Choromom

Are you aware, because I was not until a niece told me, that if your Wii is connected to the internet, you can set it up so that other internet Wii's that you allow can migrate the Mii's back and forth? So, not only could your husband's Mii show up, but a friend's could, too.

AZ Chick, You are oh, so right about the Tricare pay vs cost. My surgeon's partner told me that I would have to stay overnight, so that the bill for Tricare would come closer to his actual expense! It was still same day, but it is a shame that military families are put in this position with civilian providers. The only consulation is that Medicare patients have the same issues, because the coverage is based off of those guidelines.

Depends on whether or not you are Tricare Prime, or Prime Remote. Remote means you are outside the service area of a military facility, so the cost is covered. If you could go to a military hospital and went to a civilian, you would have that expense

my husband retired the end of May, so I was suddenly on Tricare Standard. I was a little concerned, but it doesn't look like it will be that bad. My hospital bill was $304. That INCLUDES my $150 deductable, since this is literally the first thing we've had done under Standard. I expect my surgeon's fee to be between $150 and $200, and then there will be the anesthestist, too. This is at a Tricare contract provider for both hospital and surgeon, or it would be more than that. I was banded Tuesday, July 22.

Well, Yvonne, I don't want to panic you, but I was awake. There was talk of Versed, but it didn't happen. I was aware of all that went on, and it wasn't that big of a deal. Dr. put a bite guard in my mouth, to keep me from chomping down on the expensive equipment, and then I swallowed the scope. Took less time to do the test than it did to do the set-up. I'm not 'macho' or anything like that. I really thought I would be sedated, but it turned out OK to not be The doctor talked me through it, and before I knew it we were finished. I got out of the hospital sooner, because I wasn't drugged, and felt better the rest of the day.

One of my favorite personal things to do that is similar to this is to pick a topic from the Topical Guide and follow the scriptures listed. You can read each verse listed in the guide, and/or follow the cross-references in one of those verses.

Thank you! I'm excited and nervous. And, believe it or not, looking forward to having some Cream of Wheat! I'm down 20 pounds since starting Protein shakes...about 2 1/2 weeks! I'll post as soon as I can get to the computer again.

If the store LETS you buy two...many stores only allow one purchase at a time, to try and stop people from reselling them on eBay for $150. I had better luck getting mine by keeping in touch with a small, non-chain gaming store. I just let them know I wanted one, and when I got to the top of their list, they called me. Only took a couple of weeks, but I could only buy one.

Yay! A place for military! That's me, too! My husband retired the end of May after 37 years - a combination of full time Army and traditional National Guard. He is a Viet Nam veteran. We were engaged the night before he left for basic training. We have five kids, all married and living nearby. 8 grandkids, and four granddogs! We have been very lucky in that we have stayed in the same area for most of our tour. We were in Texas for language school before Nam, then Maryland after. When he went active duty again, it was as a federal soldier assigned to the Utah National Guard, and we've lived here since our first discharge. I work as an office manager for a small computer software company. I'm being banded on July 22! Can hardly wait!

I didn't even have to do the barium part. I just had an esophageal scope. Took all of 10 minutes, was only slightly uncomfortable, and everything went well. My doctor said that when there is a history of GERD, they want to see if there is any scar tissue, or narrowing. Just know what is happening before they get ready to put the band on. Oh, and my surgeon did my scope. Gave me a good insight into her bedside manner. When all was said and done, she was so gentle as she wiped the drool from my cheek! Very comforting...

Mamma Bellino, Welcome back, and good for you for coming back! We all know how hard this journey can be, and no one here is going to fault you for a set-back. As Auntlucy says, you walk into that office tomorrow with your head held high, because you are taking steps in the right direction! You are going to do well, because you know what needs to be done, and that first step is the doctor's office tomorrow. Then, come tell us what we can do to help!

It went well...a group meeting, with some individual time with one of the doctors in the clinic. I felt good that I understood most of what was presented, and, it seemed, better than many of the patients did. My husband went with me as my support person, and he also has a good comprehension of what this all entails. I can't imagine doing something with this much impact on your life without knowing what you were getting into far earlier than the week before your surgery! Hubby agreed! And, there was one really 'yuppy' type - expensive clothes, 'green' briefcase, and lots of attitude - who was skinny enough that when he came in, I assumed he was a support person for someone. But, no, he was the patient! He did NOT look fat to me! On the way home, hubby suggested that I clean out one of the pantry cupboards and make it mine, so that I have quick, convenient access to what I can eat, and not have to go through cupboards with his food that is now off limits for me, AND it will let us tell our adult children who scrounge in our cupboards whenever they come home that those things are off limits. So, that's what we did on Saturday. I started Clear liquids today. I don't feel hungry, but I do feel listless...no energy. I'm sure that is lack of sugar!:embaressed_smile: I'm looking forward to next Tuesday. Because of a state holiday for Pioneer Day on the 24th, Hubby will be able to be home with me the whole week, so we plan on a pretty relaxed week. He's doing most of the cooking for himself...there are only the two of us. So, I hope the week goes as well as I have planned!

Jill, Check with your doctor about drinking through a straw...mine says that is a no-no because you get too much air. Same for chewing gum...you swallow air when you chew gum. I am also supposed to avoid fruits with seed...like berries...for awhile after surgery, until I see what I tolerate. And, Slim-fast...my doctor says no, unless it is Slim-fast Optima. Too much sugar for the Protein otherwise. I am finding that extracts help with the taste of the shake. Like, vanilla powder, with orange extract, tastes a little like a Creamsicle. Add the extract to the liquid before you put the powder in, because I think it mixes better then. I'm going to do root beer with vanilla, and mint with chocolate. But, your doctor may feel differently, so I'd see what he says.

I'm not sure I had a "point" that made me want to do this...I have watched the reports on the lapband from the time it first became available. In February, when I learned that my insurance has started to cover it, my decision was made! It took several months to get approval squared away, but I'm 8 days from surgery! I look forward to so many things. Shoes are a big one, for sure, but I also want to be able to roll over in bed in one motion. Now, it's almost easier to get out of bed and start over! I look forward to climbing a flight of stairs without getting out of breath. To being able to take my dog for a walk, instead of sitting on the porch throwing a frisbee for him. To having enough lap for grandkids to feel like they can have me hold them. To being hugged by my sweet husband and be able to get close enough to really be in his arms again, instead of him needing to lean forward to be able to put his arms around me. To be able to fit in an airline seat, or a ferris wheel seat, or the exam chair in my dentist's office - next time, I won't have to cross my arms across my tummy to keep them from falling off the sides of the chair! I look forward to going clothes shopping with my girls, and being able to enjoy it because I can find things that fit! I look forward to being able to give up some of the many medications that I take - high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anti-inflammatory for joint pain, meds for depression. It will also be nice to go into the doctor's office and have the nurse be able to take my blood pressure with a regular cuff, instead of trying to put that one around my arm, and then having to go get a bigger one! These things have gradually added up over the years, and I kept trying to ignore them by....any guesses? You're right! By finding something to eat! I can now be honest with myself, and others, and start being the person I've buried under multiple layers of fat.

I've had positive support nearly all the way. My sister is not as enthusiastic, but I personally believe it is because she would like to have the procedure, and has no options for paying for it. My kids are all in favor. Hubby is totally supportive, and even helped me clean out kitchen cupboards so that I could have one cupboard for my food. My friends that know have been totally supportive. I feel very lucky!

Two more options to look at! Thanks to both vonnegutk and losing it! And, this points out another difference in surgeons; I'm on clear liquids and protein drinks for a week, then 2 weeks of full liquids post op, followed by two weeks of soft diet...liquids and pureed stuff. Every program is a little bit different! We just want them all to work! I agree with losing it about the weakness...I have had real food at supper both yesterday and today. I think I will be OK when I get strict with myself on Tuesday...the nutritionist told us ways to 'load up' the protein drinks...adding some nonfat dry milk, or canned evaporated milk to the mix. Lunch today was vanilla flavored, with a teaspoon of real orange extract. Kind of like a Creamsicle.

Please tell us/me more about the packaged liquid meals! I'm not sure I know what you're meaning, and I'm all for anything that will help!

My surgery is July 22. I officially start the pre-op diet on Tuesday, but I've been cutting back on stuff and making protein shakes my main breakfast and lunch for a couple of weeks now. I'm finding that I need to plan ahead...surprised at that, anyone? For example, Crystal Light drink add-ins need to be served really cold. So, keep water in the fridge. I'm also finding that water is almost as satisfying as something with flavor. I've had a popsicle both yesterday and today - it's been years since I had one! These tasted pretty good! It is hard, but I don't think this is any harder than what post-op will be, do you?

Lisa, I had my pre-op on Friday. It was a group meeting, with general information given by one of the doctors in the clinic...what to expect, how to avoid complications, what my responsibilities as a patient are. The dietician reviewed pre and post op diets, and gave a lot of good info about which supplements are best, etc. The doctor met with each patient individually, to review medications and see which ones might need adjusting...for example, I have to stop taking my anti-inflammatory for arthritis, because it is an nsaid, which can stop the blood from clotting like it should. He answered any questions I had - take a list of them with you, because you will not remember them all! - and then the office staff - the nurse, exercise physiologist, nutritionist, insurance lady - were available to answer personal questions. Every surgeon is going to be different, though, I would bet. My doc did not tell me that I had to take my acrylic nails off, but he did say that shorter nails are better, and that you must wash your hands and scrub under your nails with a brush before you touch your incisions post-op. The incisions are good spots for bacteria to enter your body, and hands and nails are notorious for harboring germs. (my nails are quite short, especially by fake-nail standards, so perhaps that is why he didn't tell me to take them off?)

I did a pre-op group meeting last Friday. The doctor talked about potential problems and how to avoid them---breaking stitches didn't come up. He did say that you need to get up and move around at least every hour you are awake, and that you need to do deep breathing and coughing to keep the Fluid cleared from your lungs. He said that holding a small pillow over your stomach when you sat up might help with some of the discomfort...using it kind of like a splint. I would say, given the instructions I received, that breaking the stitches isn't too much of a concern. Like Kansascase says, heavy lifting is the big thing to avoid. (Dang! Can't carry the laundry basket around for a couple of weeks!) Surgery in 9 days! Choromom

I think the packet is a little different for each surgery group. I started with one surgeon/hospital until I learned they didn't accept my insurance. Their packet was different from the one I got from the clinic that is doing my surgery. You should get information on what the surgeon is going to require before the procedure is done, I would think. Since you are already approved, this might be some pre-op counseling, perhaps a diet, doing blood work/testing/etc to see exactly where you are with co-morbidities...that really is determined by the insurance...who has given you the go-ahead, and the surgeon. I agree with other posters that you may need to be more assertive with the office. If it is a busy clinic, doing a lot of surgeries, it is easy to not get the attention you deserve. Don't get discouraged! Keep working on the process, and things will fall into place.

Our ward has a walking group...part meets early in the morning before work, and part meets later in the evening after families are taken care of. (this works here because we are geographically very close together) We have play groups with pre-schoolers and toddlers. We have a group that makes greeting cards, and exchanges...you make enough cards of one design for each member of the group to receive one. Then you get a packet with a different card from each of the other group participants. They don't even meet together every month...there is a sister that coordinates it all and most months you simply have to get your cards to her by a specific date. They have agreed on a theme for each month...thank you cards, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays for different ages and genders, blank cards...whatever general design you want to create. Our book club is quite popular. We have a group that gets together once a month, or every other month sometimes, to play games together. Visit and play Scrabble! Our quilting group will start again in September. We have a new group starting to teach basic sewing skills for anyone interested. We have several local theater groups that can be counted on to have uplifting presentations. There is a group that regularly attends those performances together. They always announce what they are going to see, because everyone is welcome to attend with them. Today, there was an announcement of a group that wants to meet two mornings a week for yoga...during the summer it will be at a nearby park. We also have had success in the past with dinner groups. These are coordinated through the Elders Quorum and/or the High Priests Group and the Relief Society. Four couples are assigned together. They meet once a month, at a different home each time. Each couple has a food assignment, to help with dinner, with the hosts providing the main dish, and then the host couple plans something simple for after dinner - a game, or a getting-to-know you question and answer time. One month, the group that we were in asked each couple to come prepared to tell how they met - his version and her version! These groups are done on a volunteer basis - only those who want to participate are assigned to a group. Even though we have lived here for quite some time, it has been a fun way to get to know some of the ward members better...when you work in different auxillaries, sometimes you don't get to visit too often.

I haven't been banfded yet, but I thought about this the first Sunday after my surgery was scheduled. I realized, as Sailingirl has said, that I would look for the smallest piece I could find quickly. Then, I realized that if I allowed it to get mushy and soft, it was much less 'bread-like', so I'm not anticipating any issues. I would even be willing to take small pieces off and swallow them one at a time, though I don't feel that is going to be necessary. It is a good question, though, and I'm glad you opened up the discussion. Thanks.

I just got a call from my case manager at Triwest. I am approved! Next step is to connect with the surgeon's office, which should be a little easier now that I just need to make an appt for a pre-op, instead of trying to talk specifically to the insurance coordinator. I was told at my initial consult that surgery is usually within two weeks of that, but there have been vacations for the doctor in June, so she may be scheduled farther out. This has been an emotional roller coaster for me, from the day I first found out that Tricare would cover a lapband! Right now, my hands are shaking. I don't think I have any unrealistic expectations. I'm anxious, and eager to get this taken care of. My sweet husband is supportive, and is already thinking of ways to shop and cook that will accommodate my needs. I admit that I've been enjoying some foods that will be off limits after surgery, but that will stop now, and I will stick with the salads and fresh fruit that are already in the refridgerator. I've stopped drinking colas...three different times! That one will be hard, but I know I can do it. I stop, and am able to stay away from it for days, then when no progress is made towards approval, I indulge. So, progress is made, and I will stop caffiene! I guess I'll go check out the ticker site, and finish my personal profile!:smile2:

Martinez75, Congratulations, and how fitting to get your approval in time for the 4th of July...the start of new freedom for you and all of us! If you have not seen the doctor who is approved for your surgery, the next step is to contact his office and set up your initial visit. That's when you will find out what he/she requires before surgery...could be a gastric scope...easy to do and not a big deal, or a psych eval...also easy. (They just want to make sure you don't expect to wake up from surgery looking like Cindy Crawford!) Tricare doesn't require a lot of that, but your surgeon might. They will help you coordinate with Tricare for anything that needs to be done. Good luck, and keep us posted!