slimteacherin08

It took Cigna a month to let me know I was approved...and the only reason I knew in a month is because I had to strong arm them. I called them everyday for three weeks. Finally someone messed up and told me I would know by the end of the week (during week 4.) So when I didn't hear by the end of that week, I called and force them to give me answer. I had to let them know that the surgeon was waiting for a reply because I already had a surgery date scheduled. Don't back down! Stay on top of them. Good luck!

I am glad you aren't giving up! :tongue_smilie: Some people reach obstacles and that makes them give up and just live with being unhappy. I am glad you are continuing on your journey! GOOD LUCK!

Hello mljalways and kimmyv, I know what you mean mljalways...I jumped through insurance hoops for 8 months and was so scared they wouldn't approve me. I felt as though I could get my hopes up! It is VERY nerve racking. Eventually they came through. I hope you are able to find a surgeon to work with....have you tried Dr. Fusco? kimmyv...how did you first fill go? I know what you mean....I am so glad I went with Dr. Fusco, I feel their program was well worth it all. You have to go with what is comfortable for you.

I am from Titusville. I was banded 8/25/08 by Dr. Fusco with Lifeshape. How about you?

I am sorry to hear that. Does it have to do with what company is using CIGNA? :crying:

I know each CIGNA is not the same, but it could be close. I know that this past summer when I put everything through to CIGNA, they did need proof of weight from two years ago. I just used the records from a visit I made because of the flu. Call CIGNA and see what they need from you. Good Luck!

Keep your head up and stay strong. It is a learning process for us all! Don't let it get you down. I have found I am learning what works for me and what doesn't. I don't count calories, because my doctor told me to eat three 4 oz. meals a day. So I weigh everything that goes into my mouth. Then I drink no cal. or low cal. drinks all day. Are you weighing your food? Maybe that will help. Keep working hard you will find what works! Like others have said, if it wasn't working you wouldn't see the drop in clothing sizes. That means your body is losing the fat and making muscle. There will come a point when it will start to drop. Just have to find what works for you! Good luck!

Awesome job! You are doing GREAT!

My doctor told me that the time before the first fill, is a healing time. Just a time for your body to get use to the band being in you. Then as you get fills you will start to find your "green zone." I am scheduled to go for fills every two weeks for the first three months. That way he can work on finding that right tightness that aids in losing. So right now just keep fighting the head battle of hunger. I know it was hard for me. Realize the time will come when the weight will just melt off, but remember to keep following the guidelines. I just remind myself how long it took me to lose 17 or 18 pounds before the band. I believe it took me three months or so on Weight Watchers! So hey, I am ahead of the game! Good luck!

I had a fill a week and half ago. I was on one day of liquids and one day of mushies. Then it was back to regular food. I feel a little bit of restriction, but not a lot. I go back on Wednesday. I will go every two weeks for the first three months. So that is nice! :tongue:

Okay....so the discussion has gotten a little heated! So I just ask one question....WHAT WOULD JARED SAY ABOUT ALL OF THIS?.....Hmmmm?!?

I understand where you are coming from too. I have had some issues similar to this one with my mother. Now that I am banded we don't talk about it at all and she is looking into having GBS. I feel as though she was jealous of my decision, because we both have always been overweight together. Now that I have made a positive change...I think she feels as though she will be alone in her weight battle. I have learned not to talk about it with my mom, unless she asks! Remember you have to make this decision for you and ONLY YOU! Good luck!

I have to agree with Fanny Adams too! When I go out to eat, I will order off the regular menu and just box up what is left or offer it to my skinny husband. He seems to be able to eat anything. I have noticed at sandwich shops if I order a chicken salad sandwich without the bread. They usually give more chicken salad than they would of put on the sandwich. So I figure that makes the price equal out. We have to learn how to eat out and what to order that fits our needs. Just like a diabetic, people with food allergies and others with medical conditions!

I am one the end side of mushy food, but I am the same way. I am only allowed three 4 oz. meals a day. It is a head battle, because I am still hungry after 4 oz. of food. I know that after I wait my 30 mins. after a meal I try to drink a low cal./no cal. juice or drink or even coffee with skim milk. That seems to help me feel a little bit more full. I am just trying to hold off until my first fill, which is Wednesday. Everyone says that after that fill I won't be hungry like I am now. That 4 oz. will make me full. I can't wait for Wednesday!:embaressed_smile:

The reason I decided to have the band over bypass, wasn't for how fast I would lose the weight. That doesn't matter to me. I just want it gone! I went with the band because it was less risky, recovery time was faster and I felt as though there was more support offered from the surgeon. That is why I went with the band!

I am like you.....I liked the Carnation Instant Breakfast too. I was to mix mine with 16oz of skim milk. I would add ice too. On the days I added ice and blended it, I felt as though it filled me up more.

When my husband had hernia surgery, he used "Auqafor" on his incisions. You can hardly tell where they are now. I am using "Auqafor" on mine. So far they look very nice.

DAnna: I am sorry. I hope the time flies for you. I can understand the filling of being hungry. I do too. I am keeping my thoughts focused, and that is difficult. I am also trying to drink the hunger away. But water just doesn't do the trick all the time. Remember we are all here to support you!

Is he the new doctor in Brevard County doing the surgeries? I heard he just started. Is that true? I heard he hasn't done but a handful or so of surgeries. I don't know where Dr. Domkowski's support groups are. Does he offer them? I know Dr. Fusco does.

My first fill is going to be almost one month from surgery date. I was banded on August 25th and my first fill will be September 24th. Is there a reason you have to wait eight weeks? That just seems like a long time. I hope it flies for you! :tt1:

Hello, I just found this Florida group and thought I would join. I am in Titusville. I was banded on August 25th.

They did not do before pics. I had my husband take mine the morning of surgery, before we left the house. They will weigh you again before surgery. I went and bought a scale that is the same brand they use. That way when I weigh at home I know it is near what they will get in the office.