Chris61

Every doctors office is differant in what they require as preop. Also some office charge a fee to put together all the information and submit it to the insurance company. I would check with your insurance to see what you will need to submit for approval. I have a letter that I used with United Health Care and was approved in less than 30 days. From the time we meet the doctor went through all his requirements and submited it for approval and then banded was about 60 days. So I doubt that you would get it for this year unless you hav allready done a lot of the test and have the paper work ready to go in and the doctors office pushes it through. Plus insurance companies can take up to 30 days to give approval or not. If not then you have to appeal. I can forward you a copy of the letter that my wife and I used to get approval. It took me almost 3-4 months before meeting the doctor to get all the medical information together and in a letter from my own doctor. My wife had a letter from here doctor but UHC would not use it and we had to go to her OBGYN and use the same letter and got her approved that way. If you want to do it by the end of the year you will have to work real hard with everyone on it. Chris

Yes Hoosierpoms the airport has been up and running for a week now. Things are going real well. Was real busy the last couple of getting it ready to open. Everybody likes the new place. Now it is on to another project. Looks like I will be going east but not sure at this time, hope to know more in the next week or so. Went to the doctor on Monday and he feels that I do not need another fill at this time. He feels the band is tight enough for now since I am still loosing weight. Some close people are saying that Iam loosing to much. He felt that another 10-15 would be fine. The doctor says I do not need to see him for at least 6 months. Will be going for a physical in Jan. and will see how things are going at that time.

I was banded over 15 months ago and down over 70 lbs since my high of 250. I have notice in the last few months that my penis is the same length but is not as thick as it used to be. It is a lot differant feel know that it used to be. I can not really use the larger size condoms anymore, have to use the smaller ones if you want a tight fit. I hope that this answers Texas question. Even notice a differance in my wife as well. Chris

I sent you several e-mail and the letter you were wishing to use for getting approved. I hope that this will help you out. If you have any questions just ask. Chris

I have gone from a size of 42 down to 36. This also depends on the type and cut of clothes that you purchase. Iam down almost 70lbs from my high of 250. Chris

Looks like we all to busy to get online and to write or chat about things. I have been to busy to ride but will say that I have been doing maybe 5 miles a day in walking the last month at the New Indy Airport. Been putting in about 12-17 hours a day. We open up on Tuesday Afternoon with filghts coming in after 8 P.M. and everyone flys out on Wednesday. Not sure about the next place but will not be as big in size and scope. We had 1.3 million sq ft. Site was a mile wide and 2 miles long. Hope everyone is doing well. Go to the doctor in a week and hope to get another fill the week of Thanksgiving will post updates at that time. Chris

I had an updated sleep study done one year after I was banded this was a split study of having nothing and then using a dental appliance. The results came back better than I thought. The doctor said that I did not need to use the CPAP machine and that if I did not wish to use the dental device that would be fine. He also said I did not need to come back and see him unless I had problems. He also felt my numbers would go lower if I lost some more weight. You can see my main post for more details. I hope that this will help you out. Any questions just ask. Chris

I am still working on details inregards to my role. I do know that this is a dual combustion power plant. This unit will run on natural gas and another type of fuel. I understand that construction has allready started. I live in St. Louis and travel in my line of work. I have been in Indy the last two years and we are about 2 weeks away from opening up a new airport in Indy, In. So I will be traveling back and forth about 2 times a month. I have had four fills. I do not do a real good job of keeping track of what I eat. They do say that guys loose faster than the gals. I go back in a couple of weeks and hope to get another fill as I can tell I can eat more but will see what the doctor thinks. The biggest problem I have had is making sure to not eat fast, make sure that I drink a lot of fluids and to becarefull not drink while eating. I want to thankyou all for your help and you can e-mail me here or at vcw61@excite.com with additional information. Chris

Hi All My name is Chris and I have been banded since 9/19/07 and have lost 66 lbs. I work for a major construction company and looking at relocating to New Haven to build a power plant at Yale. I am looking for information on rental costs and places to stay. At this time Iam looking at a 1 bedroom place. Details are still being workout and not sure if it will happen or not. You can e-mail me at vcw61@excite.com if you have any information. Also I notice the airlines go into Hartford but I have heard they also come to New Haven. I have not been able to find out much information. If I do come I would love to get together on a monthly basis. I will be the minority of the group. How many males do we have in this group. Thanks in advance for your help. Chris

Hi All My name is Chris and I have been banded since 9/19/07 and have lost 66 lbs. I work for a major construction company and looking at relocating to New Haven to build a power plant at Yale. I am looking for information on rental costs and places to stay. At this time Iam looking at a 1 bedroom place. Details are still being workout and not sure if it will happen or not. You can e-mail me at vcw61@excite.com if you have any information. Also I notice the airlines go into Hartford but I have heard they also come to New Haven. I have not been able to find out much information. If I do come I would love to get together on a monthly basis. I will be the minority of the group. How many males do we have in this group. Thanks in advance for your help. Chris

I would not think that you would have to wait on anything. I would call in January and make sure it is in the plan and ask what they will need. I had UHC Pro and had no problems in getting approved. I have had UHC for 4 years. The first 2 they did not cover the band and then all of the sudden it changed. I have heard other have had problems. If you send me your e-mail I will forward a letter that I and the wife used to help get us approved. Chris

I would check with Tri-care and see who else is in network for this. I would then call the doctors office and explain everything and get a letter from Tricare saying that you are approved and send the doctor everything for his files. Hope you get it the band quickley. Chris

Keep in mind that each company is differant in what they are offering. I had looked into being banded 4 years ago it was not covered and then one day I happen to read the updated policy and found that it was covered. Also each insurance company is differant as to what is required. My wife and I had United Health Care Prochoice and was aproved in less than 30 days. I have heard others have had to do weight loss for 6 months before insurance would approved. I can forward you a copy of a letter that we had used to get approved. It might help you in getting things in place and ready for when you get insurance. Just e-mail me your address. I have several friends in KC. The company I work for is doing work on the Royals Stadium. Chris

Dr. Minkin did my band sugery. The average weight loss per month was 17-20lbs. Almost 50 lbs. I have the RemStar Auto A-flex machine and go between the nose mask and nose pillows. Since I was having problems with using the machine, I went to using a dental device and that has worked out real well. Glad to see that you are getting off the insluin. It looks like you were boaderline. When are you having surgery? I was on a pre clear liquid diet for 4-7 days before surgery. If you have any questions just ask. Who is doing your band? Chris Chris

It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post. In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study: Per Band Original study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40 Breathing event per hour: 68 Total breathing cessation per hour: 49 Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70% Banded New Study: post weight loss Weight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4 Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4 Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91% With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device: Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2) Total breathing cessation per hour: 4 Lowest oxygen level: 92% It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour. I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either. So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight. Chris Pre Band 250 Now 184 " name="message" type="hidden"> <table class="wide" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="bottom"> It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

It sure has been quite in here. I wonder what has happen to everyone over the past couple of years? Anyone heard from MS DAD and others? Here is an NSV/Update It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

This thread help me to reach this goal. It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

It is hard to beleive that it has been 13 months since I have been banded. A lot of things have happen since being banded and I will do that in another post.In June of 2007 I went in for a sleep study and found out that I did indeed have sleep apena. I was put on a CPAP machine in August 07 and did ok with it. I was banded in September of 2007. After being banded I was having some issues with the CPAP machine, in regards to being bloated all the time and taking the mask off at night. I talked with my doctor about this and he had the machine set to the lowest settings. He also suggested that I look into getting a dental applaince. I went and meet with the dentist who deals in sleep apnea and she said it would not be a problem and so it took about 4 months to get it approved by insurance. I was fitted with the herbest retainer in February, 2008. I went back to my doctor who handles the sleep apnea in August and he was real pleased with the way I looked and the amount of weight lost. So the doctor order a new sleep study. I had the sleep study on year to the date of being banded. I will say that the band can help people get away from using the CPAP. Keep in mind that everyone is differant and what works for one might not work for the other person. Here is the results of the study:Per BandOriginal study (pre weight loss) Weight 250 BMI 40Breathing event per hour: 68Total breathing cessation per hour: 49Lowest recorded oxygen level: 70%BandedNew Study: post weight lossWeight 186 BMI 29.1 Breathing events per hour: 19.4Total breathing cessation per hour: 19.4Lowest recorded oxygen level: 91%With the Herbst Retainer Dental Device:Breathing events per hour: 4.6 (counting little bitty ones 6.2)Total breathing cessation per hour: 4Lowest oxygen level: 92%It turns out that with the Herbst, you are worst when you lie on your left side. Then you have 8.3 events per hour. In dream sleep, you have 10.2 events per hour.I went to the sleep doctor this week to review this study and he said that I could stop using the CPAP Machine and continue with the Herbst Retainer. He also said that my numbers were low enough that even if I did not use the retainer that I could do away with the CPAP. He also felt the numbers would go down lower with more weight loss. My goal range is between 165-175. He also said that I did not need to come back and see him unless I feel that Iam having problems. He said that I can just go back to the dentist and get a new herbest retainer when this one wears out in a few years. Also I no longer have any snoring issues either.So as you can see here proof is in the pudding about the band and how it can help everyone out. It just takes a lot of time and effort to make it all happen. It does not happen overnight.Chris

My wife and I were the same as a lot has been spoken here. Now that we are both banded we are working on things and eating less. Sliming can happen when you eat to fast or to much and stuff get stuck. It is the food tube trying to lube itself so the food would go down better. Most of the time for me at least I then have to burp and it come up since the band/funnel will not let it down. Chris

I wonder if this can also happen to a couple that has been banded one week apart? I also wonder if the male has the same type of issues with hormones and other things as well? This sounds almost like my wife and I with things. Any thoughts? Chris

Welcome to the group little bit. My wife and I used Dr. Minkin and things are great. One year today. Chris