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My surgeon would not put the band in when he took my gallbladder out. I wish he had. To think hard part would be over by now and I would be on to brighter days!!

When I talked to my doctor in TN, they said $17,500 which included fills for the 1st year. After I caught my breath I thought, 6 months of doctor monitored diet is not that long!!! :faint:

Received notification from my insurance company today that they are going to require 6 additional months of doctor supervised diet. I am considering paying for it myself, (finance). My question is if I do that, does anyone know if the insurance company will pick up any of the hospital bill and what about fills??

Bad news, Humana wants 6 months of doctor supervised diet. I have dieted for the past 20 years, w & w/o doctor supervision. I have tried their LA Weight Loss, Weight Watchers, and diet pills, supervised by a doctor. I lose the weight then gain it back plus a few more. I am upset and tired of insurance companys!!

I am an investigator for the state of KY.

My husband has lupis and MS, the Spoon Theory has help me understand more about how he functions through the day. I appreciate that. Guess maybe I have been taking my "spoons" for granted and did not understand why he did not have as many "spoons" as I. Back on track now, thanks. PJ

Does anyone have experience with Humana PPO??

I'm so jealous each time someone gets their band! Congrats and much weight loss to you. :clap2: So far, no pain? I keep hearing about pain in the shoulders. I am very happy for you! PJ

Ana How long did the doctor tell you to take off? I have heard alot about the port site being sore. I drive alot at my job then sit behind a computer when I am in the office. I also would prefer not to take alot of time off of work but my doctor is saying 2 weeks, can I get away with less time? PJ

I agree with Sherry, too many time in the past I have stated, "I am on a diet" and nothing has happened. I did the L.A. Weight Loss program, lost 20 lbs, then found 30 lbs. Guess I'm tired of saying it, not doing it and feel like I'm getting that "yea, sure you are" look from people. But that's me, I know I've failed too many times. PJ

Dana I am a state of KY employee and we just switched to Humana Choice PPO. I am assuming that if they pay for the surgery they will also pay for the fills. Hey, I'm living on hope and prayer!!! Have you told anyone beside family that you are considering the surgery?? I havn't told anyone but my husband and daughter. Guess I don't want to be watched like a hawk. I graduated 77, a few years older than you. PJ

Dana I have met one woman who was banded a month prior to me seeing her. She had lost 30 lbs. and was really tickled with her band. I won't see her for a couple of months so I know I will be amazed then. That's funny to hear you live in Crofton, I live in Hopkinsville...talk about small world!!!

Dana Yes, I am going for the band. No surgery date yet but I have completed all my test and got letters from two doctors. The last time I talked to Steely's office, they were waiting for the evaluation to be submitted to them, then they were going to submit to the insurance company. That was a week ago this past Friday. If I don't hear anything this week saying they have submitted my information to my insurance co., I will call them. Right now I am on pins and needles with this waiting!! How about yourself, how far are you in the process?? PJ

Glad to meet another KY person!! Welcome back! PJ :clap2:

I am planning on using Dr. Steely in Clarksville. What have you heard?? When I went for my initial visit, he was nice, informative, but busy. Might have caught him on a rushed day. His office staff have been awsome. PJ

I told my co-workers I was having gall bladder problems and needed to have test done, which you will (sonogram) My other appointments I scheduled enough in advance so I could attend 3 appointments on one day. I have not had band surgery yet but am waiting for insurance approval. When approved, (not if) I might tell them I have the flu, or take a week of vacation or cross that bridge when I get there. PJ

Not banded yet but have only told my husband, daughter, and close friend. No one's business. I'm not ashamed just not ready to share that much about myself. PJ

Welcome from KY!! PJ

Leenerbups, I have been reading, reading, and re-reading for several months and have learned answers to several questions. Just read, these people are awsome, supportive, painfully honest, and know their stuff. I also am not a "band member" yet and know your fears, you have voiced what I feel. Just read. I'm waiting for insurance approval but with or w/o, I will be banded! My BMI is 40, no major health problems, and 46 years old. My feelings are for me to do something now before it is too late for me. Good luck and your on my prayer list. PJ

WOW, you guys think of everything. Little notes I am making prior to surgery!!! PJ

Penni, I live in the "big town" of Hopkinsville, KY but was born in Calif. How funny is that!!

Penni, what part of KY were you from?? PJ in KY

Hello all, need a sounding board and any additional information I can get. I went to the hospital a week ago past Friday and had a ultrasound on my gall bladder and a EDG. Yesterday, (Friday) I was informed I had gall stones and need to have my gall bladder removed. I understand this is important because I do not want to have to have the gall bladder removed after having band surgery. I read somewhere that the doctor can remove the gall bladder and place the band at the same time. Has anyone had this procedure done? The nurse in my doctor's office said this cannot be done. Help! PJ

Thanks guys, so far no pain, gall stones were found by luck. I have another appointment with my doctor and am going to tell him "the ball is in his court". I would like to have both operations done at the same time but he does not feel comfortable doing that, he is my doctor. I will have the band done but might have to be time off without pay. It will be worth it! PJ

Amy How long were you out with the gall bladder surgery?? My problem is that I am limited on time I can take off at work. How long out with LB surgery and how long out with GB surgery?? Thanks for the reply!! PJ