june09bandit

Cathy, Thank you for that explanation - I think I understand. It will be a learning experience all the way around. For the original poster, I'm sorry for asking questions on your thread, but it was sort of related. I'm so grateful to all those who are sharing their real experiences with those us that are still trying to get banded.

I keep seeing the posts refer to the belching - is it controlled belching, or midsentence-no matter who you're talking to - outloud belches? This could be a problem at work.

How do you know when you're full to the band? Make enough mistakes and figure it out the hard way? Or is there a subtle signal to watch for? Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

I like the way you put that.. made me

You don't necessarily "need" to have it, I just wanted to speed things up as much as possible. I guess I'm just horribly impatient. Once I decided that this was right for me, I didn't want any extra delays. Good luck!

Looks like you've done an amazing job so far! I'm sure your doc will be pleased. Keep up the good work!

Hi Missy! I was super nervous for that first appt as well. Little did I know, the surgeon's office staff was awesome. They must realize how stressed we are. I've never been around as many kind people trying to help me relax. You'll be fine, and oh so relieved after that appointment. My lesson learned - I should have asked them what all documentation they needed from my PCP. I took 5 years of medical records with me, but they also needed a letter of medical necessity from my PCP. Waiting on this letter added a few days. I also recommend going to whatever psychologist they recommend. That person will already know exactly how to write up the letter for your insurance to help sway the odds in your favor! Good luck and keep us posted!

I know a lot of people who get what they want/need every time they express that they don't have the money. I don't agree with it, but it's a conditioned response that starts in their childhood. If they want it, they express their desire and someone usually takes care of it for them. Last time I needed a root canal, I realized that I was the only one in the room not receiving public assistance. Paying for that root canal was going to be painful for my checking account, the rest had no worries. :tt1:

Thank you for your replies. We all have more in common than we ever realize. I was just starting to look into the synivisc injections. Maybe I'll reconsider based on this new information. I injured my knee in Jan 08 when one my horses (the goober that he is) tripped and fell and the two of together landed on my knee - this represents about 1500 pounds. My knee didn't take it very well. It's been hurting almost all the time since then. Do either of you have your dates yet? Thanks again for the support! I needed it!

Such lovely writing skills. Congrats on the weight loss, the confidence will come.

Hi Barb:seeya: I've decided not to tell my family - of course, since they are 1600 miles away, there really isn't a need. They may surprise you and be supportive since you are actually looking for a solution. Good luck!

Congrats on your fresh start! I'm envious, but wish you well!

Thank you! I was hoping to find a way to check status without bugging everyone constantly, but I don't think it's possible. Doc was supposed to have it all submitted this week, so I'll start calling insurance next week. Good luck to you!

Was there a place on the website that you could see it was pending approval? I'm trying to figure out how much to bug them myself, but I'm not even sure the Doctor's office has submitted it yet!

When I had a couple of skin cancers removed from my face, the derm told me to use "scar therapy". The scars are barely noticeable, so it must have worked!

It sounds like the surgery gave you a whole new attitude - a better one. You deserve to be happy with your life, and I think you are taking all the necessary steps to get there. Good for you! I hope I feel the same way if I get approval for the surgery. Congrats!

Ahh.. so it's your medical background that is worrying you the most. I guess for me, ignorance is bliss. The privacy thing would really bother me though. I'm trying to keep this a secret from everyone except friends that live in other states. In the past, my husband's ex-wife's sister was "reviewing" my medical records. If word of my plans get out this time, I intend to have her job. I've given up on the other options short of surgery. I hate to admit failure at diets, but it's time for me to lose my ability to make bad decisions. Have you tried any counseling? You may be depressed and overeating as a result. I hope you can find a way to deal with your worries. I'll be happy to listen!

No Barbara, that's not dumb at all. It's actually smart! I think I researched this so much before I started that I really feel like I know most of what will happen. My knee is so bad that I can't do the things I enjoy the most. I've dealt with it for a year, and that's long enough. This is my last resort before knee replacement. If you see Dr. Schwartz, be prepared. He's a man of few words. I think he saw me for a total of 2 minutes. He pretty much told me that my BMI isn't high enough, so it won't be an easy approval. I took my insurance paperwork and 5 years of medical records to that visit. He gave me a piece of paper that showed me the remaining steps so that he could submit the insurance paperwork. The first step was to see the psychologist - Terri Farmer in Oro Valley. I've always wondered where Dove Mountain is, now I know :huh2: She was super. She explained that Dr. Schwartz doesn't have much to say until he knows that it's either approved for insurance, or that the client will/can self pay. She said that at that point, he is very thorough. She explained much of the procedure to me and discussed what life would be like post band. I was aware of most of it based on what I've read on this site. My biggest fear is dehydration. As you know, it's so easy to dehydrate in the desert. I'm used to drinking a liter of Water at a time after exercise. I won't be able to do that. Now I'll have to learn to spread it out before I need the liter. What are your fears?

Well since we are starting this together, maybe we can stay in touch through the process for support. I'm just ready to do something to lose the pounds. I'm just frustrated. Hopefully I can find the fast track through the process.

I'm also starting the process in Tucson. I had my first appt with the surgeon on Thursday. He gave me the name of the psychologist, so I have that appt scheduled for Monday. Like you, I have serious knee issues that weight loss should help significantly. I'm going to pay the psychologist out of pocket just to get it done sooner and bya psych that knows how to fill out the paperwork for bariatric procedures. I have my fingers crossed that I can push this whole thing through quickly. If insurance denies it, I will self pay. Good luck to you! Which doctor are you seeing? I was referred to Schwartz since he plays well with my insurance company.