Luu2008

Laura, Congrats on your weight loss and LapBand!!! Happy to hear the strap isn't bugging you as much. I don't even know I'm wearing mine anymore, but at first it was always slipping and I even got a painful blister the first day I wore it. I'm being banded in a few weeks, June 24th! Still waiting in that pesky insurance approval. Its cutting close and making me nervous...so we may have to wait a bit, who knows. Hopefully not. Its my PCP, she wants to talk to me before she sends her letter and not "do this on a whim"....I talked to her in January about it and again in March, she was not supportive but agreed that if I wanted it I should do it. Not only that I've been to so many Dr appointments, support groups, psych consult, nutritionist appointments...its frustrating to think I would be doing this "on a whim" and be lectures by a 120 pound woman on nutrition as if she can understand. She can't get me in until next week...so I'm worried it won't be in time. Sorry if thats TMI. Lori

I heard of the biggest looser DVD's in this forum. I use Cardio max and the toning one. Ordered them from amazon.com for less then you can purchase them in Walmart (if you can find them there.) Very good workout.

I've been wearing my bugg for 3 days now. I'm not banded YET, band date for June 24th. I am keeping my band a secret. I purchased the bugg to help me keep moving, and on target, this surgery is my last resort and it terrifies me, I have a huge fear of failure-this has to work! I didn't realize how much I would love the bugg. Its addictive I tell you. Not only that this helps give me something to tell people as to how I am loosing weight, and its an honest answer. Today I worked all day putting in our garden. I don't normally move even close to this much, I was SHOCKED when I saw how much I had burned, normally I'm a few hundred calories below my target. Give it up for gardening (though it already hurts to move :eek:) 3118 calories burned 1092 consumed 2026 deficit

Mamacita, I had the same problem-it was really starting to bother me, and it was constantly moving down and buzzing. I reluctantly tightened it, I thought it would make it worse. I also adjusted the velcro so it wasn't rubbing on my inner arm against my body. I didn't even notice I was wearing it after that! I hope this helps!

Just have to share the good news! I have a surgery date! June 24th!!!!!! Still waiting for that darn insurance company but its looking good.

I have a surgery date!!!!!!! June 24th!!! My insurance approval is "pending" lady I spoke to in charge of compiling my information for the insurance company said that once I get approved by the board its not likely my insurance will not approve me. Also when I have a surgery date the insurance company is quick to approve/disprove I was told my insurance is a good one. Don't want to jinx myself...at least I'll know soon!

Today is the day, after months of appointments, I find out if the Bariatric team will approve me as a candidate. I'm trying to stay positive I really am. I still have to wait for a surgery date, then I have to see if my insurance will approve...but really all of that hinges on the decision made today. My biggest fear is that they will say "no". Then what?

Had no time to post, but I got the call and it was good news!!!! Now I wait for insurance approval :blushing: and a surgery date!!!

Soooooooooo nervous still waiting for the call!!! I've been in and out all day long but am home for the afternoon. No message. Think I'll check the caller ID!

Thanks for the support!!! Karen, Every program is different...all things considered I am glad I had a few months to prepare, however, I think its a bit ridiculous at this point. Not all of us are as fortunate as you, count yourself lucky. Also there are insurance requirements that took some time to fulfill. I'm told that if you get to the pint of being discussed there is a good possibility its a go. Still I'm nervous. Here is my time line: 02/04/2008-Attended Orientation/support group<o:p></o:p> 02/22/2008-First appointment w/ Provider Bariatric program <o:p></o:p> (Weight loss goal of 12 pounds for insurance and <o:p></o:p> Bariatric surgery requirements)<o:p></o:p> 02/22/2008-EKG <o:p></o:p> 03/18/2008-1^st appointment with the dietitian (gave me homework)<o:p></o:p> 03/18/2008-Chest X-Ray<o:p></o:p> 03/18/2008-Gall Bladder Ultra-Sound<o:p></o:p> 03/?/2008-EGD Digestive Disease test<o:p></o:p> 04/01/2008-Attended 2^ND support group<o:p></o:p> 04/08/2008-2^nd appointment with the dietitian <o:p></o:p> (Went over post op diet and homework, weight was down 6 pounds!!!) <o:p></o:p> 04/23/2008-Meet with Surgeon <o:p></o:p> 04/23/2008-Psych evaluation<o:p></o:p> 04/25/2008-Follow up appointment w/LNP (will decide if <o:p></o:p> I’m ready to be “presented” for lap band surgery-stripped down to my undies and had to go to the bathroom but I met my weight loss goal of 12 pounds!)<o:p></o:p> 05/21/2008-Board of Psychologist, Surgeon, Dietitian, Primary <o:p></o:p> Providers meet to discuss eligibility patients. <o:p></o:p> 05/?/2008-Paperwork submitted to insurance company for approval <o:p></o:p> (Assuming board approves me as a patient)<o:p></o:p> 07/?/2008-Will have surgery if all goes as planned. I've invested a lot of money and time into this...I can't even imagine at this point being turned down.

I just ordered my bodybugg from ebay new in box for $230 by the time I paid shipping. I only saved $20 off of what 24 hour fitness is selling it for...but hey its $20 plus whatever shipping was going to be. I'm assuming that the membership included in the box is good no matter when the bodybugg was purchased, that is it just a code you put in when you first start using it??? I wish I would have researched this BEFORE I bid on it but assumed thats what it was. I'm excited to join this thread. I won't be banded until at least early July but I want to get a head start with my weight loss, on my way to fit and healthy.

Stacey, I went to Walmart to find the DVD's and they were sold out. I had gone to Amazon and read the reviews, sounds very challenging. I'm so excited! I ended up buying DVD's at Amazon.com, they were only 8.99 and came with free shipping, less then at Walmart. Should arrive on Monday. I used to really be into fitness and I think that once you build the muscle doesn't go completely away and I find that I still have a lot of strength even after being sedentary for awhile. Its hard for me to find videos that challenge me. So thanks for the recommendation! I can't wait to try it and I'll post results. Oh I also bought a set of 5 lb and 3 lb weights while at Walmart. The 3 lbs weren't that expensive, I think somewhere around $3 each. I have a set of 10 lbs but I know that would be way too much after reading the reviews at Amazon and what you had to say.

Stacey, Do you need free weights for Biggest looser DVD's? If so what do you have. I need a good set to get started exercising and despite my size most workout videos are too easy. I'm too embarrassed to go to the gym just yet. Thanks for the tip!

This is word for word what my policy requirements are. I would think they would be the same (I'm central NY) but I could be wrong. POLICY STATEMENT: I. Based upon our criteria and assessment of the peer-reviewed literature, the surgical treatment of morbid obesity by open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch procedure (biliopancreatic diversion) have been medically proven to improve health outcomes and are therefore medically appropriate for selected patients. Patients must meet all of the following criteria: A. Patients must be morbidly obese; which is defined as a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2. B. If comorbid condition(s) exist (e.g., hypertensive cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypoventilation, coronary heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of weight-bearing joints, or metabolic syndrome) patients must have a BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2. Documentation of the level of severity of the comorbid existing medical condition(s) must be submitted by the primary care physician. C. The condition of morbid obesity must be of at least 5 years duration. D. Documentation, from either the bariatric surgeon or primary care physician, of one or more rigorous attempts at weight reduction, totaling a minimum of six months. Documentation should include the name of each weight loss program, length of participation in the weight loss program (including any physician supervised program) and any weight loss achieved. A letter of support from the physician currently providing primary care to the member and who is familiar with his/her attempts at weight reduction, medical history and current health status (including obesity issues) is also necessary for the review process. E. There should be no significant liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal disease present. The presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or “fatty liver”, which is associated with morbidly obese patients, would not be considered significant liver disease in this instance. F. Treatable metabolic causes for obesity (e.g., adrenal or thyroid disorders) have been addressed. G. Patients with a history of alcohol or substance abuse will not be considered unless there is a record of at least six months of abstinence. If there has been six months of abstinence, this condition must be addressed in a psychiatric consultation. H. Patients must be screened by their physician for major psychopathology. All patients who have current symptoms which concern the physician, or who have had a psychiatric hospitalization must have a psychiatric evaluation. The psychiatric evaluation should be performed by a psychiatrist familiar with the implications of weight reduction surgery. If psychiatrists with this expertise are not available, an evaluation by a clinical psychologist familiar with the implications of weight reduction surgery is also acceptable. A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist who is providing ongoing care for the patient may also provide this evaluation. Psychological testing as screening tool or as part of the psychological evaluation prior to bariatric surgery is considered not medically necessary. II. Based upon our criteria and assessment of peer-reviewed literature, the surgical management of morbid obesity by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (e.g., LAP BAND, RealizeTM) is considered medically appropriate in the following circumstances: A. The patient must meet all the requirements listed above in A-H; and SUBJECT: SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY POLICY NUMBER: 7.01.29 CATEGORY: Technology Assessment EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/18/00 REVISED DATE: 03/21/02, 02/20/03, 10/15/03, 11/18/04, 08/18/05, 04/20/06, 11/16/06, 11/15/07 PAGE: 2 OF: 14 Proprietary Information of Excellus Health Plan, Inc. A nonprofit independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. B. The dietary history does not include a large consumption of high caloric liquids (e.g., milk shakes) or sweets; and C. The patient has no significant history of esophageal or gastric disease (please note contraindications to adjustable gastric banding listed in the rationale section); and D. The patient must participate in a pre-operative bariatric program that requires a 5% weight loss to demonstrate commitment to behavioral and dietary changes. The 5% weight loss will be measured from the date of the patient’s initial visit to the bariatric surgeon to the date of the request for pre-authorization of the adjustable gastric banding procedure.

I'm in NY also and have BCBS. I called and was directed to the website Blue Cross Blue Shield Association - Leading the Future of Healthcare I was told to enter my zip code, this will take you to another website, then click on "for providers", then click on "medical policies", click on "accept", medical policies should pop up, scroll down to "surgical management of obesity...." and click on that. It should tell you exactly what is required. Good luck!

I am considering the bodybug, not banded yet...still waiting on approval through my insurance. The ONLY diet I have ever been successful with is lowcarb. I plan on staying lowcarb-more the South Beach diet, lowerfat/healthy fats then Atkins once I am banded. Has anyone been on a lowcarb plan along with the bug?

I was worried about the same thing just being a 40 BMI. My program required a 5% weight loss before approval, pushing me into the 38 BMI. I was told that this used to be a reason for denial by insurance companies but it was appealed so often that insurance companies no longer deny for this reason and not to worry about it. I'm in NY, I'm sure it depends where you live and who your insurance carrier is. I would ask the coordinator (person who sends your stuff to the insurance company) they would know. Good luck.

I haven't been banded yet but am hoping to sometime in June (most likely the end of June if all goes as planned). Would like to join anyway if its' okay?

Name........................Current.......Goal....... Lost.......Still toLose luvinke........................217.............190..........0......... ..27 Leslie2Lose..................233.............208.........0..........25 (by 7/4) KarenG........................174.............160.........0........... ..14 (by 7/4) kathystrick..................318..............288.........0........... 30 Sunshine2...................179..............160.........0...........1 9 (by 6/29/08) TexasFire67.................170..............145.........0...........2 5 Nettie.........................193..............170........42......... .65 nurse7263....................244..............150........0............ 24 (by 7/4) Marissa's Mom...............388.............358.........................30 (by 7/4_ Luu2008.......................215..............185.........0.............30 (by 7/4)

The surgeon said with my lower BMI (barely 40 BMI) he doesn't feel the health risk is great enough for me to have the RNY and that the Lapband would be a better choice for me. He did say that with the band you must work to loose the weight, it doesn't "fall off" like the weight does for RNY patients. He explained that 5 years out the weight loss is about the same. Told me that RNY makes you "sick" in order to get you to loose the weight and that they have more life threatening problems. He did go over the risks with the band. Most I already knew. This is a personal decision. I have 80-100 pounds to loose as well. These are my reasons for having the band vs. RNY 1. once you have RNY if there are complications, can't be reversed. 2. if I ever did have cancer or an ulcer in my stomach or intestines, what would I do? 3. At support group I felt that the general look of RNY was unhealthy and gaunt, LapBanders seemed to have more of a healthy look to them. 4. I am already Vitamin deficient and tend to be anemic, the malabsorbtion worries me greatly for those reasons. 5. mortality rate is much much higher w/RNY 6. long term weight loss rates are the same. 7. longer recovery w/ RNY Good luck with your decision.

I am surprised at how long it has taken. I'll post my timeline below. I do feel this should take some time but all these appointments not knowing if I will be approved for the surgery by my insurance or bariactic team is a bit frustrating. My insurance and surgery center require a 5% reduction in weight. I thought I would loose it quickly but it has been slow coming off...so in all reality I needed the extra time. I just wish I had a magic ball to see if I'll get approved. 02/04/2008-Attended Orientation/support group<o:p></o:p> 02/22/2008-First appointment w/ LNP Bariatric program <o:p></o:p> (Weight loss goal of 12 pounds for insurance and <o:p></o:p> Bariatric surgery requirements)<o:p></o:p> 02/22/2008-EKG <o:p></o:p> 03/18/2008-1^st appointment with the dietitian (gave me homework)<o:p></o:p> 03/18/2008-Chest X-Ray<o:p></o:p> 03/18/2008-Gall Bladder Ultra-Sound<o:p></o:p> 03/?/2008-EGD Digestive Disease test<o:p></o:p> 04/01/2008-Attended 2^ND support group<o:p></o:p> 04/08/2008-2^nd appointment with the dietitian <o:p></o:p> (Went over post op diet and homework, weight was down 6 pounds!!!) <o:p></o:p> 04/23/2008-Meet with Surgeon <o:p></o:p> 04/23/2008-Psych evaluation<o:p></o:p> 04/25/2008-Follow up appointment w/LNP (will decide if <o:p></o:p> I’m ready to be “presented” for lap band surgery)<o:p></o:p> 05/07/2008-Board of Psychologist, Surgeon, Dietitian, Primary <o:p></o:p> Providers meet to discuss eligibility of patients wanting WLS. <o:p></o:p> 05/?/2008-Paperwork submitted to insurance company for approval <o:p></o:p> (Assuming board approves me as a patient)<o:p></o:p> 06/?/2008-Will have surgery if all goes as planned. <o:p></o:p>

My period came when I was 11 years old. I also sported a C-cup by the time I was entering 6th grade. Not much fun going from a little girl to a woman's body in the matter of months. Then I had a few "chubby" years before I slimmed down to 120 for the rest of HS and College, however, I always had ample curves. I exercised and watched what I ate from age 13 on up if I didn't I gained. My pregnancies I gained 80 pounds for each. The first pregnancy I lost it within a year thanks to Phen Phen and maintained the loss for the most part. The 2nd I yo-yo'd always climbing higher. I have always felt my early puberty was caused by my bodies ability to become obese. My mom also had an early period compared to her sisters and has fought obesity her entire life.

Couldn't agree more. I was obese at 30 BMI it would have prevented many of my health problems today. A much easier road to loose then being a 40 plus BMI.

My BMI has always been higher then I "look". For my teenage and most of my 20's I was normal weight. I lifted weights along with cardio. On my petite frame even though I looked good I was not considered a healthy BMI, however, at a size 5 I looked thin. Any smaller and I wouldn't look good. Now I'm "morbidly obese" I don't think I'm in denial or anything because I know I look pretty big, I just don't think I look "morbidly obese". I feel it has to be partly my body frame and muscle mass. I have a friend who wears a size 3-5 and she is not in her BMI range either. She is a personal trainer and is solid muscle, one of the healthiest people I know. If she lost any more weight she would not be healthy. There are better tests out there, body fat content things like that. Maybe that would help you determine what is most healthy for your body frame??

I'm sorry that this is frustrating for you and that you had a bad experience with some of the medical professionals you met with. I have a theory that in order to become a surgeon (for the most part) you have to be a little bit geniouse/odd /inhuman which makes bedside manner not so great. My feeling is if they are excellent surgeons then who cares? That stinks you didn't meet YOUR surgeon. My journey started in January and after several medical appointments I still do not know if my insurance has approved me or if I will even be offered the surgery. I was also just barely 100 pounds overweight with some minor comorbids. I was told not to loose any weight until my first appointment with the LPN. I did as instructed. I knew (because it was explained very well) in orientation that eventually I would need to loose 5% of my weight which is 12-13 pounds, my insurance policy also requires a 5% reduction in weight. Those of us that are on the BMI borderline could easily be denied by our insurance, they know this. I know its frustrating and I agree with you what a waste of 3 weeks, I went through the same thing. Below is my time line if you are interested. We have an excellent support group through the Bariatric program I'm going with. Its required that we attend two support groups pre-op and two support groups post-op or we can't be in the program. They meet once a month and there is also the online/email support group with the same people. Any time I have had a frustration or needed a specific answer there is a large group of people who have been there for me and have already gone through the exact same process. Its been invaluable for me. I wonder if you could ask for somebody who has been through this with your Bariatric team? Good luck with everything. Below is my timeline....pretty scary. 02/04/2008-Attended Orientation/support group 02/22/2008-First appointment w/ LPN at Bariatric program (Weight loss goal of 12 pounds for insurance and Bariatric surgery requirements) 02/22/2008-EKG 03/18/2008-1st appointment with the dietitian (gave me homework) 03/18/2008-Chest X-Ray 03/18/2008-Gall Bladder Ultra-Sound 03/?/2008-EGD Digestive Disease test 04/01/2008-Attended 2ND support group 04/08/2008-2nd appointment with the dietitian (Went over post op diet and homework, weight was down 6 pounds!!! Was told if I am within a few pounds of my goal weight loss at LPN appointment it will be okay-should be no problem.) 04/23/2008-Meet with Surgeon 04/23/2008-Psych evaluation 04/25/2008-Follow up appointment w/ LPN (will decide if I’m ready to be “presented” for lap band surgery) 05/07/2008-Board of Psychologist, Surgeon, Dietitian, Primary Providers meet to discuss eligibility of patients. 05/?/2008-Paperwork submitted to insurance company for approval (Assuming board approves me as a patient) 06/?/2008-Will have surgery if all goes as planned.