Contella2003

That is great. Kathy has been very helpful. That is great that you are approved. I was denied SEVEN times before I was approved. Tell them all I say hi! --Joe

I liked Lutfi, he is a great guy. I have BC/BS. Make sure you are on top of them though in terms of getting the insurance p-work set.

I was denied seven times prior to being accepted. Fight with the insurance company. They do not want to pay. Ask them for the criteria for the band, or look it up on their site. They fought me tooth and nail, but I won.

You will lose, despite the "head hunger". You simply cannot eat. That inability to eat, combined with exercise and activity, you will shed it. I am only a week into it and I feel differently already. Yes, the pre op diet sucks. I drank the chocolate slim fast. The others made me sick. I did like the carnation instant Breakfast. Just stir it well...... You will be amazed at how much weight you will lose pre-op!

Hang in there and be persistent--I was banded on 5/19 and since the pre-op diet I have lost 35 pounds. We all feel/felt the way you do. It is hard work, but you will get there!

I used Dr. Lutfi on Monday. The office is as slow as all get out but the surgery was a success. They have some definite management issues, but the Dr. was great. Please share with me how it went.

Hi all! I just got home from the hospital. I was banded yesterday. The gas pains are intense, has anyone had that issue?

Hey everyone! I am being operated on tomorrow at 9. I have been doing the pre op diet and all. As much as I have read, I cannot remember one thing. Can someone please tell me the location and length of the incisions? I cannot recall. Thanks! Wish me luck!

I am being banded on Monday Morning. I have lost approximately 12 pounds for the pre op fast!!!! Wish me luck!

Hey guys! I have some things that are gong on with me, and I am sure I am crazy.....Many things in my life are changing/have changed over the past couple of years. I lost both of my parents on 05/06. The stress and grief over that has caused my lated gain, which is why I have opted for banding in April. I guess I am feeling scared about my new identity to the "world" as not a fat person. I assure you I am excited about that--don't get me wrong. I have always been a fat guy, and to not be fat is new for me...Am I crazy, or just being obnoxious? I feel anxiety about that. Can anyone share their thoughts? I am a psychotherapist and perhaps I am just reading too much into this. Also--some technical questions: 1. Since I have been on the slim fast, I have had the runs--is that typical? 2. In terms of the fills, I know I am not will not be filled until like month after the banding. Do you feel hungry during that time, like prebanding? Why do they make us wait? Any help you could give would be really appreciated. Thanks! Joe

Call them! That is all that I would suggest. Perhaps there is a answering service that can answer that. Good luck in your journey.

That does help. It is really an identity change.....a GOOD one, but change nonetheless. I really appreciate your honesty. This is so exciting for me. I count the minutes till I am banded. I just have this "fear" if you will. I am silly!

My initial thought is to use U of C, as the overnight stay is important. That is my two cents, though.

My initial thought is to use U of C, as the overnight stay is important. That is my two cents, though. Joe

My initial thought is to use U of C, as I think that the overnight stay is important. Just my two cents, though! Joe

My initial thought is U of C. I think that overnight stay is important. That is just my 2 cents though. Joe

I am using Dr. Lutfi at Mercy hospital in Chicago. They are slower than all get out, but they are taking care of all of the paperwork. Has anyone had experience with him? My surgery is 4/8 My sister just moved to lindenhurst, and I would love to meet people too! Count me in!

I am using Dr. Lutfi at Mercy Hospital in Chicago. My surgery has just been postponed until April 8th. They came HIGHLY recommended. I would make the drive. While they are slower than all get out in terms of getting back to me, they are taking care of all of the paperwork for me. Please let me know if I can answer any of your questions.

Hello everyone! I have been going through all of the testing and such for my surgery, and I am having the most difficult time getting through to the doctors office. They told me about all of the insurance procedures...I followed everything. My surgery was scheduled for 3/24, and I called yesterday and they said the doctor was going on vacation......She told me that she would call me back, and never did. I am very anxious to get this done. I am drinking the slim fast shakes and have been preparing....and now I am frustrated. Is this typical? I am scared, anxious and do not know what to expect. Please help! Joe

Oh my gosh, I hope you are okay. This really is a nasty process. I thought it was just my doctor here in Chicago, but I see now that it is not.