twistytoo

Have you ever actually been on a date with him or just flirted? My mama says that "if a guy really likes you, you can't get him off your doorstep". If he's jerking you around in the "flirtation" stage, can you imagine what it would be like to actually be in a relationship with him?! Raise your standards and ignore the snot out of him.

Hi davidsmom08! I went for my first appointment in Jacksonville on 7/2/08. I have BC/BS insurance through UPS. The first visit cost me $200 + my $10 co-pay. They gave me a list of tests that will have to be performed before the surgery, and there were $$ amounts associated with each one. Not sure how much my insurance will cover, or if tests are paid out-of-pocket. I believe the people in the office have already looked into what each of our insurance pays for and may be able to answer your questions. I wish you the best of luck!

Cobrien78, Don't you give up! You got the referral and that's what you needed. Hopefully, the surgeon will be more empathetic and help you on the path to better health. Was it your primary care physician that gave you such a hard time? If yes, I would definitely recommend changing to a new Doctor. Someone who realizes that obesity is a disease and food addiction is real. I wish you the best!

Things I will NOT miss: 1) Having to always wear shirts that hide my fat stomach -- can't wait to wear my shirt tucked in! 2) Being a FAT Mom 3) Not having energy to play / run / dance with my kids 4) Having skinny girls look at me as if being fat were contagious 5) Sitting at my desk with my pants unbuttoned because they're too tight and uncomfortable when I sit down 6) My mother's disapproving looks 7) Staying at home because I am uncomfortable and self-conscious 8) Having men avoid talking to me because they don't want to be seen talking to a "fat girl" 9) Not being comfortable enough with my body to wear sexy lingerie for my husband

Amber Danielle ~ First let me say that you can do this! I do not have my band yet, and I'm trying to lose as much weight as I can before having surgery. I've started eating Atkins bars (220 calories) for breakfast and lunch. They are much better tasting than they were years ago and are very low in carbs -- like 3 net carbs in one bar. I've also recently discovered Diet Arizona Green Tea. The stuff is great and has less than 1 gram of carbs in an 8 oz glass. I find that restricting carbs and drinking lots of water / low cal drinks makes pounds come off quickly. Hope these ideas are useful to you.

Crystal525, The $1500 and $40 per-visit charges seem weird to me too. I would request a written price list from the Doctor's office so you have evidence of what they are charging and what it's for. You might also run that price list by your insurance carrier to see if it seems reasonable to them. Good luck to you.

For me it's more of the reaction I get from skinny girls who look at me as though being fat were contagious. I have also noticed that men do not want to be seen talking to a "fat girl". (Like I could care since I have a fantastic husband of 15 years who loves me no matter how I look.) Here's what I say to them: "I might be fat, but you're ugly...and I can lose weight." It hurts most though when my (not overweight) mother grabs my love handles, flabby arms or 2nd chin and says nothing. :confused:

I live in Jacksonville and had my first consultation appointment on July 2nd. Looking toward surgery in January 2009. I am a bit nervous about the whole process, but I know this is the right road for me. :confused: I have fought with carb addiction for years and need to learn how to make food less important so I can go out and enjoy life without feeling judged by everyone around me. I look forward to the encouragement and information that I know I will find here. Good luck to you!

We have a lot in common :smile2:. Had my first consultation appointment on July 2nd. Insurance requires a 6 month medically supervised diet, although right now the Doctor I'm going to only offers a once-a-month program. Hoping to get on board with a weekly program they are starting. I lost weight on Optifast about 10 years ago. It's an all-liquid diet. Let me know if you have questions. Have a great day -- we can do this!! :redface:

I live in Jacksonville and had my first consultation appointment on July 2nd. Looking toward surgery in January 2009. I notice that a lot of people mention food getting "stuck" when they eat after being banded. What exactly does that mean? Does it feel like you're choking and does the food eventually go down, or does it come back up? Please forgive me, since I'm a "newbie". I am a bit nervous about the whole process, but I know this is the right road for me. :scared2: I have fought with carb addiction for years and need to learn how to make food less important so I can go out and enjoy life without feeling judged by everyone around me. :smile:

Megan, Thank you for posting your message. It was so encouraging to me. I have just begun the journey and so look forward to a new, more energetic me! Have a great day

Thank you for the encouraging words. I just found out that the center I am going to will be starting up a weekly support group for pre-op patients. I will attend the information seminar next Tuesday. I am so excited! I am really glad to have found this forum. There is nothing like people who have walked in your shoes to provide encouragement and support. I look forward to the friends I will make through this site.

Hey All, I'm new to this forum...had my first consultation last week. My insurance provider requires a 6 month "medically supervised diet" before they will provide reimbursement for the procedure. I was looking forward to 6 months of support, talk therapy and input on how to change my eating habits and the way I view food, before being banded. I am definitely a "carbaholic" and need to change my entire perception of food; however, I was surprised at the lack of pre-op resources they had to offer. I left the office with a folder that included only paperwork on the procedure, required tests and fees... nothing at all about food or how to prepare mentally for this whole thing. My next appointment is a month away. Do they expect me to keep on eating the way that I do now, and then offer support once I get banded? I guess what I want to know is "when does the work begin", because I am ready and motivated to make a change now. I am afraid that 6 months from now, when insurance is ready to kick in, I may not feel the same. What I really need is a good "brainwashing" via talk therapy so I can figure out ways to comfort, reward, sustain myself emotionally without stuffing my face with carbs. :thumbup: Please help............

I wish you the best of luck. I am hoping the lap band will be the thing that finally helps me kick the carb habit and get on with my life.