umystifyme

I'm wondering how long I will be off of work. I'm a cashier at a local grocery store. I'm hoping that I'll only be off for 2 weeks. Can anyone tell me how long they were off of work for?

Hi Cheryl, I am soo scared to ask for time off of work. Walt's isn't very appreciative of their employees. Isn't that horrible to say??!! I have been dreading the day... the day of having to ask the store manager for time off of work since I started this process. I have more anxiety about asking for time off of work than I do about the actual surgery! Also, the only people that know that I am having the surgery are family and close friends. No one at works knows. And how gossip is, I don't know how to tell my boss. My anxiety is high just typing this. You're right, Cheryl. Everything you said was right and you did not offend me in any way. In fact, you made me realize that I NEED to do this for ME. I have to think of me right now. I'm SOO grateful for all the prayers that have been sent my way through this message board. I have met soo many wonderful, strong women on this thread who have supported me through the most difficult time in my life. I have to continue moving forward NOW and take control of my life NOW. God has truly blessed me and I must not take it for granted. Everything has fallen into place right now for a reason. My surgeon has all my test results now for a reason. Thanks for the much needed kick in the butt!! Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers and being here for me. I am truly blessed. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

Hi Kate! Thank you soo much for responding. I totally understand why you had your surgery right after your insurance approval. Had I been in your shoes, I would have done the exact same thing. However, I don't have to meet any deductibles. (That might be a bad thing because it is letting me "put this off.") My surgery will be covered 100% (no co-pays-- nothing). That's one reason I'm in no "rush" to get it done before the end of the year. Also, this is the busy time at work and I'm getting a lot of hours. It's sad to say, but where I work, if you request time off, they will punish you in the end by not giving you enough hours when you return. With Christmas around the corner, I need the money. :biggrin: My insurance is great on one hand but horrible on the other. It does not cover doctor office visits at all. I have to pay for all my doctor office visits and consults 100%. As you know, we have a lot of those to get to this stage. So, I need to work to pay off doctor bills before I have the surgery. I admire your courage and conviction to have the surgery before the holiday season. I am positive that you will reach your goal weight by the time of your camping trip. Kate, you have attainable goals and you will achieve them. Thank you for helping to put my mind at ease. It is the fear of the unknown. And especially the fear of letting go of the food forever. I've done it for 9 months but this is it. Once this is done, there is no going back and I think that is what is frightening to me. But I don't want to go back... but back is comfortable in the sense that it is the only thing that I've known for the past 15 yrs or so. So, yes, Kate, you hit the nail on the head... I'm really scared of the unknown and losing my best friend... food. Thank you again for your honest reply. It helps to know that I'm not alone.

I have an appointment Tuesday morning with my surgeon. I should have a surgery date by tomorrow!! :tt2: I'm planning on the beginning of 2010, so that I can start the New Year off right. Everything is moving soo fast! I'm a bit flustered and scared, but excited too. Did any of you experience these mixed feelings? I'm thinking that maybe I'm putting it off until Jan 2010 because deep down, honestly, I'm scared. This should be the best time of my life. I've been thinking about this for 3 years. I've been going through the process for 9 months. You've all been through my journey from August to the present. A lot has been thrown my way but I stood my ground and fought for what I wanted. So, why am I shrinking back in fear now? I was expecting to be denied by my insurance company. But I wasn't. I did not know how long my pre-op testing would take. But it's done. I have thyroid problems. But it can be fixed. Now what's my problem?? :biggrin: I want this more than anything but I am scared. Did anyone else feel like this? And if you did, how did you cope? Thanks! Amy

Thank you soo much for putting my thoughts into words!! I totally relate to everything you said. I'm sorry to hear that you have to go the self-pay route. I'll see my surgeon hopefully this week or next week. That's when I'll make my final decision on whether or not I should stay with him or find another one. I've done research and he is a great surgeon and a great doctor. I have faith in him. I just didn't like his "attitude" regarding my weight loss. So, I'll see how the next visit goes.

Hi Everyone!! I have some great news. According to my Endo, I don't have cancer! YAY!! :cool2: He said I have a goiter which can be surgically removed or treated with radiation. So, once I get this taken care of, I can move forward with the lap band procedure!! :thumbup:

Hi Cheryl!! Thank you SO much for the prayers!! I made it through all my appointments! Whoo Hoo!! :w00t: I'll keep everyone informed. I should have my results by tomorrow evening. I'm SOO happy that you have a surgery date!! :wink2: That is AWESOME!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you my dear friend. Keep me updated, please. Amy

Thanks Sue! I'm sure it is benign. The power of positive thinking! It's a very large growth and is protruding from my neck. I will most likely have to undergo surgery and/or radiation therapy to remove it either way. I'm a bit bummed that it is "getting in the way" of my surgery right now. But it's all good. BCBS gave me 180 days on my approval. So, I'm good til the end of March 2010. Thank you again!! I can't wait to join you ya'll!!!

Thank you SO much for sharing your story!! I have a few nodules on the right side of my thyroid. This growth, however, is something new. My OB/GYN suggested that I go to the University of Chicago and see a thyroid specialist and a surgeon he knows. I'm waiting for the results of these tests before I do that. But after reading your story, I'm thinking that I should be prepared to get a second opinion and to have my thyroid removed. I'm a bit bummed b/c it is delaying my lap-band procedure... but then again, should it? I have a lot of questions and definitely need to see my surgeon.

Hello Everyone!! I wanted to drop in and keep you updated: I went for my Esophogram and it was fine. I received Cardiac Clearance from my Cardiologist last week and had my yearly pap smear. I'm finished with all my pre-op testing. I will see my surgeon in the next week or two and will be having the surgery probably at the beginning of the year. Why am I waiting til the beginning of the year?? I am having other health issues. I have a growth on my thyroid which is being tested for cancer. The doctors think it is the growth that attributed to my weight loss. I will know the results of the test this coming week and then I will be able to better access the situation and make a decision regarding surgery. Thank you for your comments and support!! Amy

Hello Band Groupie~ Thank you SO much for your lovely comments! I'm ecstatic that my insurance company did not penalize me for losing too much weight. Maybe they did see that I'd be a successful candidate for the band. At this point in time, I'm extremely grateful. I really appreciate your support and kindness. I think, like many others, I want the band as a tool to help me keep off the weight. I need that "reinforcer." I WANT that reinforcer. Everything should go smoothly.... just have to get my cardiac clearance on the 28th. Keeping everything crossed! Thanks again!

Thank you Sue!! I'm really excited now. :frown: I was having some problems with my insurance company and had to reschedule my tests. I go in for my Esophogram and lab work on Friday. I'm a bit nervous regarding the Esophogram but excited to finally be on this road. My band date should be in Nov. When I find out, I'll let y'all know!! :thumbup: Thanks for the support!! :mad:

My surgeon and I are exchanging emails and phone calls. He wants to see me one last time before surgery. So, after all my tests are completed, I will go in for my last pre-op visit. He probably thinks I am crazy (like many of you) for going ahead with the surgery. There are many people who have been banded at my weight and even less. I know many of you are concerned about me and I appreciate that. I understand that many are looking out for my well-being. But over-all maybe, just maybe, my goals and well-being will be achieved through the LBS. I am to the point that I feel like I have to keep defending my decision to have the surgery. I hope I haven't offended anyone. I appreciate everyone's viewpoint and do NEED the support and encouragement. Thank you. :sad:

For the past two months I have been maintaining my weight. Unfortunately, I did not have anyone tell me how much weight to lose or not to lose. Yes, I was very excited about getting the Lap-Band and I was scared of dying. I had been hospitalized for heart problems for the month of March. My triglycerides were 631 (normal high is 150) and my bad cholesterol was high and my good cholesterol low. I was having chest pain and they found fluid on my heart. My liver functions were off the chart and I was told by the cardiologist that I HAD to lose weight. On top of all of this, I have other health issues... such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Fatty Liver, Hypothyroidism, and GERD to name just a few. I didn't go into this thinking... hmm... let's see... "I can only lose this amount of weight so I can eat this and this and this and, hmm... let me design a nutrition plan around that so I don't lose too much weight. And, oh, don't let me forget, I must not exercise because then I might lose an extra pound or two and that would definitely put me into trouble with the insurance company." No, no... I put forth a lot of effort into this. A lot of time and energy went into this. Why should I be treated any different than those who "watched" what they ate just to make sure they were indeed approved?? I apologize to everyone that I lost weight. That I worked the program and it worked for me. But I am maintaining my weight and I am having the surgery. That is my goal.

Thanks for the information, Skykiing. I was approved by my insurance company (BCBS PPO) last week and everything is covered 100%. I'm very lucky. I just have to check on fills. I don't know what their covereage is on those. And I don't want to assume anything. But in the end, I am willing to pay for those! Again, thanks!! :sad:

Thank you GraciesMom and Elfiepoo!! Great posts!! Obesity runs on both sides of my family. I have watched my sister struggle with her weight, seen my father hospitalized for his and seen aunts and uncles die because of theirs. I've tried every diet there is and I have no problem losing the weight. My problem is keeping it off. Again, I know this is not a "diet," but a lifestyle change. So, this time around it was different for me. But there is that fear, that overwhelming anxiety about what if I gain it back. Only those who have gone through what I have can understand that fear and understand my motivation and desire in getting the lap band. That is why I was soo devastated when my doctor insisted that I do this on my own. That is why I was very depressed and anxious regarding approval by the insurance company. I feel like God is watching out for me and this is my time. This may be my only chance in getting the surgery. I may not have insurance in another year or so. You never know what the future holds. So, I am going with what has been given to me at the moment. My surgeon is reluctant but willing to do the surgery and I do trust him. My insurance company approved me. I am building a new chapter of my life. Amy

I have my cardiologist appt scheduled for October 28th. I think I should get clearance for the surgery. My chest pains have disappeared, however, I do still have a small amount of fluid on my heart. Next week I go for my Esophogram and lab work. My surgeon also requires a recent pap smear and it is time for my yearly. I also have to have a colonoscopy. Everything is falling into place. It will happen... ad the pace is just fine with me.

Check out my thread titled "Lost too much weight"

I was originally 285 lbs on March 19th when I started the six month program. I have BCBS PPO. During the six month, I changed my lifestyle and ate healthy. I also worked out regularly. The weight came off. I also have several co-morbitities. My insurance company goes by your original weight and BMI and takes into account any co-morbitities and other factors. I was a bit nervous about being approved since I lost soo much weight but I was told on Tuesday that I was indeed approved. They would probably consider it at my current height and weight considering my other health problems but I'm not sure about that. I'm lucky that they went with my original weight and BMI. Amy

I couldn't have said it better! :thumbup: Thank you!! And I hope my story can inspire people. If I can do it, I know you and many other's can too. Awww.... I don't think of myself as a hero. But if I can motivate and inspire other's, then I will feel like I have given something back.

I'm 5'4" and currently weigh 197.6 lbs. I was just recently approved by my insurance company for the procedure. I'm really excited about starting this new chapter in my life. My only regret is not going through with it three years ago. Best of luck to you!!!

My surgeion only does banding. He has only known me since my initial consult in June. So, he felt in August, that if I could lose as much as I did in 6 months then why rush into surgery. I was hurt, disappointed, and frustrated. I understood his point later on. He said that he would like to see if I could do it on my own. He is a bariatric surgeon that only performs lap band procedures.

I agree, it is a lifestyle change and that is why I did it BEFORE surgery and not AFTER. I decided early on that this would be the way I would have to live for the rest of my life, so why wait until after I was banded?? So, I made the choice to change my life the day I saw my nutritionist for the first time. I did not wait until I started the liquid diet nor did I just set out to lose the bare minimum to get approved by the insurance company. I changed my lifestyle over 6 months ago. If people want to know how I did it, that is how I did it... I changed my lifestyle. I feel great physically. Emotionally, I feel a lot better since I have been approved. I'm not stressed out over the insurance part anymore. There are two other people in my support group who are going through the same situation as me. Should we be punished just because we followed the program and loss weight? I'm sorry that we didn't cheat. We worked the program and it worked for us. I'm now maintaining my weight and my doctors don't know if I will lose anymore on my own. Why should I suffer and be unhappy with my weight when I have the opportunity to benefit from the lap band? I have suffered for most of my adult life. Everyone has there own circumstances and I wish you continued success on your journey. I understand what you are saying and I appreciate your opinion and your support and encouragement. Thank you! :wink2:

Thank you!! I'm really excited!! What a journey this is going to be!! Wow... I'm still in shock a bit!

GraciesMom~ You can say it again! :biggrin: I'm on a bit of a rush right now!!! lol Thank you soo much for your kindness, support, and encouragement! I really appreciate it and look forward to continue on this journey together.