3loves

Hang in there Nanahanna and lean on us here at LBT. Don't know how I could have dealt with the pressure without this place!! Mvpo8961 ~ Yup....bandsisters for sure!!! Thank you so much....I know I've made friends for life here. :biggrin1:

Consider yourself hugged!! :hug:

O.K. I really need to get this off my chest b/c I haven't been able to sleep and I'm trying to stay positive. I finally finished the requested (by insurance per psy eval) 3 support groups and faxed them to NGS American. When I called to verify the PreD dept got it, Patty (PreD dept taking care of my file) informed me that my Psy Eval and Nutritional Eval were incomplete and I needed medical records showing compliance. Knowing my insurance had sent these, I asked her to help me understand EXACTLY what she meant so I can address this with my surgeon. Here is what I was told: ~ Both evaluations were incomplete and were not favorable b/c they did not state whether I would be a good candidate for the surgery and they did not indicate whether I could follow the lifestyle after surgery. I really don't know if this burden is on the evaluations or if this is a ploy by my insurance. ~ The medical records I submitted from my Optifast last year showed non-compliance. Yes, they did indeed state that on different occasions b/c I was always completely honest if I had something other than the shakes/bars. On these occasions, I was light-headed, shaky, and thought I may even pass out so I would have A cracker or A slice of bread with Peanut Butter. Another time, I ate a piece of cake at my birthday party. Another time I ate 6, yes I counted and put that on my sheet, 6 Frito's just b/c I wanted them. I told Patty that I do not understand how they can consider this a failure for me since I did lose weight....I lost 32 lbs over 3 mos. She then said, well this surgery is for people that can't lose weight. WHAT?? I thought I was going to blow!! I stayed calm and told her that if I could keep the weight off, why would I be asking for WLS? It seems I am in a no win situation with them. I then went on to tell her that I have specific records from my family doctor (she confirmed they had them) from 1992 showing different weight loss attempts & I always put the weight back on and more. She said the medical records had to be recent. My records run from 1992 - Nov 2004. We moved to IN in 2004 so I had a new doc. I told Patty that I am very surprised that I need to address such an issue as the non-compliance and that I would go to my grave saying that I did not fail that program. She did try to be encouraging and said that they haven't said no yet, but they would resubmit if I got the new evaluations. I feel that once I get the evaluations corrected/complete with my surgeons office, they are going to deny me based on my Optifast program and non-compliance. My husband told me I was too honest. Now I'm feeling it doesn't really pay to be honest if this is the game I have to play. I felt I was only hurting myself if I wasn't forthcoming with every little thing I put in my mouth while on the Optifast program. I mean, I told everything every time. What is wrong with me? Sorry this is so long and thanks for the shoulders to cry on. :cry Any help or advice is sooooo appreciated!! I would have been crying all weekend had I not belonged to this community. I know there is hope and that this is far from over.

Nope....I called yesterday and most of the businesses in MI had an Easter/Spring Break holiday. I LMOR today. Still waiting. :phanvan Thank you for asking. I think they are looking hard for a reason to say no, but they can't really find one b/c I've met all their requirements. We'll see. I'm ready to fight if necessary. :fencing:

Did anyone practice this B4 getting the band? After reading this, I think I should get out my kids baby utensils. :confused:

Thank U....the secret to getting that low is NO heels...flats only or I would have fallen flat. Trust me, I didn't stay there for long. Next year, I'll be wearing heels like you Diane. :biggrin1:

Diane ~ You have a beautiful family and you are so blessed!! Not to mention you look beautiful yourself!! :clap2: We always take a family pic at Easter, but this year we didn't have anyone to take one of us together. Every year I feel like a giant Easter egg in my pastel colors. I can't wait till next year to show the thinner me and I hope I have such a wonderful, happy smile as you!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Here's me trying to hide....oh well....I tried. :phanvan

Frame that baby on your wall!!

R U referring to LBT Pager? The person must have that option enabled on their control panel. Control Panel Settings & Options Edit Options LBT Pager Enable Pager

Oh Karen ~ I am so sorry to hear this. :phanvan I may be joining you soon as I have a feeling my insurance is looking for every reason under the sun to deny me.....my file is currently being reviewed by the insurance physician and has come back once requesting more info. Something I have learned through all of this though is that the appeal usually takes a lot less time than the initial submission. Do you have a family history of any co-morbidities that could be considered a risk down the road? Here's a couple of sites I put in my favorites (recommended here at LBT) in the event I need them. I don't know how you intend to proceed, but maybe these links will be of some help. http://www.obesitylaw.com/ http://info.insure.com/health/claimdenial.html I will continue to pray for you and remember the Lord's timing is perfect. This isn't over so keep you chin up!!!

Hang in there and just take it one day at a time. I did the regular Optifast plan last year for weight loss (I'm preband). I had 5 shakes and 1 bar a day for 12 weeks....it does get easier with each passing day. I got very weak so my doc said it was OK to have "Herb Ox" brand bouillon cube. They have a lower sodium than the other brands of bouillon cubes. Ask you doc about this is you are still getting headaches or start to feel faint. I thought I was going to pass out one time while driving.....scared me to death, but the cubes helped.

O.K., you scared me too!! My heart sank. Today they reported about a man trying to pick up to girls in the town 30 mi down the road. :phanvan They are looking for a teal car if you see it. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Silly girl!! :confused: I hope to lose at least the combo of my two boys!!!

Hi Jessie ~ I'm so jealous!! You are in the perfect place to get things b4 they hit the shelves. I've sold a bit on E-Bay and you may want to watch out for some of the name brand items. You can pull BIG bucks on some of those things. I look for Gymboree, Baby Lulu, & Stride Rite. I just sold a used pair of Stride Rite gym shoes for $12.99!! Not bad for being used, but they had tons of wear left in them. Just something to thing about. :confused: Good luck on your new adventure and have fun!!

I was driving my husband crazy. Since he was home, he had the remote. We have a tv downstairs, but I it was chilly down here. I told him I was having withdrawals. What's crazy, is that I discovered it was up around 1:45AM and I HAD to get to bed if I was going to make it to church!! I couldn't even post. :think I went to bed a happy pre-bander knowing all my LBT friends would be back. :clap2: Boy, did I miss all of you!! Server updates? That's what was going on? I was in the middle of a post. Why didn't they notify us or did they and I just missed it? Haven't noticed any changes yet....too busy playing catch up. Hugs to all & I'm glad your all here!! BTW, what's a DT?

Mandy ~ You are a beautiful woman!! Thanks for the inspiration although I don't hold out hope that my legs will ever be that thin!! :rolleyes

It's a little late now, but I do hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter!!

This is scary although it's good info to know. I appreciate the link to the CBS story. I had no idea Ambien could cause such a reaction in some people. I am so thankful I'm able to take it with sleep being the only side effect. It makes me wonder what actually causes this in some people and not in others. It's probably a chemical/hormone kind of thing. Does anyone know?

I vote for "Happily Married"!! I've been married to my DH for almost 7 yrs (will be 7 in July). He is the best thing, along with my children, that has ever come into my life!! This is the first marriage for both of us. We had a simple wedding with just immediate family. I don't have words to tell you how wonderful this man is. He is a gift from God. Thanks for letting me share!!

Oh my....what a time you've all had!! Are you sure it's the Ambien CR? :eek: I've been taking it for a few weeks now and love it!! Maybe I should ask my husband if I'm doing weird things. I'm pretty sure I don't b/c many times I wake up in the same position I last remembered. I usually toss & turn at night. Good luck and let's hope this doesn't happen again. If it doesn't, at least you'll know it was the Ambien CR.

Hi Michelle ~ I just remembered this link. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 I found this thread very helpful and Penni knows her stuff. Good luck!!

:welcome2: Hi Michelle....I am Michelle too!! And yes, with 2 L's. Welcome to LBT!! I also have 2 children, Bobby age 5 yrs & Danny age 3.5 yrs. My husband is going to get the band after me. I am still waiting on insurance. The best advice I can give is to research and ask lots of questions. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your decision, not even your potential surgeon. You will find mostly banded people here along with some gastric bypass. Even though most people feel strongly about their type of WLS, you should do what is in your best interest based on your needs. Lapband is not for everyone and takes a bit more work with the mental part of weight loss IMO. Also, as you probably know by now, the weight loss is slower. For me personally, one of the reasons I decided on lapband was the lower risk since I am a mommy to two precious boys. We want more children in the future, the Lord willing. Also, my husband has worked in the lab at Johnson & Johnson and saw the swedish band first hand. He has been talking about this for 2 yrs or so and is very excited. J & J are still working on approval from the FDA in the US for the swedish band, but the Inamed band is the one currently used in the US. It's an excellent band. I wish you the very best on your journey to a new you!! I know you will continue to find this a friendly and informative place. I'm now addicted to LBT....can't stay away....need my daily fix. :eek:

My favorite thread by far.....thanks for the laughs!!! If you have a dream you were banded and showing people scars you don't even have yet, you may be a pre-bandster!! Actually had that dream last night!! :notagree

Hey Karen ~ Congrats on the 5 lbs during a race no less....you are awesome!! I take it the fill went O.K. Isn't it so much fun to listen in on the scanners? That was my favorite part. Poor Carl....I felt bad for him. :phanvan Did you have a good time anyway? Did you get to see Tony climb the fence? Speaking of shrubs....did you read the link on Nascar.com where Kyle was pulled over and cited for reckless driving in VA? Here's the link: http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/04/14/bc.car.kylebusch.reckle.ap/index.html Those Busch boys need to save it for the track. I'm sure Gordon will have a talk with his little driver and I bet this doesn't happen again. I'm glad Sun is Easter b/c I would be lost without a race. :eek: My boys will keep me busy with holiday stuff and church. How bad have you got it?

:notagree I had another dream last night that I was banded. There were 4 of us in the operating room at the same time and the surgeon ran from one to another. We were all awake and enjoying it. My parents were there when I got home and they helped me with the boys. I was walking around so happy that I didn't even need pain meds. Imagine that!! I was showing everyone how tiny my scars were. I remember rolling over a couple times during this dream and closing my eyes so I could go back to the happiness of my band. Dreams do come true and I can hardly wait. It won't be as long as it has been!!

Those babies steal my heart!! They are so precious. Thanks for sharing!!