BeautyLocs

Hi-- I'm waiting for all of my paperwork to be submitted for insurance approval and am feeling in a state of limbo. I feel like I need to be on a diet program in order to keep myself from gaining goo gobs of pounds. I just finished my 6-month supervised program and don't want to continue to participate in that. I still maintain a membership with Jenny Craig and could do that or I could go to Weight Watchers or try a low-carb program on my own. I'm curious to know what other people did between submitting their paperwork and starting a pre-op liquid diet. Did you just eat with abandon or were you on a structured program? Thanks for any thoughts, Beautylocs

Hi-- I'm having my surgery done by Dr. Michael Wood who heads American Bariatric Medicine Institute (ABMI) located in Madison Heights. There's a plastic surgeon associated with his office. I don't remember his name, but a few of the people in my support group talk about seeing him. Dr. Wood works out of Harper Hospital in Detroit, so there's a good possibility that the plastic surgeon does, too. If you want contact information for ABMI, PM me and I'll send it to you. Good luck, Beautylocs

Hi Jerry-- I'm guessing that when you say lap band or surgery, you're trying to decide between the lap band and gastric bypass, or some other form of bariatric surgery. Am I right? If so, what are some of your specific questions? What do you think will help you decide between one or the other? If you want to PM me, that's fine, too. I haven't been banded yet, but I have done quite a bit of reading about lap band and gastric bypass and may be able to help. Also, if you're able to elaborate a bit on what will help you to decide, I bet other people on the forum will be able to help, too. Take care, Beautylocs

Hi Spring Dixie-- I was very excited to find this site, too. I am relatively new to posting, but have found people to be very receptive and helpful. I think that you'll find this a very supportive tool. I've been overweight my whole life, too. I was quite active and was just getting into running when I injured my back last year. Unfortunately, it's greatly limited my physical activity. I'm pretty much only doing aqua aerobics right now, but am hopeful that the surgery will relieve some of the pressure on my back and I'll be able to resume some of my activities. I don't have a surgery date yet. I complete my six-month medically supervised diet program tomorrow, which is the last big piece before I can apply for coverage. I'm optimistic that I'll be approved and have a date before the end of the year. Welcome to the site! As you explore the various groups and sub-groups, you'll find answers to most of your questions. And if you don't, just ask. Someone will get back to you. All the best! Beautylocs

Hi-- My six-month supervised diet ends tomorrow. I've gained 8 pounds since starting. I called my insurance company and was told that the policy says that I have to participate in a program; it doesn't say anything about being successful. I'm concerned about getting approval, but at this point it is what it is. Exercise is key to me managing my weight and I haven't been able to do it in over a year due to a back injury. One of the reasons I'm pursuing the surgery is because I want to relieve some of the pressure on my back and be better prepared for back surgery if that becomes a need. I can't help but think that the person who was declined because of a one pound gain would have been declined anyway. A person's weight can fluctuate by a few pounds from day to day. It sounds to me like the insurance company was looking for a reason to say no. All those of us who weren't successful on our medically supervised program can do at this point is apply for coverage and hope for a positive outcome. I suppose the worse thing that happens is we're declined and told to try it again, which would suck kinda hard. Good luck to you! Beautylocs

Hello Bandsters-- I attended a support group at my surgeon's office this evening. The group consists of pre-op people (like me) and post-op folks, 99 percent of whom have had gastric bypass. There's a woman in the group who, when someone says they've chosen lap band responds by saying, "Why? You know you can only lose 50 percent of your weight with that surgery." I have spent several months on this site, reviewed a number of other sites and read 2 books about lap band. I find no evidence that her statements are true. I know that you lose weight more quickly with a bypass, but I've read that at the five year mark, the loss is the same regardless of the type of surgery. Any insights? Beautylocs

Hi DietPeach-- I read Kahalia Ali's book about her experience with Drs. Ren and Fielding. They seem to be true pioneers. My surgeon has done about 500 lap bands compared with thousands of bypasses. I was comfortable with his references and experience and didn't think about seeking someone who specialized in lap band. Hmmm. I'll definitely consider that. Unfortunately, I'm not especially close to NYC (I live in Detroit) and do know that I'm not comfortable being too far away from my doctors and source for fills. I'm not familiar with the APS band and would be interested to know the difference between that and the other bands on the market. I'll look it up. I'm scheduled to get the Realize Band. Thanks for the response. I appreciate having someone confirm my understanding of the weight loss potential with the band. Take Care!

Hi Renea-- I haven't been banded yet, though I'm hoping to have a surgery date before the end of the year. I recently completed my psych eval, however, and one of the things the psychiatrist mentioned to me is that there is an increased possibility of depression or "blue" feelings after weight loss surgery. He said that he wasn't sure why, but articles have appeared recently in medical journals on this topic. Do you have a counselor or therapist you can talk to just to help you get over this hump? I have a long history of depression and find therapy, journaling and medication helpful. I, too, am in a down period right now, though, and have stepped up my counseling sessions and asked that my meds be tweaked. It's proactive and smart for you to reach out through this website. Be gentle with yourself and continue to identify things you can do to surround yourself with supportive people. Take good care, Bridgett

Thanks Terri and Jacqui-- I have noticed your photos, Jacqui, and it is really amazing. I have no expectations of being able to wear a bikini, but your success is certainly inspiring. Your comment, Terri, helped to refocus me on why I chose the band and the fact that my reasons are my own and I'm very excited about my choice. Thanks to both of you! Bridgett

Hi All-- Well, I'm getting closer with each passing week. I've attended my seminars, found and met with my surgeon, secured my letter of support from my PCP, gotten additional letters from the therapists I've worked with, attended support groups, passed and gotten my report from my psych eval and I will complete my 6-month medically-supervised program next week. I feel so victorious every time I complete a step. There are two things that make me nervous. I learned today that my insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office is no longer working there. I know that my surgeon is running a business and to date I've been impressed with his staff and the way the office is run, but I do wish that someone had called to tell me my coordinator had left as opposed to me trying to contact her repeatedly with no success, which led to calling the office and being told that she was gone. The other thing that makes me nervous is the fact that I gained a few pounds on my 6-month supervised diddy. I called my insurance company (BCN) and was told that the policy doesn't say that I have to lose, only that I have to participate. I just feel ashamed and embarrassed. Why couldn't I lose one f#$%ing pound in 6 months? Anyway, what's done is done and I'll have to move forward. I suppose the worst thing that happens is the insurance company says no and tells me to try it again on a supervised program. Thanks to all for sharing your stories. It's nice to be connected to such a supportive community. Best to all, Beautylocs

Hi MellyB-- I am completing my 6-month medically supervised program and have gained 7 pounds since beginning. I, too, am mad and even a bit embarrassed. My last weigh in on the program is next Wednesday and I'm hoping to have at least the 7 pounds off so that I can end where I began. I have noticed that as I've gotten older, I put on quite a bit of weight around my cycle. Last month I gained 6 pounds, which I thought was simply amazing. This month I gained 4. All this to say, it's very possible that the gain is connected to your cycle. Try not to be mad at yourself. You've come very far on a journey of self care. I wish you all the best and support you in your efforts to get off those few pounds. Beautylocs

Hi Everyone-- So interesting that I come upon this question today. I went to the health food store yesterday and asked for a meal replacement shake. The clerk pointed me to a product that he said he sells as meal replacement even though it is clearly marked on the canister that it is NOT to be used for that purpose, but rather as a food supplement. It has 21 grams of protein and a bunch of amino acids in each scoop. I compared it to another protein powder I use almost daily. It, too, says that it's a supplement not a replacement, has 16 grams of protein and a lot of vitamins, but no amino acids. I'm completely stumped as to which is the better product. I'm pre-surgery, but wanted to lose some poundage between now and what I hope will be my surgery month. I attend a support group tomorrow at my surgeon's office. It's led by the nutritionist. I'll ask her what the difference is between a protein drink and a meal replacement and if I get a good answer I'll check back in. Best to everyone, Beautylocs

Hi Luvjacob-- I am in the last month of my 6-month program and I, too, have gained weight. I'm up 8 pounds and have struggled to get it off, let alone lose anything on top of it. I have been successful at diets in the past, but it's gotten increasingly more difficult over the past year. I injured my back last October trying to uncover my "inner athlete". The long and the short of it is that she and I met, didn't get along at all and I was left with a large disk herniation that has diminished my ability to stand and walk. I find that without exercise it's very hard to lose poundage. So, I've been eating a lot less over the last month and am hopeful that it makes a difference. I may even have to do a liquid fast between now and Nov 19 (my last weigh day) to make double sure that I lose something. I'm concerned that if I don't, the insurance company will deny me. Hang in there and best of luck. Beautylocs

Hi Kelly-- Congratulations on your success to date. 26 pounds in three weeks is impressive! I, too, live in Michigan and am working with a surgeon in Detroit. I haven't been approved yet, but when I am I'll have my surgery at Harper Hospital in Detroit. I've heard great things about Hurley and considered it, but when I realized there were three other good hospitals that were all centers of excellence close to my house, I chose one of them. I so enjoy reading about people's success and thank you for sharing your story. All the best on your journey! Take good care, Beautylocs

Hi PattiKay-- My surgery hasn't been scheduled yet, so I can't answer your questions about pain and food, but I did want to say hello. I, too, am in Michigan and would like to know where you're having your surgery and who your surgeon is. I'd also be interested to know who's your insurance carrier and whether or not the approval process was long or difficult? Good luck to you, PattiKay! I hope that this surgery results in you feeling younger and healthier than you ever have. I'll look forward to hearing more about your journey. Take care, Beautylocs

Hello Everyone-- I am in month five of the six-month medically-supervised program required by my insurance company (Blue Care Network) before I can apply for approval. I must admit that I didn't find the program very supportive or useful and have managed to gain two pounds. For those of you who have completed this phase of the process, how did you do? Will the fact that I wasn't able to lose any weight impede my ability to get approval? I notice that a lot of people post that they did lose some weight prior to the surgery. Was this from the medically-supervised diet or from the pre-op liquid diet? I feel a bit down about failing on yet another diet and actually had a very stressful encounter with the dietitian today. Overall, it's been a bad experience on top of not losing anything.

Hi Jennifer71-- I don't finish my six month program until November, so I haven't submitted my information to the insurance company yet. I can say that the six months went pretty quickly. Your three remaining months will hopefully be the same for you. In talking with people that have been approved, it does seem to be a bit different for everybody. I've been advised to work closely with my surgeon's office and to be triple sure that I've met all the requirements. Like I said, I haven't submitted yet, but I have secured letters of support from a hypnotherapist I worked with, as well as pulled together information from past efforts on Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. They don't count as medically supervised, but they do show a pattern. I, like you, want this so badly I can taste it. I have been feeling quite anxious about finishing everything so I can seek approval. I'm not giving up, though. I believe this is the answer to me finally getting my weight under control. I encourage you to believe the same and stay the course. All the best to you! BeautyLocs

Hi Zoomomma-- Congratulations on getting started. I got started not too long ago myself and have made some good progress. I'll finish my six month medically supervised program next month and will have my psych eval at that time, too. I was surprised by how quickly the time went by and hope that you will be, too. Good luck to you on your journey!

Hi Dietpeach-- I, too, had an embarrassing experience today related to the 6-month medically-supervised program required by my insurance company. What I keep telling myself is that the long-range goal is to have my surgery. I've been overweight all my life and have endured humiliation throughout most of my life as a result. I can endure a few more moments for the sake of getting what I want. All that to say, so you gained a bit of weight. You've made incredible progress toward your goal of getting your weight under control for the rest of your life. Those 10 pounds are just a blip on the screen. Take good care! I wish you the best on your journey. Beautylocs

Thanks, Tquad64. My psych eval is scheduled for next month, which is also when I'll attend a required support group meeting. I'm hopeful that I'll have a surgery date by the first of the year. I do want to lose at least 15 pounds prior to my surgery and actually rejoined Jenny Craig. Perhaps with that, I'll post a loss on the medically-supervised program, which would make me feel a little less like a failure. Congratulations on coming this far! I hope you get your surgery date very soon. Take good care.

Hello Everyone-- I've been reading this site for months and finally decided to join. I met today with my surgeon, Dr. Michael Wood, just outside of Detroit. I've been vascillating between gastric bypass and lap band, but have decided on banding. I like that it's less invasive, has a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery time. My doctor thinks I'll do well with either surgery. I'm excited, but nervous. I, like many of you, have struggled with my weight for so long that I sometimes feel like it's not possible for me to lose even a pound. I must admit that I'm afraid of failing on the band. I'm glad this site exists and that there's a community of people that have gone before me and had success. Best to all!