dwrd73

I called my insurance company at least four times until I finally found someone who was knowledgeable enough to show me where on their website I could find the information I was looking for. Basically, do they cover the procedure and at what BMI with how many comorbidities. My insurance also defined what they would consider a comorbidity.

I read too many horror stories of people thinking their paperwork was received by the insurance company and then they get the call that the IC never received anything or was missing a page or two. Anyway, I called my IC at least twice a day until I was approved. I kept asking if they received everything from my doctor. i was approved in 3 days. Don't wait!!! Call the insurance company.

While I waited I used the time to find out what my insurance actually needed (i.e. BMI and how many comorbidities). It took several phones calls until I actually got a person who could answer my questions. In the end it was helpful b/c the insurance person at my bariatric doctor's office told me there was no way I would be approved and tried to cancel my appointment. I insisted on my appointment and before I left their office the doctor told me I was right, that the should have no problems getting approved.

My thought is to start working hard at quiting smoking. It's not healthy for you and if you are like most people you want to have lap band surgery not to simply lose weight but to become a healthier person. If they will not do your surgery if you are a smoker, then use that as your motivation to kick the habit. It is going to be tough but think about how much better you are going to feel once you are banded and not smoking.

My nutritionist also said most people only absorb 20 - 25 grams of protein at a time. However she also stated that many people only absorb half of the protein listed on the protein shakes at one time. It depends on the type of protein used in the shake or shot. I was a little shocked when I hear that statement. I would love to have a second opinion on it.

I started my ticker based on the day I started the pre op diet.

Another thought...Are you drinking enough Water? It's common to get headaches when one get dehydrated. But like Jack said...call your doc if it continues.

:smile2: Congratulations on being banded!!! Get some rest and keep walking.

I'm glad to hear everything is going well for you. And your are RIGHT! This time you ARE going to lose the weight! You ARE going to be healthier!

I haven't been banded yet so I do not know what it really feels like yet. However, going in to work for only four hours may not be that bad. I would tell your supervisor that you are still in pain but want to try to come to work. You never know the time there may get your mind off the pain and off your surgery so you can heal. Plus the extra walking around may also be helpful. Concerning full-time work, perhaps you could suggest a few more weeks of part-time until you are completely healed until starting full-time work.

Good job on beating your head hunger!!!! It's great that you are beginning to tell the difference between true hunger and head hunger. Good for you for getting over that hurdle!!!! I'm glad to hear after three weeks all is going well. Keep up the good work.

Wow! Congrats on your weight loss. The Soup does sound good. Actually anything sounds good right now. I'm on the pre-op liquid diet and I'm hungry.

Too bad you can't get your band engraved too before it goes in.:thumbup:

Mixing tuna with hummus...what a great idea! I'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip.

I'm glad to hear this was a much more positive experience. I'm sure you will be able to move that scale in no time.

Congratulations!!! Keep calling the doctor's office and see if there are any cancellations. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

I think everyone feels some nervousness as they approach their date for surgery. I for one get nervous from time to time as I think about it b/c this will be my first surgery. However, I keep thinking about all the positive results people write about on this forum and it reminds me that I'm making a good choice.

:thumbup: Way to go!

For Valentine's Day we had our kids make heart shaped crayons to hand out in their kindergarten classes. They were fun to make.

Great tip to put your fork down on the table between each bit. I will have to remember that. I'm a fast eater. Always have been. I'm sure I will learn the hard way soon. To create a ticker Roheryn put together a great thread with step by step directions. Leave it to an August Allstar to help you out. Here is a link to her earlier thread. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f183/how-guide-creating-your-weight-loss-ticker-72359/

Welcome Donna to the forum!!! Congrats on getting your band.

Welcome to the forum Renob!!!

My diet never uses the word "mushies." Basically on day 15 the food consistency needs to be soft, easy to chew (i.e. pureed or baby food consistency, but NOT baby food b/c it has too much sugar). Examples of Protein Foods: chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad (use light mayo), ground turkey/chicken, ground lean red meat, crab meat, baby shrimp, tilapia, flounder, or any other flaky fish Examples of Vegetables: Mashed or baked potato or sweet potato, V-8 juice, tomato soup Examples of Fruits: unsweetened applesauce, fruit & yogurt smoothie, blended up fruit The examples were straight from my doctor's paperwork. Hope it helps but more importantly follow your own doctor's orders.

They sound good. Are they breaded chicken strips?

I've never tried freezing any of those. And, yes I do cook! I'm the more the chef in the house then my wife. Here is a link to the USDA site which contains information on what can and cannot freeze. Freezing and food Safety Also, are you a teacher? You mentioned school starting. And, what type of crafts do you make for the craft show? My wife is an artist. We did one craft show years ago before we had kids.