Grievous Angel

I have UHC too and like Bea I had to have 5 years documented of a BMI of 35 or above. Fortunately my Cardiologist had that recorded and I didn’t encounter any problems getting the approval. I suggest calling UHC yourself and let them tell you exactly what your requirements are. I don’t believe in leaving such an important process completely in the hands of the administrators. Good Luck! Greg

Outstanding! Two weeks from tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life. Good luck.

Hallelujah!!! I finally got a surgery date scheduled: 8/14/08. It has been a very lengthily and frustrating process but it is now in my rear view mirror and I am excited and apprehensive all at once but have no doubts about my decision. This site has been a God send for both education and support and I will do all I can to continue that effort. Thank you all.

I am allegedly getting my Surgery date tomorrow but I will believe it when I see it. I know going in that I have a Hiatal Hernia that will be repaired and am curious about that part of the procedure. My question is does the addition of that repair procedure make the recovery much more painful or longer. Thanks

Thanks, looking at your tickers you are all inspirational!

Good luck to you too Maria. Keep us updated; you are in my thoughts and prayers. Two weeks until the first day of the rest of your life. YEEE HAAA!!!! greg

Maria, Fortunately I am finished with the Insurance run around and am now completing the doctor run around. My blood work showed up something and I had to go see an Endocrinologist. He is supposed to fax a clearance tomorrow and then I can work on a date. (I just realized I need to update my signature). Are you using the center at SIUH? I did the Surgeon consult with Dr. McMullen and really liked her. Greg

Hello Brokethemold (and Kristen) I am getting banded on Staten Island. I haven’t posted in over a month because I am in the final stages and hopefully will have a date by next week; it has been a frustrating process but I firmly believe this is the tool we need and you made a great decision. This is a great support site with a ton of great information.

lisa, I am a ny'er too and getting my procedure done on staten island. I wish you all the best you have taken the first step which is usually the hardest. This is a great forum, you will find a wealth of information and benefit from many other peoples experience. I spent a lot of time over the last month reading in the various forums on this site and learned more real life applicable information then I got from the half day class I sat in. good luck greg

Good Afternoon All, I have come accross the term PB many times on this forum and I assume it refers regergitated (nice term food but what does it actuallt stand for?

Hello all, I have been reading on this site for about a month but this is my first time speaking up. My name is Greg and I am from Staten Island, NY: I have had my Overview Class, Psych Eval, Surgeon Meet and have my meeting with the Nutritionist on 4/16; at that point they will submit for my insurance approval. I am 49 and am apprehensive but excited about the prospects for the future. This site is a great support mechanism and I look forward to participating more. My goal is to enter my 50's moving in the right direction

I am back on this morning and not as tired as last night: I have not been assigned a surgeon yet but am having the Lap Band procedure done at Staten Island University Hospital in their Center for the Surgical Treatment of Obesity. I weigh 335 Lbs and want to loose 140; that seems like a huge mountain to climb but it is great seeing the support you all supply each other and the success I see in your efforts. After struggling with weight my whole life and trying every diet out there I think I am finally prepared (between my ears) for the Lap Band. My Cardiologist first suggested this to me about a year ago and I am now committed to moving forward. ““Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear-not absence of fear.” Mark Twain 3/12/08 1st Meeting/Education Class 3/13/08 Blood Work 4/1/08 Surgical Consult 4/4/08 Psychological Evaluation Completed: Pulmonary, Cardiology and Gastroenterology Evaluation 4/16/08 Nutritional Evaluation