worried that my dr. would not do the band if it was found that I have a hernia. I want this surgery so badly but I also want things to go smoothly post op and not be miserable because of a hernia. It's nice to see posts from people who have had them repaired and things went smoothly post op

Can't imagine waiting 2 years for approval. Congratulations on your stick-to-it attitude and patience. I started this process Oct. 1 and my post op diet on Nov. 12, 2007. To date I have lost 18lbs. Hoping for approval by the end of Feb.