kdlee

I have Anthem BCBS PPO and it took about 3 weeks to get my first notice back and it was denied because the Dr's office didn't send in all of the paperwork. After they resubmitted the correct paperwork, it took 3 days. I would say the hold up for you is that your BMI is less than 40 and it must go to physician review at the insurance company. This can take a while because they have so many cases to review. Just keep calling the insurance company everyday to check on it. That's what I did. Good luck!

Hi Jessica. I used to live in the Falls when I went to U of Akron. Welcome! This is a great place to come for support and to get your questions answered.

I have the same issue. I'm guessing it's from air trapped below the band in the lower portion of your stomach? I've had some huge burps when I bend over after I eat. Also, I find I burp much easier now too, especially if I do any type of physical activity immediately after eating. It doesn't matter if I eat one bite or 1/2 cup, it happens. I've only had one fill. I'm hoping this doesn't get worse!

I had to pay the balance up front to the hospital before my surgery. I think it was around $600. They wouldn't take payments after surgery. It all had to be paid pre-surgery. That was for the hospital part. I have since received bills from anesthesia.

Good job!!! It will be here before you know it!

My surgeon said no alcohol for one year after banding, period. Alcohol is a gastric irritant is the reason why. He is more conservative than other doctors, from what I've read on here. It would be best to check with your surgeon.

My surgeon just began his banding practice this March and I was banded in June. I had my doubts, like you, but decided to go with him because of location. I am very happy that I did. So far, everything has went well and he did a good job. He had extensive training and mentoring by one of the pioneering band surgeons, so that helped to ease my concerns. His bedside manner is great and so far, he has been very attentive to my concerns. Plus, he has been a surgeon for many years, so it is not like he is a new physician. Research your doctor online and try to locate some of her patients on here, if you can. Good luck in whatever you decide. :thumbup:

I have Anthem BC/BS PPO and was not required to do the 6 month diet. Dr. Kaplan does require you to go through 6 nutrionist visits with Lindsey, though. My seminar was March 15th and I was banded June 30th, so it's about a 3 month process. Brenda (At Jeannie's office) takes care of all the paperwork for you. I lost about 30 lbs during the pre-op 3 months by following Lindsey's diet plan (1200-1400 calories) and exercise. There wasn't a certain amount that I was supposed to lose.

Hello everyone. I'm from Belpre, right across from Parkersburg. Dr. Kaplan banded me June 30th and my husband August 25th. We're both doing well. If you have any questions, just let me know!

My Dr. says no drinking 30 minutes prior, during, or 30 minutes after. I have a hard time remembering to drink, because by the time I wait 30 minutes, I'm on to a new activity and I've forgotten about drinking water. I was used to drinking my fluids with meals and it's a daily struggle for me to get my water in!

I am able to eat anything that I want. I have not gotten stuck once, and I have some restriction. I have 3cc in a 10cc band. I am going to get another fill, because I don't feel that I am quite where I want to be. But, that said, I like to be able to eat whatever I want. I am losing 1-2 lbs a week, as planned. I am not too hungry between meals now, but I'm still eating more than I want to be at one setting. I do have to eat slowly and chew, chew, chew. If I eat too fast, it feels like a golf ball going down, but nothing stuck! I can eat bread, rice, fruit. I'm not a big meat eater, so I've only eaten tuna and chicken so far. I haven't tried steak or shrimp yet. I think that alot of the stories you hear about people having difficulty eating comes from getting too much of a fill too quick. My surgeon is very conservative and takes his time with fills. It does take more will power this way, but it's working. Good luck to you!!!

I had the last supper effect for 1 week before my pre-op diet and gained 4 lbs. I did my pre-op diet for 2 weeks before surgery. It was a protein shake for breakfast and lunch. Dinner was a 6oz piece of lean meat and veggies. I lost 15lbs those 2 weeks. You can do it. Just stick with it and don't cheat on your pre-op diet. Cheating will only slow your weight loss. As another poster said, you will still be able to eat normal foods after you're back on solids. I am 2 months post-op and can eat whatever I want. I just get full on alot smaller portions! Good luck to you! :cursing:

I would talk to your dr. about it. My surgeon said under no circumstances was I to stop the pill. I even took it the morning of surgery. Make sure you're using a back up method of birth control!

Wow, you're lucky that you're getting your restriction so fast!!! My doctor says he wants to do fills slowly and is conservative. I only got 1cc on my first fill. I've got a long way to go to get where you are on your first fill alone!!! Sucks for me, because my fills are not covered by insurance.

My GYN told me it could take 3 months to get back to a normal period after surgery. My periods have been super light since surgery. I have still started monthly, but that's because I'm on the pill. Now, instead of 4-5 days, they are only lasting 2-3.

My surgeon says no alcohol for an entire year after banding because alcohol can act as a gastric irritant. If you have some, I would limit it to no more than one, especially since your still a fresh post-op.

The charges in total for the band with all the pre-op stuff through my phsyician, including overnight hospital stay is around $18,000.

I had the exact same situation when I went in for my first fill. The Dr. wouldn't give me a fill because I had lost sufficient weight. I tried to explain that it was willpower only, not band. I didn't even feel like the band was in place at that time. I have since went back in and had one fill and have slight resitriction now. I am anxiously awaiting my next fill in September!!

Congrats!!! :thumbup:

I feel it all in my chest, like trying to swallow a golf ball. The feeling is worse in the morning, slight at lunch and gone by dinner.

'Open for business' was the dumbest slogan! Wild and Wonderful is classic!

No arguing here. :thumbup: Just sticking up for her. I may live in Ohio now, but I am a WV girl at heart.

That's surprising. My physician gave me a card which specifically lists the make of my band, the max amount of cc's it holds and his contact numbers so if I were to ever have problems while traveling, another Dr. would know what there and how to get ahold of my surgeon. It is the size of a credit card and I carry it in my wallet. He is also specific about how much is in the band before the fill, how much he adds, etc. As a patient, I would be upset if he didn't tell me. After all, it is my band and my body.

That's why it says a "few hour drive (to Virginia) would be worth it".

Hi everyone. I was just thinking, since we're all right here in the Parkersburg area, we should plan a get together! It would be fun to get to know everyone and compare stories about what we're going through. What do you think?