mattie7632

OMGosh that is awesome! I'm telling you, so many doctors offices are so disorganized. Anyway, it's not your fault they didn't pay the fee! Geez, I'm so glad you got them! Isn't it sad that in today's day in age you can't just get what you need without some kind of threat or complaint?

I have the Realize Band. I was able to choose, I picked this because the port is smaller.

That was my question too......

OMG why would you want to? I have to assume that if gastric bypass didn't work neither will the lapband. I can't imagine a reputable doctor would even do it.....reputable being the operative word there!

who knows. Most doctors say to shrink the liver. Protein shakes are supposed to be low cal, give you the needed protein and still make you lose weight. I Iost 9 pounds in my one week liquid diet, so I assume my liver lost some of it's fat too. That's what they say anyway!

Yes I like Adkins okay but I wish the Protein were a little higher and the calories a little lower

No. It comes in a pack of 4 12 oz cans. I've got some awesome isolate stuff and -- it is disgusting !

Tell them you want to talk to the HIPAA compliance officer and you want to know where exactly your private health information is. Now, I'm not saying there's any kind of HIPAA violation here, all I'm saying is when you start crying "HIPAA violation" doctors offices start to listen a little better. Also, HIPAA law states they have to provide your records, or a response to why not, within 30 days of receipt of your request. It also states the 30 day rule is thrown out the window if it could compromise your care by NOT delivering such records to the requesting care provider. SO, start saying "HIPAA violation" and "compromising my care" and you'll get more action real quick.

Thank you for that!!! When your stomach hurts from hunger it's not "in your head"!!!

I did that too....I was like "what are they doing surgeries in bulk at TJ Max?" WTF LMBO!!

I bought the multi vitamin, calcium and iron at my surgeons office. I also take fish oil, and will resume my d3 soon...

"Pure Protein" Cookies N Creme. 23gm protein 120 cals. So far I can only find it at Target. Next place I look for shakes is Whole Foods.

I must be in the middle of it. I feel like nothing has changed. I am definitely eating reasonable portions, small even, but when I stop eating, I feel like I could, and want to eat more. I hear this will change after fills, but what if it doesn't? If not I have to honestly say I think I will fail at this. Part of me can't comprehend how that could possibly be, but right now it doesn't seem the band is doing anything to help weight loss. *Sigh*

Yes, I did for the first 2 weeks. Not so much now, but sometimes! A lot of people here have posted that they get hiccups and burp more now!

Yeah--totally nasty sounding! I used to take NINE fish oils daily. The anti-inflammatory properties of a good fish oil totally outweigh what the drugs the MD's will give you can do. Needless to say, I can't do that now, but I still need it bad! I ordered liquid fish oil. It has a lemony flavor so you can take it without barfing. I ordered it from netrition.com

How does it get "worse"? by healing on solids? What gets worse?

What is different for you now? Do you get full quicker?

I think Dr's offices are the worst! Take a look around and see how many overweight healthcare workers there are! That's where I gained most of my weight--working with docs. Constant food days, going out to lunch, snacks, etc. Most of the office staff were overweight!!!

Hey, look at the bright side, it's better than being addicted to food!!!

Kind of. It's sort of my new facebook. I have it open all day, but not necessarily posting and reading, but do check it during the day!!!

totally normal! I asked the same question myself! Took me a week or more before I did #2 again--

Insurance is tricky. You should be sure first off that the rep didn't give you misinformation, or perhaps the benefit changed on Jan 1? They make mistakes a lot (I own a medical billing service so I deal with their crap every day) so maybe ask twice. Definitely ask the HR rep too because if it is a benefit, you are paying for it and therefore should be able to have it done. Good luck, I hope it is covered!

Emma, apparently we have to diet and count calories just like we would have to before getting the band. Certainly seems like the lap-band is a rip off doesn't it? I'm going to try to patiently wait and see if this twenty thousand dollar procedure starts to earn it's keep. Luckily I have 2 friends that have lost a ton of weight afterwards and right now that is the ONLY thing making me think that it must work, because the numerous posts about people not losing weight is definitely giving me doubts. I too, am eating significantly less than before but haven't lost since the liquid no calorie diet, in fact seem to be just gaining it back.

No IS THE FINAL ANSWER if the surgery is not a covered benefit. Do not be confused with APPROVAL. That is a different matter. All surgeries need approval and that can certainly be challenged. You can not challenge getting something covered that is not a covered benefit on your policy. That would be like trying to get your auto insurance to fix your car when you only have liability coverage. Same difference.

I went to the seminar and had the surgery 11 days later. The office rushed me because as of Jan 1 my insurance was going to require the supervised diet as well. So I agreed, and although I educated myself somewhat, it wasn't near enough and I was certainly surprised about the reality of the band. Even the very day of surgery I was like "what the hell am I doing?" Well, I'm now 3 weeks post op and what's done is done, but I have to wonder if I was required a supervised time, maybe I'd be more prepared today.