Tat19808

I was in the same boat. I had a 7 Lb window that I HAD to maintain - that was the hardest thing to do. I was lucky that Federal BC/BS only required 3 months of Nutrition and what not opposed to other company's 6 months. But we've made it! Trying to stay in my window, I really tried to watch what I ate, which I always try to do. Since I was approved, I was now told that I can relax - just don't go crazy. I another night of all you can eat crabs, a steak dinner with all the sides, another night at a Fondue restaurant, another visit to a winery, and then to a brewery. That's it - Not that I won't have these again, well not anytime soon , nor in this quantity. Just in case my taste buds change and don't like these things anymore, I want one last taste. Did you have to track what you were eating for a week to see how much protein you were eating? I could not believe how little I consuming! What an eye-opener! Someone had told me to freeze Protein drinks - Like Muscle Milk/ Premier Protein to have high protein popsicle snacks. I guess you could do that with Greek Yogurt too. I think tonight it will really hit me..... What is your Pre-Op Diet? Mine is something called Robard - it's 4 meal replacement "Things" a day. Shakes/drinks/soups/pudding.... and can drink Gatorade, low sodium broth as fillers

Just got off the phone with them I am scheduled for 9/25 I am to start my Pre-Op diet on 9/11 Amazing how fast everything is going. Looks like you and I have very similar Starting weights - I am 254

Congratulations!!!!!!! That's Awesome... My Dr. just submitted my Gastric Sleeve claim for approval to Fep BC/BS for approval! Do you know if there is anyway to check the Status of the Surgery Claim on the Fep Blue Website instead of calling? Who do you call and ask the question to?

My Dr. just submitted my Gastric Sleeve claim for approval to Fep BC/BS for approval! Do you know if there is anyway to check the Status of the Surgery Claim on the Fep Blue Website instead of calling? If you do call, who do you call and ask the question to?

Kate, Congratulations! what do do you mean you had to do extra hoops? Did you get a separate letter giving you a conditional approval if you complete these extra tasks? What kind of extra hoops did they want you do do?

Yay. I'm actually in the room awaiting my clearance to be handed to me. I was worried for nothing. The Dr came in, asked me a few questions, listened to my lungs and that was it. We started talking - having a few friends in common. After 10 minutes he said he has to see other patients. he said there is nothing for him to do, and that I should do fine with the surgery and good luck! Thank you all for listening and help reassure me about the test. My final clearance is Aug 24th.... then get to submit everything to insurance 🤞

My last clearance, the pulmonologist, is on Wednesday... and I am super nervous for some reason. I think it's because I don't know what they are going to do. I knew the cardiologist would do an ekg- no big deal. I know I don't have any lung issues.... when I am around pets & smoke, I do wheeze and use an inhaler. I avoid pets and smoke and as a result have not used an inhaler in over a year. I sleep well at night, fully refreshed in the AM, don't snore.... what kind of tests do they do for a pulmonary clearance? Is it just the breathing test into a hose... then a nebulizer treatment and re-do? Some people have said they have you do a a sleep apnea test---- what would make them want to do that? Thank you all in advance.

Thank you both for your replies! I have the Pulmonologist appointment today at 2:30. yesterday my Dr's office called to set up final clearance. I expressed my nervousness with the Pulmonologist for some reason, but she, like everyone here reassured me it's ok. I just worry a lot

We were told that you could NOT miss a class. They had to be sequential, if you missed a month, you had to add one onto the end. sorry

I hope you get a speedy approval. So at least the lower BMI didn't come up.

Kate, let us know what they say!

Good luck!!!!!!🤞

Keenikwe, i have Fep Blue as well, yet it says you only need 3 months of medically supervised diet/nutrition.... at least that's what I see when I look at the 2016 & 2017 book online. are you fepblue standard or basic? I am standard

Mine was... do yoga and eat boiled chicken and vegetables

Bri, what was the Lindstrom law cost? I read somewhere that there are 3 tiers of service. I am Fep Blue Standard

hi all, I am in the process of of getting the Lap Band - should be able to get it in September. i have gone through all the pros and cons of the surgery from countless people and the net. All the naysayers are people who were always thin and never struggles with weight loss. I am looking for any tips or advice you can give about the process. I would like to start purchasing the liquids/protein/ soups/ soft food... that I will need pre & post surgery. Does anyone have a list of things to get to stock a pantry in preparation of the surgery.... and any kitchen products that might be needed. Any advice on the liquid phase- both pre and post surgery. I've found some websites that have protein powder recipes.... would anyone be willing to share their favorite recipes? How about the mushy/ soft food phase any tips/ recipes? THANK YOU all for any responses I am not sure if I can post my email in a posting.... but my username at Gmail dot com is my e-mail

hi all, I am in the process of of getting the Lap Band - should be able to get it in September. I am looking for any tips or advice you can give about the process. I would like to start purchasing food/supplies that I will need pre & post surgery. Does anyone have a list of things to get to stock a pantry in preparation of the surgery.... and any kitchen products that might be needed. anyone be willing to share their favorite recipes/tips for after surgery? How about the mushy/ soft food phase any tips/ recipes? Lapband questions- I sleep on my side, does it hurt.... or is it bad to sleep on the port? What does it feel like when food gets stuck from a tight band or bread or something that has expanded. I suppose it would not feel like choking, as you can still breathe.... but what's it feel like? How do you best resolve it? Alcohol & carbonation: i was under the assumption that liquids would pass through the band opening easily & into the big stomach- why do they say it may stretch the pouch? If I ate rice/pasta... and it swelled/got slimy so it did not go down in the pouch- how do you fix it? Do you drink water to loosen it up? THANK YOU all for any responses I am not sure if I can post my email in a posting.... but my username at Gmail dot com is my e-mail

Trouvette, THANK you for your response. I posted here and at Obesityhelp and the first responses were honest, but a bit discouraging. Reading other people's experiences have made me feel better. Congratulations on having the surgery! Do you just drink the protein shakes as is? I found it on a website called "the world according to eggface". Just take out all the spaces. Search for Girl Scout flavored protein shakes. Or google search "Girl Scout Cookie Combat Protein Shakes." - like I said, I'm trying to prepare myself. You have not had a fill yet have you? Do you find yourself eating any less yet? What else are you eating in this mushy phase? That recipe sounds great! I love ricotta- actually made some myself in the past- easy and delicious. I read that cottage cheese in a blender is also very tasty. Do you have any problems sitting/bending? i had read that when food gets stuck, if you walk with your hands over your head it sometimes helps the food go down. When you drink, if you take a drink, do you have to sip? What happens if you don't? Kind of of a bummer about sleeping on the side- A memory foam pillow is a good idea! hiw much time did you take off from work before you could go back? Do you have any pain when walking? Exercising? Thank you again!