ANewMichelle

:clap2: I was banded on 12-04-06 in Denver, Co. Rose Medical. I have lost 43 pds. 64 to go. Seems like a lot left, but I'm already a success! I failed so many times with diets, but Lapband works for me. 247/204/140. :help: We are collecting information from experienced Lapband recipients, for those who are considering Lapband surgery or are in the process of Lapband. The experiences you share will be in booklet form, given to attendees at bariatric seminars, medical offices and clinics. Can you help someone who is searching/struggling? All we need is your opinion and experience. First question: Since your surgery, what have you discovered about your relationship with food? Second question: Did you experience any complications with your procedure, during or after? If so, briefly explain. Third question: What are your feelings towards morbidly obese people now, and if you could sit down and talk with them, what one thing would you share with them? Your responses would have first name, first initial of last name. Ex; Mary P. Thank you and big hugs to you for your lifechanging courage! Michelle

Hi Everyone, I got my insurance approval on Friday and my Lapband surgery is sch. for Dec 4. I am shocked! My insurance is not known for approval, much less lapband. The info I received said some people lose weight the first 4-6 weeks some don't. That surprised me. For the first two weeks it's liquids, next two weeks is soft mushy, and at two ounces, how would someone not lose anything? What were your results in the first 4 weeks. Did you lose anything? Many blessings, Michelle

Congratulations Gonnabethin! Thank you for the Protein drink tips Mcmaddlapband those sound really good! I will check out those helpful sights. The pulmary dr. who examined me said my liver did not need to be preshrunk it was small enough, so I won't have to fast too much. I've been living on Protein Drink supplements anyway so I wouldn't mind it even if I had too. When we all have dieted most of our lives these minor things are just one more step until we are the person we want to be, the healthy person inside. Halleluia! I did have a oxygen sleep level test too and he said I have 30% sleep apnea. He will check again after I've lost more weight to see if it normalizes. It actually helps my case for insurance coverage, so I'm trying to look at it as a positive thing. Many people have no more apnea symptoms after some weight is lost. I'm so happy for you, your date is comin up pretty soon goonabethin, that is so awesome for you! :clap2: . Hey Mert. How are you doing? Haven't heard from you in awhile. P.S. I loved the peaches protein drink it was very nummy!

Mine will be sent in, in about two weeks. Still need some completed test results to be documented. CTPaddler's post had a very good point. Coverages are very different and even though they are A, different policies carry different coverages. Ours is A of MA as well. As a team, we followed their policy requirements to the letter. Documenting everything, even doctors office conversations. Weekly diet plans and excersize routines were copied into the doctors consultation notes. Test results, weight taken/documented every four weeks for six months, failures and accomplishments. My surgeon holds a seminar that explains all of the band procedure and a packet that helps to understand what your particular insurance requires. I hope your wait is not much longer and you get a positive reply. But even if you don't, their are still options available. Appeal, appeal, appeal. I'm not sure why the Ins. companies would approve more RNY than lapband. Anybody have a thought on that? A, has approved many RNY's on my Doc's Ins. list. What benefit would the Ins. companies gain from one and not the other?

I have Aetna. My biggest fear through this whole process is insurance acceptance. I did see on my doctors website, that Aetna subscribers have had Gastric bypass, but much fewer lapbands by far. Though in Aetnas documentation it does include lapband. It is my last hoop to jump through, so I really have to hang onto the hope that Aetna will cover it. Are there any Aetna lapbanders out there?? Please respond. I'd like some support on this. Michelle Denver, Colo. Rose Medical Center

Hi Drewslou, I have an appointment in Denver with Dr.S in Sept. I am in Colo.Springs. The ONLY thing I am worried about is insurance acceptance. Could you give me the info you have on the 9,900. amount. I would feel so much at peace if I have a back-up plan. Thank you, Michelle I can give you my e-mail if you would like.

Stitchy, I haven't tasted baby-food in about 14 years, and that was just on my lips to make sure it wasn't too hot for the baby. Thanks for the tip. I have to admit those baby food beef sticks look like something from a bad sci-fi movie LOL Michelle

HI Mert, How are you feeling today? The vet exam went well. They asked about heart- worm. I told them "no, I divorced him a long, long time ago." It's a good thing, because I married a sweetheart 16 years ago. He's awesome and supportive of the surgery. Are you married, how is your family doing with your decision for surgery? Sometimes you've got to shed the bad to get to the good. That's how I'm looking at the banding. Life changing for the good. Hang in there. Baby steps. Did you find a Protein drink you like? If you did, what is it? Did anyone ever say to you, you can substitute mushie food stage, with baby food? I've heard it's very low sodium, little additives and preservatives, fast and convienent. I have to admit at first I thought they were kidding, but then as I thought about it, it made perfect sense. Take care, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Congratulations Mert on your surgery! Hopefully I will be close behind you. I am very new to this forum, but I have read many of the tips, suggestions, helps and experiences and am learning so much from all of you. I have my appointment with my surgeon on Sept 14. I have completed all the pretesting including; lung function, 1 year dieting and excersize program, pulmonary exam and psycological evaluation.:faint: I'm waiting next for a veterinary exam and anyone else they want to have take a peek at me. I know there is a reason for it all, but my gosh! It's a great thing to be able to share with you all and follow your progress. Take care! Lap band surgeon: DR.Snyder Rose Medical Center Denver, Colorado Date to be determined