Bamablondie1

I'm just hanging out ... waiting for BCBS to approve my 'port revision' surgery since my port flipped! Grrrrr! Did I mention how amazingly hungry I am? I'm behaving and not overloading but it's hard sometimes. Especially since I have nada in my band! Say a prayer! BCBS needs to hurry up and approve! :thumbup:)

I'm having a REALLY bad day! Anybody else had a flipped port???

I'm having a REALLY bad day! Anybody else had a flipped port???

I don't think it matters how much you fluctuated over the 3 years, just that your BMI was constantly above 40 (or 35 w/2 co-morbidities) and that doesn't sound like it will be a problem. I mean that in a good way ) As far as seeing your primary md... Words of wisdom, make sure he has SUCCESSFULLY put others through the 6 (really 7) month 'weight management' portion of the process. I've heard stories of ppl going through it with an inexperienced MD and at the end they are denied b/c 'too many days lapsed between visit X and Y' or 'doctor did not not information sufficiently for program', etc. You really need someone that has experience with how it's done b/c it (apparently) is more than just writing your weight down once a month for 7 months. Must be specific verbage and information of which I have no idea! I know it's a pain in the behind but Miles & Schmitt will tell you that when you go in or call them. From what you are saying I wouldn't be surprised if you have 2+ co-morbids. We just never know! High blood pressure and ??? Statistically obese ppl have a high chance of sleep apnea and that could be your second one. Do you snore? hahaha Who knows.

First fill today! *ugh* Say a prayer!

I hope they accept it! I have BCBS of AL and I was told (for my plan) that it had to be 6 months of an MD supervised plan. Reason being that an MD has to screen you for various things, present documentation throughout the 6 months (really 7) and submit all to BCBS in the required formatting. While annoyed over this in the beginning *sigh* This is where I found out that I was diabetic and had sleep apnea so I SUPPOSE *rolls eyes* that it is for due cause. Hahahaha. So don't be shocked if they will not accept your previous diet plan - but I really really hope that they do! I called and asked them SPECIFICALLY what the requirements were. Had that BCBS rep on the phone for like 40 minutes! They also want five years of med history reflecting your weight. That can be from any MD. Just something showing how much you weighed each year. If you find that you have 2 co-morbidities (hate that word!), you are more likely to be approved at first request. Co-morbidities can be diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. For me ... I had elevated BP, osteo-arthritis, diabetes and sleep apnea. Other than arthritis, I had no idea on any of them prior to testing! If they don't accept your prior monitored plan, be sure to get a dr that is familiar with the process b/c the notes have to be written just so. There can't be more than 30 (maybe 31) days between each of the seven dr. visits. It tis kind of a quirky process. I called Schmitt & Miles n the beginning and asked for a referral to a dr that they are familiar with. They referred me to Andy Maddux and I like him. Even though he's out of the way for me (and his moods vary), he soon became my official primary care dr. He's very 'in the know' on a wide variety of health topics yet still has that sorta fatherly way about him. IF your insurance accepts your previous plan, you still have to see Schmitt & Miles for a consult appt after the seminar. They will review your medical history with you (have your dr's send it to them prior to appt) and may require add'l testing. Some common add'l appt's are psych, ENT (sleep study), GI, etc. Almost everyone has to do the sleep study - from what I've heard. It's the only one that I had to do - amazingly! But then again I was already being followed for diabetes and by a Rheumatologist for my arthritis. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes! Today is my 1st fill *cringes* Say a prayer! I so hate needles!

Hi! I was just banded 12/28/09 and would totally do it over again BUT - SOONER! I've always been afraid of surgery and needles... blah! Blood makes me sick! Even had some anxiety that started a few days before surgery and went into surgery day. Once I got to the hospital and told them - no problem. They gave me something to help me relax and it was all smooth from there. My recommendation is to research and read the boards a lot! Check with your insurance for coverage details. The more you know going into this - the less stressful it is, the better your understanding and you will find yourself with realistic expectations. It's only a piece of the puzzle and you still have to do all the work but it does help! But yes, I would do it all over. I chose Schmitt & Miles b/c of their experience vs other B'ham doctor's (or statewide for that matter). Actually, I work for another hospital in the B'ham area and I chose Schmitt & Miles over the physicians at the hospital I work for! Shhhhhhhh... don't tell anyone! hahaha

Oh yes... when I go out to eat I always make sure I know where the restroom is BEFORE I begin eating!

Not sure if this is good or bad but... when I'm stuck I just lean over the sink and with barely any effort on my behalf - i can usually barf it up! lol! Does that mean I have a sensitive gag reflex? Sometimes it takes a few mini-barf efforts and it's not like the massive barfing you do when you are sick and seriously vomiting from the bottom pit of your tummy. I just kinda heave a little and out it goes! Instant relief - watery eyes and all! Luckily, I've only had this happen a few times!

Nevermind. BCBS decided to pay after I appealled. Yeah me!

Anyone else here have a hiatal hernia repair done the same time as their band? I have BCBS and they have denied coverage for my hernia repair? Did anyone else have problems with their insurance on this?

That's it, I don't want congress to do anything except allow for interstate competition. Imagine the lobbyist wars over that! Please, let me GO AHEAD and acknowledge that I DO realize this won't solve everything but I think it's a darn good start! There also needs to be a better system for dealing with illegals and people who choose not to have insurance. So... now that we've (sorta) covered that... how do you feel about a flat tax?!?! Bwahahaha Anybody else?

Hi! So what do you find yourself eating most of the time? Have you gotten 'stuck' yet? I was banded 12/28/09 and am also a fellow IBS'er. Welcome to the journey!

I hear you and I do empathize with a lot of ... actually most of... what you say. Again, I can not stress enough that we do need changes to our insurance system so that it is more affordable for people in such situations as yours. The small business people have no good options right now. However, I feel like the reform is all wrong. If they would just open the competition and allow people to cross state lines when buying insurance and do it much like the auto insurance system we have. Perfect example, I have friends with an autistic child and they can't find a good insurance in our state that covers any part of (what some might deem) exploratory therapy to treat such child. Some other states have much more available to a family in such situation. Also, I have a friend that is a diabetic and can't find a full-time job to get coverage through an employer. She works part-time and in many other states could get Medicaid, but not here. These are perfect examples of people that are doing all the right things and not asking for a handout but can't get adequate coverage and at least one of them probably still wouldn't under the proposed reform. Then there's the self-employed and small business owner. It really does just bite huh?

Ohhhhhhh how i wuv me some turkey jerky! And yes Hungry Girl rocks!

That would be the equivalent to me asking if you were not in the health care industry b/c you seem to know so little. See my point... Misleading the public? Or saving them from being misled by aggressive circle talking pushers who want them to just shut up, not have an opinion and believe that the reform is in their best interest. Don't tell me, let me guess... You actually do believe that there's 30 million uninsured/uncovered legal citizens in our country too??? *grin*

Ummmmmm... I'm not blaming the percentage of unplanned/unwed production on any 'party'. How stupid is that? See that’s just it, I’m a tad to smart to actually try and blame it on a party or (centrally) any of those other factors. I believe that to be more of a moral decline. Of course, if you look at issues like illegal immigration and welfare, it benefits those people to remain unwed. Also, many of the current tax perks that we are paying for benefit those same groups. Furthermore, I note through your comments that you assume I am of a particular party. I'm of no particular party. I (like much of the population making a statement now) simply want what is best for this country. WE NEED OPTIONS! And I don't agree 100% with the current war(s). I believe that it is of substance but I'm not convinced that it's our battle to fight beyond the 9/11 issues. We have far more important issues here at home. I think that illegal immigration is a far more serious and immediately threatening dilemma. While finding myself not liberal, not dem, not republican, not right wing or of any other party - I feel that it is time for Americans across the board to take this country back to what we were founded on. Oh wait I just realized that makes me an independent as well! Hahaha! Bet that bites that there's an independent out there with a brain that disagrees with you and your tactics. Oopsy... gotta hate that! There are 'dem issues' I agree with as with any other party. However, as a health care worker I fear for this country if this bill passes. I’ve yet to hear one good reason for this bill to pass. Everything I’ve heard that almost sounded good, was found counter-productive by other slated items and contingencies in the bill. Everyone would have insurance… ummm that’s a clear sign that someone DOESN’T know a dang thing about the bill they are trying to beef up. It won’t cover illegal immigrants – BS! You won’t have to wait for healthcare like other countries – Ummmmm yeah, try that one on someone else. No this won’t affect pharmaceutical companies and their motivation to continue producing new and updated drugs (which would also be a blow to the economy again) – Are you on drugs? It benefits everyone not just the people on welfare – You need to do some more research. I’ve not heard one good solid reason that this is in the best interest of Americans. The only person that seems to benefit from this would be the person that has no insurance at all and that is a situation that needs to be examined on a case by case basis for current or future logical options. We do need competition in the health care industry. A wonderful option would be to allow shopping for health insurance much like auto insurance and doing away with or finding a way to modify cancellations or non-coverage due to certain conditions. Perhaps a sliding care for cost based on income. BUT NEVER EVER SHOULD WE ALLOW GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH CARE! Have you looked at other countries with this model? Not to mention that every federally run thing I know of is a bust! Is there really anyone here that can disagree with that? Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, is any part of that so object able that you fail to see the better interest in such 'across the board' options for everyone? Now... since you want to as sumptuously attack my 'position' and can't play nice in the sandbox ... I was not a Bush fan. Do I think he did as much damage as the Obama team? No. But I can say that the one thing Bush did that I deem truly controversial was war. I could do a whole laundry list on Obama and the current admin. Most importantly, he isn't listening to the people that voted him in. Can you say - personal agenda? Obama is a President with no former training, hence the whole failure of the hopey changey thing working out. Perfect example of future politicians that seem to listen to those that voted them in - Scott Brown from Massachusetts. What happened last night was a modern day Tea Party!!! Mass has been a Dem state for a long time and the Republicans took it back. The people of this country are making a statement and Obama seems deadset on not 'hearing' us. I could care less if Brown were Dem or Rep, as long as he understands that he works for the people and proceeds with his elected position knowing that we've put him there to speak for us not to cast votes thinking that he knows what is best for us. The 'knowswhatsbestitis' is a very infectious disease that seems to have consumed Washington and spilled over. Take the Harry Reid situation! *ugh* Who cares what party he is, I'm disgusted as we all should be! He point blank said, 'If you give me (how many MILLIONS?) in perks for my state, I'll vote for the bill!' Everyone with a brain should be disgusted by this! It's a buyout people! Instead of fighting over Obama vs. Bush or Health Care Bill vs Current insurance issues... we should be bombarding Washington and demanding more OPTIONS! Furthermore, the government needs to back off economic issues and let us do what we do best. The Entrepreneurs and business people of this great country will bring us back to where we once were IF allowed. Of course, if the government owns everything ... well that is a chapter we shouldn't allow to happen. You are allowed to have and believe what you will as I research and do the same but I believe in America. I believe that we will take this country back and that is the CHANGE that we need. It may have to hit rock bottom for it to happen but I believe it will happen. What we are doing and what they are trying to do simply isn't working. While remaining current and in the know on the things I believe in, I refuse to be aggressive with individuals that don't share my views. *grin* Ya know, you can't learn that way and it is truly indicative of a narrow minded mentality. I'm all for a respective debate but perhaps you should know more about someone and their beliefs before you go into the typical opposition mode of 'your stupid and don't know what you are talking about b/c you don't believe the same as me' and try to place them into one of those little boxes because you got this one all wrong! I (like many others on here) don't fit a certain stereotype. Just like Mass race, the people will be heard.

Okay so... I'm with you. I just need a nanner sometimes! I've found a couple of interesting ways around this dilemma. Hahahaha. Option #1) Eat the friggin thing and beat myself up all day. Okay maybe not too bad, it has 18 carbs not 108 per calorieking.com Option #2) At the grocery store, they have imitation banana. I know... don't laugh.. but you can put it in your smoothies or Protein shakes and have a faux nanner shake! Option #3) I peel bananas, slice them into about 6 pieces and freeze them. Once or twice a day, I throw a couple frozen pieces in my Protein Shake. Could one of these work for ya?

The Marriage Penalty in Health Care January 15, 2010 by Phyllis Schlafly Hidden in Obama's health care bill is a huge marriage penalty. Both the Senate and House bills would set up yet another federal program to provide financial incentives to subsidize marriage avoidance and illegitimate offspring. Even though all evidence shows that marriage is the best remedy for poverty, lack of health care, domestic violence, child abuse, and school dropouts, federal welfare programs continue to discriminate against marriage and instead give taxpayer handouts to those who reject marriage. This isn't any accident; it is a central part of the Democrats' political strategy that produced 70 percent of unmarried women voting for Obama for President in 2008. Conservatives have been exchanging email for weeks about the shocking fact that Obama's health care bill discriminates against marriage while financially favoring unmarried couples living together. This fact is finally getting national attention, at least in the Wall Street Journal and on Fox News. Here is the cost in the House bill for an unmarried couple who each earn $25,000 a year (total: $50,000). When they both buy health insurance (which will be mandatory), the combined premiums they pay will be capped at $3,076 a year. But if the couple gets married and has the same combined income of $50,000, they will pay annual premiums up to a cap of $5,160 a year. That means they have to fork over a marriage penalty of $2,084. The marriage penalty is the result of the fact that government subsidies for buying health insurance are pegged to the federal poverty guidelines. Couples that remain unmarried are rewarded with a separate health care subsidy for each income. When the Wall Street Journal reporter quizzed the Democratic authors of the health care bill, they made it clear that this differential was deliberate. The staffer justified the discriminatory treatment because "you have to decide what your goals are." Indeed, the Democrats have decided what their goals are. They know that 70% of unmarried women voted for Obama in 2008, and the Democrats plan to reward this group with health insurance subsidies. The House staffer told the Wall Street Journal reporter that the Democratics can't make the subsidies neutral towards marriage because that would give a traditional one-breadwinner married couple a more generous subsidy than a single parent at the same income level. Horrors! The Democrats certainly are not going to allow traditional marriage to be preferred over couples who just shack up! Obamacare will thus ratchet up the federal welfare spending that already produces many financial incentives to remain single. These include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), housing benefits, food stamps, child support enforcement, and the entire Great Society welfare apparatus. Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously and accurately explained the disastrous results of welfare back in 1965. The welfare system created a matriarchy with millions of children lacking their father in the home. It's no wonder illegitimate birthrates are soaring and unmarried mothers now give birth to 4 out of every 10 babies born in the United States. Prior to 1970, most unmarried mothers were teenagers, but by 2007 women in their 20s had 60 percent of all babies born out of wedlock, and women over age 30 had another 17 percent. Means-tested welfare programs already cost taxpayers close to $1 trillion a year (twice as much as national defense and nearly the size of the federal deficit), and Obamacare is projected to add another $2.5 trillion after all its provisions take effect. There's no end in sight to the increasing costs of these entitlements. Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, a liberal firm that consults for clients such as Bill Clinton and John Kerry, admitted: "Unmarried women represent one of the most reliable Democratic cohorts in the electorate . . . leading the charge for fundamental change in health care." It used to be that a husband was responsible for the financial support of his wife and children, but the feminists' agenda calls for replacing husbands with Big Brother Government. The feminists call their movement "women's liberation," and Obamacare is one more way to help them achieve their goal. Feminists keep tightening their control over the social policies of the Democratic Party, and Obamacare will be his third payoff to this group. The first bill Obama signed as President, the Lilly Ledbetter Act, enables women to sue employers years many years after any alleged workplace discrimination (when no one is still alive to defend against allegations), and the second payoff was getting Obama to give the majority of taxpayer-paid Stimulus jobs to women even though men have suffered the big majority of job losses in the current recession. Further reading: Health Care Reform

Nutritional value of egg whites if anyone is interested... Nutritional Information On Egg Whites | LIVESTRONG.COM

Hey everybody! I love reading this section. Just wanted to post some things that have made my new bandster life a little easier. They are from Hungry Girl. Anybody else read her newsletters? She has a lot more of these 'mug' recipes; Egg Mug Florentine, Egg Mug Burger-rama, Egg McMuggin, Egg Mug Lorraine, Egg Mug Mexicali, pizza Pizza Egg Mug, California Love Mug, It's All Greek... They are all really good takes on healthy eating. Also, they all have the carbs, cals, Protein, etc. listed. From what I understand, egg beaters are pretty much the same as egg whites but a little more expensive. I had a dietitian tell me once that a good alternative is a ratio of 4 egg white w/1 egg yolk. Tuna salad has fast become a favorite of mine along with with Hormel No Beans turkey chili. The Chili is really good with a sprinkle of cheese and a diced turkey frank in it. Sorta like chili dogs minus the bread! hahaha The Easiest Egg Breakfast Ever... The Egg Mug Classic PER SERVING (entire mug): 95 calories, 2g fat, 490mg sodium, 3g carbs, 0g Fiber, 2g sugars, 14.5g protein -- POINTS® value 2* Ingredients: 1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original) One wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, cut into pieces Directions: Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray. Add egg substitute and cheese and stir. Microwave for about a minute. Stir gently, and then microwave for another 30 - 45 seconds, until scramble is just set. Stir and enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one that has had the constipation monster! *ugh* Yes it is the worst feeling! I have Benefiber here at home and I'll give it a whirl. I think I'll ask them about my options when I go in for a fill on 2/8 if this continues to be a periodic issue. grrrr! Thanks for your help!