*slim*

Congrats! What an inspiration!

I had to decide too. I finally just flipped a coin (I know, big decision made with a coin toss:blush:). I finally picked the Lap-Band. I am happy with my decision because my surgeon has more experience with it. It is tried and true like others have said. Supposedly there really isn't a huge difference other than the way the port is attatched to your body. The lap band is sutured (sp?) in place and the realize band is stapled some how. Also, the realize band has a lower profile port. I hope this helps.

Good luck today!

That is such an awesome idea! I had thought about getting a tattoo after reaching goal, but the thought of getting one to mark the day of my new start sounds good too.

First, glad to see you back. I hope that you are feeling ok. Anyway, I still have 3 weeks to go, but I have done the same thing. I have bought Protein shakes, my pre-op diet shakes, and new very loose night gowns. You would think that I was having surgery next week. I have been planning my days off from work and everything. I should be very prepared when the time comes.

That's what I did too. I was approved on Aug. 25, but still haven't gotten my letter. I called again yesterday and was told that the person that TOLD me I was approved by email, didn't do anything to send that approval out in letter form. I am still waiting, but my surgeon's office accepted the email from Blue Cross in order to schedule my surgery. Good luck to both of you on your journey!

I have BCBSIL and they required a six month supervised diet attempt, BUT it just had to be in the last 2 years. My PCP filled out the paperwork showing that I had been over a 6 month period in 2006. My insurance accepted that as my 6 month diet. Good luck to you with your insurance.

WOOHOO! Way to go!:omg_smile:

I crossed my fingers, toes, and eyes just for you! Good luck!

I've been told that the baby Mylacon (sp?) gas drops work much better than the gas-x. It's worth a try.

You just got my vote! If I can look a quarter as good as you do after this is all said and done, I will be thrilled! You look AWESOME!:biggrin:

I am not banded yet, but I was wondering.... Can you puree just about anything for mushies? Is there anything that you tried to puree that was just awful? I would love to know some of your experiences. Thanks.:thumbup:

I am so happy for both of you. I hope you both have a quick recovery.

It seems to differ with every doctor. My doctor doesn't like caffiene but allows one cup of coffee or tea per day. He said that it is also a stomach irritant (who knew?). I was also told no soda but only for 1 year.

My session was basically the social worker asking about my mental history. He was looking for anything like bulimia, anorexia (yeah right), and addictions. He was also making sure that I had a realistic view of what this surgery means as far as the work you have to put in and not thinking that just having this surgery is going to make you skinny like a magic pill or something. It was painless.

I have had more than one and never had to undress at all. They just went under my shirt and under my pants leg. It was nothing like I was expecting at all. Very painless procedure. :thumbdown:

Way to go! You are now an official member of Bandland! You go girl! I hope you bounce back quickly. Don't forget to walk off that gas.

My surgeon's office requires payment 7 days prior to surgery, although I was so excited that I paid the day I got insurance approval. My hospital charges are covered 100% since I have met my deductible this year. Of course, each place is going to be different, but it seems to be sort of a common practice for them to want payment up front.

Has anyone had fills covered through BCBSIL? If you did, how were they handled? I tried to ask them about it, but I am not sure the person I talked to understood what I was asking.:redface: They said something about another letter of medical necessity.:frown: That just didn't sound right. Any responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

My doctor requires the Glucerna Diabetic shakes. I have to drink 6 a day for two weeks. They taste ok, but after 2 weeks, i will probably hate them.

I am October 2nd. I start my pre-op liquid diet next week. Yuck!

They are paying for the surgery. I got concerned when I asked about fills, they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. I know that I need good restriction for this to help and don't want to get into one of those situations where they say just having the surgery is enough. When I worded it as adjustments to the band, the response was the letter of necessity before it could be done. I know this company is weird about things, but that just sounded completely off the wall.

Have you tried CareCredit? I don't have the best credit, but they approved me. I just went to their website (carecrdit.com) and filled out the application. They also give a list of doctors that take it. Another thing you might look into is some of the lap band companies offer their own financing. I wish you the best of luck either way!

Actually, if you eat something you shouldn't have with ALLI you really should be afraid to pass gas.:redface: I know for a fact that the fat that is not absorbed will come out with gas just as it will with a bowel movement. Not trying to be gross but you should always carry extra clothing (underwear and pants) for such occassions. To me, if you can get the portion control and eat healthy enough to not have the oily stool problem, then you should be able to do the eating without spending the money on Alli IMHO.

I had an ultrasound and had my hormone levels checked. Some other symptoms include extra facial hair, pain during sex, either extra heavy periods or sometimes complete stopping of periods. I could go on, but those are the main ones that I have heard about. I hope this helps.