MrgrtVntll

My name is Peggy and I am overweight. Now that my daughter is 21 I decided it was time to take care of me. I am a single 41 y/o female who weighs (BIG GULP) 240lbs. My lapband journey has begun. The other night I went to the consulation meeting where I was pointed in the right direction. On August 13 I will see Dr. Fred Buckley in Salem MA and he will be my compass in mapping out the rest of my journey. For all those who are starting out, like me, welcome to the Band-it journey! I posted this in the introduction section. I wanted to post it here to hopefully keep in contact with anyone else who is traveling down the same road as myself.

I am in my second week of al all liquid pre-op diet. The only things I can have is Carnation Instant Breakfast 3x's daily with Skim Milk, broth, SF Jello, pudding, Crystal Light and flavored waters. I can have a can of tomato Soup or yogurt once a day. It has been the most difficult experience of my life. I am completely motivated and determined to make this work. I have been overweight all my life. Only in my dreams have I been skinny and healthy. Only I can make this dream come true. My advice to anyone who is struggling....stay motivated. Read these blogs, go onto youtube and see the results from others who have had the lapband (their stories are inspiring) and tell yourself that it is all worth it! Good Luck to everyone!

Missy, I am scheduled for surgery on October 30th as well...I have been on an all liquid diet for almost 10 days and it is a struggle. I knew going into this stage what it would entail. I was well prepared. I emptied all my cabinets of food and stocked up on lots of liquids, extracts and seasonings. The biggest thing for me is ice. I use it in almost all of my drinks and yogurts. It helps to add to texture. I miss crunching. I love to crunch on chips, nuts, and veggies. However, I go on here when I get an urge or I go to Youtube and watch videos and blogs of LapBand patients. My advice to you is this...if you truly want to have the lapband then your willpower will dominate the need to eat. If you are not able to do this, then the time is not right for you at this point. All you have to do is take a step back, re-evalute your situation and when you are truly ready your willpower will get you through the liquid stage! Of course...after all is said and done, talk to your doctor...he/she will give you the best advice. It might not be so bad. I send you all my best wishes and good luck with your choices! Peggy

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Hello Pat, I was watching QVC also today and ordered the Ninja. I loved the two blades and how it shaves the ice. I am hoping this will help me with the liquid stages and mushie stage. Today is my first day of the 2-week preop diet stage. I have two bullets, one for home and one for work. I am determined to be successful and with the right tools I should be. Let me know how you like the Ninja.

My Doctors office scheduled me for October 30th. They sent in the paperwork to my Insurance company about a week ago. They told me not too worry, I qualify and they never really have problems with BCBS of MA for approval...but I am still anxious for that phone call or letter saying I have been approved. Once the letter or phone call comes then I will truly believe this is going to happen. I have a pre-operative doctors appointment this Friday. Then I'll start my two week liquid diet.

I never thought to ask my doctor this question, after LapBand surgery does the doctor prescribe pain meds? I never really thought about it until after reading some of the boards...where people talk about the pain.

Word of advice...double check your height. For many years I have been telling doctors I was 5'5. Can't remember the last time my height was actually checked. I am going through all the appointments to get the LB. My BMI is under 40 with no comorbitities. I have been stressing out for weeks now thinking my insurance would not cover the surgery. At my nutritionist appointment I asked to be measured. To my surprise I was actually 5'4 NOT 5'5 and taa daa...my BMI went from 38.6 to 40.1...whooooooo hooooooo instant approval. Now with only my Psych appointment and another support group session left I will be able to get my surgery. Check and double check all things! Good Luck to all those who are in the process of getting the LB.

Hello Jenn When I started out my BMI was at 38.4. My doctor told me it was iffy with my insurance. I have BCBS HMO of MA. I do not have any other comorbities. My insurance wants one if my BMI is under 40. Needless to say I was disappointed. I told my doctor if I have to gain 10 pounds to loose a 100 I would. He laughed at me and told me not to do that. However, knowing how much I want to have the LB tool I have been eating more than usually. All my eating in the last three weeks have gained me only 4 freakin pounds (BMI now 39.1). I DO NOT recommend anyone trying to gain weight...I feel like crap and tired all the time. I have been overweight most of my life and have been on medically supervised diets (that worked slightly). Basically what I am trying to say is do not gain weight...hopefully your Doctor's office will be able to help out in getting you approved. I am half way through my appointments and I am stressed out beyond belief. I cannot wait until after tonight's visit with my nutritionist. I am tired of eating...just to gain insurance approval. I know I will have the surgery one way or another. Good luck to you and I hope things work out! Peg

Chell...I am in the process of all my appointments. I have been lucky to get a couple appointments each week. When I am at these appointments I tell them that I am going to be a pitbull during this process. I explained how ready I am to have the LB as a tool to get my life back. I give them fair warning about how I will be aggressive with my follow-ups. They tell me it can take up to a week to get the reports ready...I say "Fair enough", but expect daily phone calls after that time. Some have chuckled at me and others have given me "A LOOK". My advice to you...be aggressive!

I have BCBS HMO of MA... My BMI is 38.6 I do not have other comorbities...unless you count depression, knee pain, over 100 lbs over weight. I am sooooooooo nervous my insurance will not pay. I have all my appointments lined up. Already did seminar and 1st Doc visit. He said not to worry, but there are no guarantees. Oh yeah I've been on Xenical & Alli plus WW for several years. Please please... Someone ease my mind about getting approval. Anyone with BCBS, how easy or hard was it to get approval? I am beyond ready to get the lapband.

I know the requirements. My insurance will cover automatically if I have a BMI of 40. Since I am below I am anxious. I told my doc I would pack on extra pounds if I have to. Needless to say he laughed and told me that wasn't a good idea. I guess I am wondering how strict BCBS is about being under the 40 mark. I have done my homework, research and everything else...I am anxious about all of this. Waiting for approval makes me feel like a kid waiting for Santa Clause.

My name is Peggy and I am overweight. Now that my daughter is 21 I decided it was time to take care of me. I am a single 41 y/o female who weighs (BIG GULP) 240lbs. My lapband journey has begun. The other night I went to the consulation meeting where I was pointed in the right direction. On August 13 I will see Dr. Fred Buckley in Salem MA and he will be my compass in mapping out the rest of my journey. For all those who are starting out, like me, welcome to the Band-it journey!

Hello Kathy, Thank you for your offer to keep me company on my journey. 47 lbs down.....WOW that is amazing. I can only imagine how much easier it must be working out at the gym. I have to admit when I am on the treadmill I tend to yawn alot. I am hoping with the LP my endorphines will kick in and make going to the gym addictive. Right now I am on a high because I am feel 100% confident about going through with the LP Surgery. Tell me though, did or do you have any regrets or worries.

My name is Peggy and I am overweight. Now that my daughter is 21 I decided it was time to take care of me. I am a single 41 y/o female who weighs (BIG GULP) 240lbs. My lapband journey has begun. The other night I went to the consulation meeting where I was pointed in the right direction. On August 13th I will see Dr. Fred Buckley in Salem MA and he will be my compass in mapping out the rest of my journey. For all those who are starting out, like me, welcome to the Band-it journey!

My name is Peggy and I am overweight. Now that my daughter is 21 I decided it was time to take care of me. I am a single 41 y/o female who weighs (BIG GULP) 240lbs. My lapband journey has begun. The other night I went to the consulation meeting where I was pointed in the right direction. On August 13 I will see Dr. Fred Buckley in Salem MA and he will be my compass in mapping out the rest of my journey. For all those who are starting out, like me, welcome to the Band-it journey!