lindas0809

I agree it would be great to move up your date, but we all know how hard that is. I would try to bring whatever you can eat at the time with you(pre-made shakes, instant oatmeal, etc). Try to eat what you can before the wedding and bring something with you can fit in your purse to the reception and drinking it at an appropriate time. Remember if it's anything like most weddings people will be talking and table hopping and a lot less attention will be paid to you than maybe you think. Ask your husband to help you out - take bites off your plate, etc. If possible order different entrees so you can say oh try this... A napkin over the plate to signify you're done and to hide foods will work wonders. Good Luck!!

Congratulations!!! I know it's a great feeling. Make sure you check out the June 2009 Group.

I am not a tattoo kind of girl - more of a shopaholic. I may be dangerous when I get to "normal sizes" - I've always had a handbag addiction, but never felt like my clothes really went with my bags and shoes. I want some beautiful clothes to go with that Marc Jacobs bag sitting in my closet.

oh you made me cry - I have a young daughter and I want her to know the same thing. You are doing great and are beautiful!

My friend had Gastric Bypass about two years ago and had a blood clot disorder. Before surgery they implanted this little "thing"(they described it as a metal spider) in a vein in her neck that would break up any clots she may have. A couple weeks after surgery they removed it - she had no problems. Good Luck!

I think you'll be OK - I got approved by Aetna HMO in March. I have been over 40 BMI for at least eight years, but changed Dr.s in 2008- my surgeons office told me to get my old Dr.'s records for more weight history and I was working on it and they turned everything in before I got it to them!!! I thought I would be rejected for sure with only a year of height history - but it came back approved in two days!! I think if you are well over the 40 BMI it's not as much of an issue. Good luck!!

Jilla, I live in Elkridge- I'm 37, married with a 4 year daughter. I am very nervous now that I have my date- I've never had surgery before, so that is scary. I worry about something happening and leaving my daughter, but I try not to think too hard. Feel free to send me a message if you want to talk.

Cherri- I am getting banded on 6/5 at Johns Hopkins!! Good luck to another Maryland girl!!!

Tiffany - It's normal to feel that way. I just got my date this morning - 6/5 (!!) and while I was crazy happy right then, the rest the day I've only gotten blue because it's now a reality. We June girls will stick together and succeed!

Lisa - I AM SO SORRY!! I agree with the previous poster that you should pursue all comorbidity possibilities. Get a sleep apnea test, check for borderline high BP or have a blood glucose tolerance test. If none of those pan out go through your medical records to the very first date in the past two years that you were at a 40 BMI and start counting your two years then. It may mean you have to resubmit later in the year(and I know waiting seems impossible), but at least you know you would be covered. I hope you can appeal with something - let us know how it goes.

My insurance covers 100% of surgery and my pre op psych and nutritional appointments, but I got a referral from my PCP from them. Some programs do charge a "program fee" running anywhere from $500-$1500 dollars for various things. I had to make sure that my hospital didn't do that because, frankly I couldn't afford it. If it's an obstacle for you call around to other programs in your area. Good luck!

Well it does work well, but only while you're using it (if you're like me). I did a very strict Medifast program about ten years ago and lost about 60 pounds(all I had to lose at the time). It was one of those situations of while I was doing it and in the zone of eating hardly any food and losing I was fine, but the minute I got off the Medifast and was on real food 24/7 the weight I lost (and more) came flooding back. I am sure there are people who use it succesfully, but not me. It is not a long term solution if you really have food issues that's why after so many years of struggling I am turning to the band.

Hi Maren, I started this at about the same weight as you and just want to warn you to be prepared for your surgeon to push hard for you to do bypass because of your weight. If you really feel like the band is the way you want to go(like I did) then do your research and stand firm. If they are a good surgeon they will respect your decision. Good luck!

Crystal- Where is the plus size consignment shop in MD? Catherine- If you're looking to sell some privately- send me a PM. you're definitely smaller than me and I am going to need some transitional clothes for the summer (and have a tight budget). You're doing great - I read your blog all the time.

Hi Lisa, I live in MD in Howard County and go to Johns Hopkins Bayview. I don't think all gastro Dr.s do lap band, generally you want to find a hospital that has a bariatric program and see if the surgeons are in your network. I'm not sure if you're in MD,VA or DC. I know that in MD St Agnes, Sinai, GBMC, UMMS, Shady Grove and JHU all have programs, but they are all closer to Baltimore. I know I talked to another person on the site that was seeing a surgeon in Reston, VA. I would just google bariatric surgery + your state and see what you get. Also call your insurance and make sure bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Good luck!

Lisa - Go ahead and call. generally Aetna is quick, I called on a Thursday after mine was submitted Monday and was approved already. The letter took until the next week to come so I'm glad I called - I would have gone crazy! Good Luck!

I have have been on a two week binge - so I completely understand. I think I'm getting nervous because I'm meeting my new surgeon next week and will get my date. I've been beating myself up, but I try to remind myself this is why I'm getting help. Keep your chin up. :wink:

Good luck tomorrow! I didn't realize you were so close- I live in Maryland. I have a sister that lives in Herndon, so I'm out that way a lot. Have you looked into Shady Grove for surgery? - I know it's a big, reputable program in the DC area.

I am telling no one at work because, like you I work in a gossip crazy office. We have several people that have had RNY and are very open about and that's fine for them(plus it's hard to hide that much loss so quickly). I told my boss I'll probably need to have my gall bladder out soon(so I'm medical leave and don't use vacation). I've slowly been losing weight the past year so I don't think it will be questioned.

It sounds like it would fulfill it, but the one thing that my surgeons office stressed was that the visits needed to be specifically about your weight. It couldn't be a visit about your bad back where your weight may have come as a topic. If you feel the visits were documented as such then I say go for it!!

Happy- I was approved by Aetna HMO recently. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. It is a long road but sometimes you just have to sit back look out the requirements and work out a plan. Good Luck! Linda

I understand completely - I was approved in March, still have no date and won't know anything for 2 more weeks. It's frustrating when you finally decide to do something about your problem, but no one seems to have any urgency but you. Good Luck!!

Good question - I sure hope so!

Good Luck Lisa- I have Aetna too and was approved pretty quickly (3 days). I hope it goes as well for you. :drool:

laurieann- Good luck with submitting tomorrow! Let us know how it goes! The days will seem so long.....