MissBS

Hi. I am in Albuquerque too. Your questions have probably been answered but I too have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They would've covered my surgery but boy do they make you do a lot. I understand why they do.... but...... Anyway.... I am lucky enough to have family who is helping me pay for my procedure. I am going to Houston. I would love to hear how you are doing!!!! Good luck!!

Actually it has gone very fast because I am paying for it and not using insurance. I went in for my initial consultation on August 13th and I will have it done Sept. 12th. I just finished day 4 of my pre-op diet.

I am having surgery with Dr. Hollis in September (12th). Any updates? I like the office and have lots of help from nice people. Let me know how it went.

Welcome!!! I am pretty new too. My surgery is scheduled for September 12. I live in Albuquerque New Mexico and am having the procedure done in Houston Texas. You are going to love this site. Everyone is so nice and so helpful. You can ask ANY question and someone will have information to share. I am sooo glad that I found it. Good luck and hope to see you on here often!!! Becky

Oh yes... I just finished day4 of my 3 week pre-op diet and before I started I had some foods that I might not have for a long time... or never. I didn't go crazy and eat everything or eat all day and night.. but.. I live in New Mexico and LOVE hot hot chile. Green and red. Also had some shrimp. My mom called me the night before I started the pre-op diet and asked me what I was having for my "last supper". The pre-op hasn't been so bad and I don't mind the Atkins Advantage shakes at all. But then... it's pretty obvious... I'm not a picky eater!

Thank you lolo. It is hot here and I am going to keep drinking it. I can drink a lot more of that than plain water!! Good luck to you and thanks again for your reply!

I am on the liquid pre-op diet for 3 weeks. Anyone know if it is ok to drink Propel water??? It has lots of vitamins in it but I think it has a tiny bit of sugar too. (about 30 calories for about 24 oz.) It sure is good

My surgery is scheduled for Friday September 12th in Houston. How do I join the September group?

My mom is going with me and she loves the slots. She said, "If you have to fly somewhere to have it done, why didn't you pick Vegas." Silly me.

I am flying from Albuquerque to Houston - it's about 750 miles. I flew there for my initial consultation and will have the procedure done there and then 5 follow-up visits... PLUS fills if they don't coincide with the follow-ups. All but the procedure are just day trips - but flying is expensive. Just figure... I'm worth it. I do feel good about the place I am having it done.

mdargen.... since you are going somewhere else to have your surgery, will you have to fly for your follow up visits and fills like I am going to have to do?

Don't know about the water.. your husband cooks 80% of the time... does he have a brother?

Thanks!! I will ask my doctor on Monday. Sounds promising though. Thanks for your reply!!!

My surgery is scheduled for Friday September 12th in Houston!!!

flights to Houston - $2,400 surgery - $12,900 Atkins shakes - $70.00 feeling good and being healthy - priceless I am having my surgery done in Houston too - $12,900 - that is all pretests - EKG and bloodwork (didn't have to do all of the psych, nutritionist, etc. because I am self-pay) This includes all my follow up visits and 10 fills. I found many advantages to the self-pay route and feel very lucky that I am able to do it this way. I am blessed. I would have done anything to have this surgery done.

Hi. We are kinda in the same boat. I did my research, made my decision, and had my initial consultation on August 13th. My surgery is scheduled for September 12th. WOW!! I'm kind of like that though. Once I've made my decesion to do something, I don't want to sit around and wait. Today is day 3 of my 3 week pre-op diet. Good luck with your procedure. Maybe we can stay in touch. I'm a tiny bit nervous but very excited!!

Hi Lauren, I am pretty new here too. My name is Becky and I am scheduled to have my surgery on September 12th in Houston Texas. It sounds like you have jumped through many insurance hoops. I hope that is all over and you get your procedure done soon. Good luck to you. Let me know if I can answer any questions or help you in any way. KEEP SMILING!!

Just curious. Are fills covered by most insurance plans - if not what is the out of pocket cost for a fill? I am paying for my procedure and up to 10 fills are included in the cost of the package. :confused2:

Hi Lisa, My surgery is scheduled for the 12th of September and I am on day 3 of a 3 week pre-op diet. I am going to the Sept. banders site now. Good luck!!!

Hi, I can tell how excited you are.... me too!! My surgery is September 12 in Houston TX. I am on day 3 of my three week pre-op diet. I wish you good luck and hope to hear about your progress!!! Becky

Hi Wendy, I am on day 3 of my 3 week pre-op diet. I am going to have my surgery on September 12th in Houston Texas. I am so excited to be getting the oportunity to have a new start on a healthier, longer life. I would love to stay in touch with you and encourage each other. Good luck!!!

I bought some Optima Slim Fast Shakes yesterday. I think there is a difference between these and Slim Fast Low Carb shakes. Difference?? Do I need to take the Optima shakes back and exchange them? Thanks in advance for your help. Becky (day 2 of 21 day pre-op diet):smile2:

Thank you brown bear!! I was hoping that it was ALL of the weight taken off. I am now on day 3 of my 3 week pre-op diet and because I have lots to lose, I think I will lose quite a bit during this pre-op stage. I consider it all part of my journey to a healthier me. You are doing great!! Thanks again for the reply!!

This is not a question - but don't worry - I know I'll have lots more. I am so happy that I found this site and just wanted to say thank you to all of you who take the time to answer people's questions. I am very new to all of this and I do have lots of questions. I don't want to call the doctor's office every time I have a question (although I'm sure they would be very nice and answer them). It is so nice to have someone who knows what I'm going through, and has been there, take the time to answer my questions. No one has made me feel like my questions are silly and the people who have responded to my questions have been sooooooooo nice and sooooooooo helpful. I kinda feel like I've found a new family. I hope that down the road when I know something :cursing: I will be able to help out someone who is new, nervous, and excited like I am now. Thank you all!!!

Thank you Misty!! You are doing great. I have a question - on the tickers at the bottom of everyone's replys - does the total weight lost include pre-op loss or just weight lost since the banding? Again... thanks for taking time to answer my questions.