denalichic

Hi Folks! I'm new to the forum. I just finished doing my pre-approval process with Carewise for BC/BS of Illinois. I was told today by Carewise that their medical director had determined that I met all of the criteria for surgery and they were sending my file to BC/BS IL today. DOes anyone know how long it usually takes to get an answer after going through the Carewise process first? I've been told by Carewise that I should have my approval letter in 1-2 weeks. Has anyone been denied at this point, and how long does it really take? Just and FYI - I've done the physician supervised diet, had all my consults, psych eval, etc. I had to do all of that to get the approval from Carewise, before it is submitted to BCBSIL. Thanks! Kathy

You guys are just awesome...thank you so much! I seem to be stuck, but you make me believe I can make this work...

Hi! I've been banded for two months. I've lost 33 pounds, and am thrilled with my results so far. However, the last two weeks I have been stuck in a rut. My weight loss has stalled and so has my enthusiasm. I just need a little encouragement that I can still do this and that I will hopefully get some restriction, even if it takes a few more fills... Thanks!

Mine is: www.bravefoodworld.blogspot.com

Hi! I just started a blog about dealing with being a 'foodie' and having a lap band. Please let me know what you think...thanks! http://bravefoodworld.blogspot.com/

Thanks for following...I'm going to check out your blog...=)

I just posted an entry about shopping at Whole Foods...let me know what you think... www.bravefoodworld.blogspot.com

Hi! I just started a blog about dealing with being a 'foodie' and having a lap band. Please let me know what you think...thanks! http://bravefoodworld.blogspot.com/

Gotmyeyeontheprize, I was banded at Flaget Memorial in Bardstown, which is about 30 miles south of Louisville...it was a very good experience, the staff us great and I love my surgeon, Dr. Rob Farrell.

Thanks!

I also started a blog about my journey. I plan for it to be about my journey after getting banded, but right now I've been setting the stage with the story of how I got to this point. I would love to know what you think... Www.bravefoodworld.blogspot.com

I am starting a blog about being a foodie with a lap band (actually a Realize band). I want to talk about how you can be a foodie while working within the restrictions of the band, not how to cheat or work around the band. But I need a catchy name. Any suggestions?

Hi! I am looking for suggestions for a good abdominal support garment. I have a big pannus, and as I'm losing weight it is pulling more and more on my lower back ( which is already pretty screwed up). I need something to help support my lower abdominal and back area while I'm getting this extra weight off. Any suggestions would be wonderful...thanks!!!

So, I was banded on December 8th and as of last week was down 24 pounds (from the day I started my pre-op diet the day after Thanksgiving). Since I saw my surgeon on the 23rd, I have gained back three pounds from my lowest (on my home scale) weight. I am very confused - I am on solid food now, and my first fill is scheduled for the 17th of this month. I am tracking calories and average around 1200 calories per day. I have also been cleared to exercise and am going to the gym 3 times a week. Why has my weight loss stalled already and what can I do to fix this? Help!!

I was banded on 12-9-10 and am having the same issue with back pain. I have not figured out what triggers it and it is far, far worse than the gas. I hope someone on this list has some answers - thanks for porting this!

I just found out that my insurance company has approved my surgery! Now I'm just waiting for Monday so I can schedule my surgery! It will probably be in late November or mid December... Any tips on how to pass the time?

Angela - I am so glad to see someone else her who has a large amount of weight to lose - I need to lose just over 200 pounds! I have had a few people tell me that band won't help with that much to lose, but I am not interested in cutting up my insides and dealing with mal-nutrition issues for the rest of my life. I'm almost 10 years older than you, but I can relate to having family pressure to lose weight and needing to reach a point where I am doing the for myself and not to please someone else. I've found a great surgeon with a wonderful and supportive staff. Now, I'm waiting for final insurance approval so I can set a surgery date - I'm hoping for mid-November... Kathy

Hi everyone! I just had all my paperwork submitted by Carewise to BCBSIL. They've told me to expect my approval letter in a week or two. I'm very excited because as soon as I have the letter, I can schedule my surgery. I'm so excited! I'm glad there are people here who know what I'm going through... Thanks! Kathy