GinaJ

LAP BAND SURGERY SHOPPING LIST NON-food ITEMS: BBQ or Toilet tongs, for a good reach in the r.r. 4.98 Heating pad(12inx24in) 16.88 Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) 14.44 A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) xx.xx Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) 16.88 Make sure you have a good blender 19.97 Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) 2.88 Kitchen timer (digital – better for travelling) 3.47 Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) 4.88 PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) 4.98 Chewable or liquid gas-x(I got strips, you will pay more than shown here) 3.60 Gauze Pads 4x4 6.57 Paper/bandage tape 2.57 Wet Wipes 2.64 Pill crusher 3.89 Chewable Vitamins 8.97 Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) 1.48 Cough Drops(Halls big box) 6.88 Stool Softener (Dr. asked me not to get this, if needed talk to him) xx.xx Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm(got chapstick – cherry – 2for deal) 0.88 FOOD ITEMS: Protein shakes(these vary from 22 – 55 dollars depending on quality and quantity) xx.xx Plenty of water(bottled Water for me 3cases 16oz. bottles 10.00) 10.00 broth or stuff to make broth(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.98 sugar free popsicles 2.66 Sugar free Jello 0.50 Sugar free breath mints (chewable) 1.33 Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors(I don’t like CL so I got store brand/price per box) 2.50 Bouillon(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.07 Cream of Wheat 2.92 Creamy Soups 0.66 Applesauce 1.82 FAT FREE yogurt 1.76 Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage(on sale) 1.25 pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) 0.50 Sugar free hot cocoa 1.87 Decaf tea(got regular, decaf is a little more in cost) 2.12 CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable(one size larger than I wear, sweats, top and bottom) 15.88 Buttons downs or pullover(sale rack found $5.00 per, one size larger) 5.00 Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying(make sure they are a good pair) 12.88 Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires(I have a daughter and wife that helped here) 6.88 All these prices are from Wal-mart and I used my receipt for 4Oct07 to get most of the prices. I did try to give explanations where I could and those are in braces, i.e. - (). Good luck and remember, your positive attitude and positive resolve got you this far. You can get through this, be positive.

I work for Tricare. Maybe it is different, depending on which region you live in.

Currently, lap band surgery is a non covered benefit with Tricare. However, they do cover the RNY surgery, and they will cover a paniculectomy (tummy tuck) after having gastric bypass surgery.

Did anyone have get a Lap band with humana choice PPO? I don't see many approvals posted for this insurance company, which makes me nervous sinc this is what I have. I called and they said it was covered if it met medical necessity, but would not give me any specific information on approval requirements.

I'm in TX. I have the high deductable plan. I should have gotten an HSA instead of the FSA. At least that is what people at work have told me. Anyway, I went to the seminar last week, and am waiting for the surgeons office to call to schedule an appointment so I can get the paperwork started.

I've got my fingers crossed for you!!! If I get approved, I will still have to meet my $2,500 deductable before I can get a surgery date.

I have know of a few people who have been turned down, and then gained wt and were approved. They had all previously been at the higher wt before, and was about a 10lb gain.