Dizneycrzd68

I didn't need a referral with our Insurance... I was recommended to Dr. Pilcher by everyone I talked to, so I just signed up for the seminar with New Dimensions Weight Loss Center here in San Antonio, Tx... I had to go through the formal seminar & then I had my first appt. I was scheduled for Jan 23rd, but I'm a student & I couldn't do the surgery with the Spring semester starting, so I've rescheduled for Mid-May after Finals...

I have Aetna PPO... It was an easier process than I expected... My only problem was the Dr's office waited so long after the approval to schedule my surgery it put my surgery right in the middle of the Spring Semester & being a senior graduating in Dec 09 I couldn't take a chance of any complications that could keep me out of class. So, I rescheduled the surgery mid-May after finals...

It seemed easy for me. I met with the Dr, Psyc, & Dietician all in the same visit. Went for 3 months in a row to meet with dietician. I originally had show 5 years of previous weight history, but Aetna changed there rules and I only needed 2 yrs previous weight history. Once the dr's office submitted all the paperwork 12/4, I had my approval letter on 12/24. It seems like such an easy process compared to what I've heard others go through. The hardest for me was lossing the 5 lbs the dr said I needed to lose for surgery. Finally managed to do that with Slimfast optima. Now I'm set for surgery on Jan 23rd...

I didn't have to go on a liquid diet before surgery - I just have to stay under the target weight the dr set for me. I'm currently 1 lb under & I'm doing slimfast optima for 1 or 2 meals a day in order to maintain... I also have to do this around a hectic school schedule. I'm a Senior at the University with classes starting Jan 12th. With my surgery being on Friday the 23rd, I'm going to have to get back on my feet & make it to class that next Monday. But it will be ok... No worry except keeping hydrated...

I'm being banded Jan 23rd & a friend who had it done gave me some ideas on dealing with the 6 weeks of liquid diet I have to do post-surgery. She went to her fave restaurant where she loves the tortilla Soup. She asked for a quart of the broth off the soup. She said she got the flavor she wanted and it satisfied her. Plus the quart lasted her a few days. I was also hating the idea of not being able to drink with my meals. She said she took small sips here & there with her food and it helped her get through it all...

I'm getting banded on Jan 23rd; Pre-op testing on the 8th; & meeting with Dr on the 12th... Nervous & excited I've been trying to explain it to my 11 & 8 yr old... They are really supportive & want to help any way possible - it's so sweet...

Hey All - I just got off the phone with my Dr's office & I've been set to have surgery on Friday - Jan 23rd... :tongue2: Now the nerves are kicking in now that reality has set in... I tried to have the surgery before my Spring semester started but that's not going to happen... Praying that I can get back on my feet and make it to class the following week... I know it's the best option to shed this weight, but I'm still trying to get use to the idea...

I'm a Senior - graduating Dec '09... I have classes Mon - thru Thursday... I'll talk to my professors & get a better idea on how much I can miss without it hurting me... Thanks for sharing & letting me know I'm not the only student going through this...

I haven't been scheduled for surgery yet, but I received my approval letter on Christmas Eve... I'm having the same feelings. I've been doing well on the pre-diet, but I realize that I can't keep it up for long periods of time. I'm just as nervous, but I know this will be the only way I'll be able to lose that Extra person I'm carrying in weight... Stick with it - I'll be there with you very soon... Just wanted to let you know that I was feeling the exact same way. You are definately not alone in this...

The only surgery I was told that my Dr would do with the band is my unbilical hernia surgery. That's covered under my insurance so it won't be a problem to get done... The Tubal might have to be don't separately but I would ck with your dr & insurance

Well - After following all of Aetna's guidelines over the last 3 months, I've been approved to have the lapband procedure done. Now I just have to wait until the 29th when the Dr's office opens... My name is Lynda and I have also been heavy since I was a kid and now at 40 I've hit 338 with a BMI of 46. I was diagnosed with PCOS & Insulin Resistance over the last few years and I refuse to give the next 40 years over to this obesity. Now that the surgery is getting closer to reality, I've had my ups & downs. I'm excited over this opportunity, but I'm also nervous about the whole change of life style. Especially since I still have to cook for my two kids & hubby... It's definiately going to be a New Beginning for the whole family. New Year - Major Life Change - 2009 is going to be interesting...

I really appreciate your insight... Lynda

Hi All: I'm going to my first Dr's appt on 7/21 to get this lapband ride started. I'm 40 yrs old, 5'11", and need to lose about 133 lbs before my insulin resistance turns to diabetes. I've struggled with this weight for over 15 yrs and I just found out that our insurance will pay 90%. What usually goes on that first dr's appt? Curious about the process... Lynda:cool2: