Pinkpeonies1

Thank you! I had the band for 5 years and it was removed in 2013.

Not all restaurants honor the card though, it's up to their discretion.

Never mind I figured it out.

Is anyone having trouble creating a ticker for this website? I have tried every day for a week and I just can't create it.. I know it's not me becuase I created one on the web and even tried to past the url here and that didn't work either. I am able to go to the signature page, i click on create a ticker, select the weight option, I get as far as the ruler background page and then nothing. it does not let me select any of the backgrounds and it directs me to an error page... Can anyone tell me if I'm doing it wrong?

I heard isopure tastes horrible but m set on keeping my protein intake up during the clear liquid phase. As far as the protein powder I buy premiere shakes from costco. They are high in protein and very low in sugar. I also will be ordering procel which you can add to your soups and drinks, it's pretty much flavorless. Once we start on real food you don't have to do the shakes. Although keeping some handy for when you're out running errands is a good idea so you won't skip a meal.

I am going to purchase the portion control plates too but later on. For the most part the first 3 weeks are liquids so I'm concentrating on that. I have a measuring cup shaped like a drinking glass so I will be using that for now. I have protein powder, isopure drinks, jello, chicken noodle soups and creams and I think I'm set.

I wish I had the advocates info sooner. I was denied 3 times last year after having my band removed. The doctors office didn't do much, they just claimed the insurance co has the last word. I had to do all appeals on my own without any luck. Finally changed medical groups, not insurance and got approved. Only thing is I had to start from scratch with classes, documentation, doctors visits etc. Took me 6 months but I'm in, having bypass August 4th.

Unfortunately being pre-diabetic doesn't count. I too am pre-diabetic and it worries me. However, my weight loss surgeon said they could not use that as a reason unless you are taking medication for it and even that has to be documented. Good luck with your sleep study.

    I think I understand your question.... I'm my case for example... When I first started looking into weightloss surgery, I was told I had no real co-morbid conditions (i.e high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease etc.) so the only way I would qualify is if I had sleep apnea. It doesn't mean that you will get a machine right off the bat. In my case, I was tested and little did I know I actually had sleep apnea. It was documented, I received a machine and was approved for surgery. For my revision however, I was denied 3 times even though I had sleep apnea. Of course that was a revision, but they check the severity of the case (mild, moderate or severe apnea). My medical group clained the apnea wasn't severe enough and that I could get rid of it by losing weight. So I was placed on a medical documented weight loss program. After a few months of documented meals and classes and still having sleep apnea, my revision was finally approved. So they might not be saying you need to get one. What they are probably saying is that if you don't have any co-morbid sympthoms (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease etc.) you would qualify if you had sleep apnea. Does that make sense? So yes, speaking to a sleep center and getting tested is be the best way to find out if you actually have the condition. If you don't have the condition, they will not give you a cpap machine. The condition has to be documented and machine approved by your insurance.

Thank you for the birthday wishes and for keeping me in prayer as well. I'm glad to hear that you have a great support system. As for me, for the most part yes. My husband works for a small company that does not pay for days off so he will be there the day of surgery and the next day to drive me home. However, he'll be back to work after that. My girls 11,12 and 15, are on vacation but are off to sports practice and games all day long. My mother will be driving them back and forth and that alone is big help. I think I'll enjoy the peace and quite during the day and enjoy their company in the evening. A major plus is that I'll be on liquids for 3 weeks so I don't have to worry about making my meals. My husband is pretty good in the kitchen so he and the kids will be fine. As far as people who know about my surgery aside from hubby, my kids and mother... I've only told two co-workers who have both gone through bypass and are of great help and support. Feel free to p.m me when ever you want to talk.

You're too kind! I just turned 44 last week and God willing, I'm hoping to start this phase of my life healthy and fit. Wow, you do have a lot going on. Just make sure you have plenty of support during your post-op period. Hopefully you'll have someone with you during the first few weeks for moral support being your husband is stationed 5 hrs away. If anything, you'll find plenty of support here from people going through the same thing but it's always nice to have someone physically there. Send me a p.m the morning of you're surgery and I'll make sure to say a prayer for you.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in '08. In my case, I do not have obstructive sleep apnea but more of Hypopnea (shallow breathing) . Although in my case mild, it does prevent me from falling into a REM sleep which is what makes me tired and sleepy all day long. I feel much better since I started using the CPAP machine. My husband hates it and claims he can't sleep well from hearing the ventilation. Want to know the funny thing? He has moderate obstructive sleep apnea. He used his machine about a year on and off and finally stopped using it altogether. It upsets me because he knows the risks of not using one, i.e. increased likelihood of having a stroke but I can't force him to use it.

I'm new too, been here a few days and love all the information available and the friendliness of the people here. My surgery is scheduled for next month... Good luck on your journey!

I'm in! My current weight is 228 and my goal is to lose 10-12 lbs before my surgery on 8/04/15. My goal after surgery is to reach at least 15-20 lbs the Labor day.

It sure does... in my case, I've been noticing things falling into place which makes me think it was meant to be. I'll give you one example. During the Doctor's Talk at my surgeon's office, someone came in to the office to talk about supplements we will need after surgery and gave us all a form to fill out stating that we could try to have our insurance cover them and get monthly shipments to our door. If approved, we'd hear from them in a day or two. 1 1/2 weeks went by, my surgery was approved and no word on the supplement approval. I called my surgery coordinator for a contact number, called my surgeon's office and no one had any idea what I was talking about. I searched online for anything similar and nothing, so I gave up hope. Somehow I ended on my app store looking for a support group and found this one. One of the first forums I came across, a lady was talking about nasal b-12 and how her insurance covered it and named a website. I immediately did my search and the pharmacy is based on the East Coast . I called them, asked if my insurance would cover this item. The only information they asked was my name and date of birth. Surprisingly, the person on the other side of the phone says, "We have your information provided by your doctor (Dr. Laport) and yes, your insurance will cover all the supplements with a $15 monthly co-pay." It turns out that this is the company that originally gave us the form to fill out. Isn't that something, after my dr.'s office had no clue, I find info on Barriatric Pal, pharmacy on east coast, and they had my info? If anyone is interested you can check out the website at www.procarerx.com . The site does not provide Bariatric Supplement info so it's best to call the number listed. Ask to speak to the Nascobal Department. Nascobal is the name of the B-12 spay. However, I was approved for the B-12 nasal spray, Iron, Multivitamin, Calcium and I believe Vitamin D. Your insurance may or may not cover it but if it does, it helps to calculate what you'll be spending on over the counter stuff and compare it to the copay. Blessing and Good luck!

Juliarea thank you. Good luck in your journey.

I have to lose 80lbs. Last week when I found out I was approved and given a date I started stressing and thinking about all that can happen, the possible long term side effects, struggles and what not. I started giving myself anxiety to the point of almost hyperventilating . This week has been better. I keep tell myself that it will be fine. Most importantly I'm trying to stay strong in faith and keeping a positive outlook for a positive outcome for my good and that of my family. Every time I catch myself starting to worry, I tell myself God has this.

Maybe we can be support buddies through this journey and hopefully share more successes than troubles. What procedure are you having?

I literally emailed my coordinator every day for a week switching between the sleeve and bypass until she told me I wasn't ready and scheduled another doctors talk. I know I'm ready, I had the band and did great for 5 years until it was removed for medical reasons. I know I can deal with restriction. It's just the invasive procedure that scares me. Overall, I'm excited and hopeful all will be well.

Hello, I'm also going from band to RNY and my surgery is scheduled for August 4th. I still have to do all my pre-op tests but I'm getting closer. I am nervous and at times get scared but then again I know this is what I need to keep me healthy and on track. Good luck to you all on your journey to the new you.

August 4th and having the bypass. I'm interested in having buddies for support post-op. Good luck you you all.

I'm having RNY August 4th and I'm nervous as heck. I too keep changing my mind from one minute to the next even though I know I want and need the surgery.

I'm from Southern California.

Yes, please do and thank you!

Hi everybody, August 4th is my date. Jennylew we are on the same boat, I am also having a revision from lapband although my band was taken out August '13 due to complications. I'm not sure what procedure you're having, I'm going with the RNY this time around. Also having weird dreams and don't know how to interpret them and I worry. I tell myself it's part of my anxiety and try not to dwell on it too long. I am waiting for test dates which coordinator is working on that now... hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I have stocked up on supplements, Soups, Protein, and Jello as well so I'm just playing the waiting game now. I'm new to this forum and not sure how to add friends but keep in touch and let me know how your process goes. Good luck to you all.