tracie30

Hi Everyone, I just read a post about having TOM during surgery and realized I should start on Tuesday next week and my surgery is that Thursday. Does anyone know if TOM might delay the surgery? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

My liquid diet is going ok. I miss FOOD!!!! But I am excited about starting my weight loss journey. Keeping my eye on the prize helps keep me focused!! Keep me posted on how everyone is doing!!

Hi Lisa, I'm Tracie from Ohio and I my surgery is scheduled for next Thursday. You will find a lot of support here. Good luck in your journey!!!

I HATE white lies. I honestly believe in karma but I don't understand why this machine is such a big deal. I just spoke to my husband and his uncle has one that he doesn't use. I may "borrow" it for a couple of days!!! I know what setting I'm required so this may be a good fix for my problem.

I just started my 2 weeks pre-op diet today and wow!!! I am not handling this well. I admit...I ate like a pig up to yesterday. My doctor has me on the Carnation Diet, 6 shakes per day. Any one who claims Lap Band is the easy way out has never been on all liquids for 2 solid weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any thing I should know to get through this? Thanks!!! Surgery date: 10/16/08

I will share the same "birthday" as all of you!!! I just signed my consent forms today and will start my liquid diet tomorrow. Not looking forward to that!!! Although I am very excited, I am starting to get a little nervous. Just having any surgery makes me nervous. I am in Ohio. I will be having my surgery at Hamot in Erie, PA with Dr. Ali. Please keep me posted with your progress.

Hi Everyone! I am 19 days from my surgery date. I will be seeing my dr. on Thursday to start my 2 weeks liquid diet. I was lucky that I did NOT have to do the maintenance diet with my PCP. Since I know my surgery date is coming up and in less than 1 week I will be on liquids, I am on a total eating frenzy. I have been eating anything and everything I want. There have always been things that were completely off limits in my life...like big macs but I have had 2 in the past week. Did anyone else experience this time of freedom before the journey starts?

After driving the insurance coordinator at my Dr.'s office, my insurance company, my best friend, my husband and myself crazy for the last week in anticipation of possible declination of coverage... I finally got confirmation today that I am APPROVED!!!! Yeah!!! I am so excited I can barely stand myself. I called my surgeon's office to set up my next appointment and schedule a surgery date but no one has called me back yet. I am sure I am in more of a hurry than they are but hopefully in the next couple weeks I will have a banding date!!! I will keep everyone in my prayers who is waiting for approval and those of you who are fighting appeals. Tracie

Hi Cass! My date is October 16th. I can't wait. I would love to talk anytime. You can email me at traciebrown@windstream.net if you want to talk privately. Good luck!!!

Hi Anne, I have been on this fence with this issue. I just found out today that I was approved and there is a part of myself that want to stop people on the street and tell them..."I was approved for Lap Band". I have spent sometime pondering this since I started this journey and only told my best friend and my mom that I was going through the motions to get approval but I have ultimately decided not to tell. I have been heavy my entire life and I was judged based on that. I do not want anymore judgement. I would much rather have people talking about me for finding self control instead of hearing things like " she took the easy way out" even though there is nothing "easy" about the surgery. So here's my plan...I'm telling my boss that I am having "female" surgery so that I can take a couple days off to recoup. When the weight starts coming off, then I will tell them all about portion control and the benefits of excerise. It's no ones business other than those who acts as support for this life changing journey in your life. Best of luck to you!

Is anyone on this site using Hamot Bariatrics in Erie, PA? I am going to Dr. Ali who I think is a great Dr. and a great person. I would love to talk anyone who is having their surgery there or has had their surgery there.

I currently have Anthem and their policy states that I have to meet the mental requirements, be over 35 BMI and have proof that I have been able to follow a diet and lose weight. Of course I had to do the normal stuff...blood work, upper GI, chest xray, etc. I met all the requirements of the insurance policy. Has anyone dealt with this type of Anthem policy? Does anyone know how long it takes to get an answer and how hard it is to get approved? My case was submitted on 09/10/08 to insurance and I am on pins and needles right now. I appreciate all your help!