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How did it go for those who were banded today? Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Hi Jess, I'm thinking that your doctor is saying that you are ultimately responsible for his bill if it isn't covered by insurance. I believe you will get an approval letter in advance from most insurance companies. I don't see how a doctor can say for sure whether your insurance will cover it - ALL policies are different. It isn't just that some companies cover it and some don't. For example, I have Aetna. Aetna covers bariatric procedures under some of its policies but not under my policy. On the Vitamins - follow whatever your doctor recommends. I just ordered and tried the Celebrate chewable vitamins in pineapple strawberry and they tasted ok and didn't upset my tummy at all (mind you - I haven't been banded yet). Best wishes and good luck for a speed approval!

Anesthesia $1800, surgery center $6500, surgeon fee $5800

You don't see any ads at all if you use the free app IPB. So awesome for my iPhone.

You don't see any ads at all if you use the free app IPB. So awesome for my iPhone.

Jed, My surgeon said I can use benefiber mixed into my protein shakes. I have IBS and am really worried about being constipated. Also my surgeon said one to two bowel movements per week is normal at first. Best wishes,

Hi Sandra, I have to agree with Andrea. Don't dismiss the idea of a lapband even if Weight Watchers works. She pointed out that you have been on Weight Watchers two times previously. My issue was never that a diet didn't work, it was always that the diets worked in the short term. Then over the following year, I would gain whatever I lost back with about 25% more. Also, maybe consider talking to your psychiatrist about a different anti-depressant. I know Wellbutrin made me forget to eat and it is also sometimes prescribed to help quit smoking because of the mind-mouth disconnect (at least that's what I felt happened when I was on Wellbutrin - I quit eating and smoking but then it all came back). Best wishes, Sandra. I think if you keep reading these forums, and talk to a surgeon, nutritionist and your psychiatrist about all of this, you will come to the decision that works best for you.

I hope I remember to read this post when I enter bandster hell! I am beyond thrilled for you!

Right back at ya!

There are several differences between the LapBand and Realize band. I posted this link on your other post but here it is again: Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band Good info regarding each type.

I find that peppermint tea calms the tummy. Be gentle with yourself - You've made a lot of progress in a short time. It's ok to focus on getting over the bronchitis instead of losing weight. You need your energy to focus on fighting the bronchitis. Best wishes,

Surgery center fee: $6,500 Surgeons fee: $5,800 (cash price) Anesthesia fee: $1,500 (Pre-pay price) Total: $13,800 It is outpatient and includes a year of office visits and fills.

She is a member on this site. You should read her thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/banded-3-yrs-just-filmed-reality-tv-show-about-eating-disorders-123256/

Have you considered seeing a therapist? It might provide an opportunity to consider and think about the emotional issues. Best wishes,

My upper GI a few years ago involved a few small sips of barium and I was fine. No bathroom issues.

Can you take some Lactaid? Might help...

I did the orientation meeting in the first week of August. My surgery date is December 9.

Oh.. And none of these were done at my surgeons office. I had to go to my primary physician for the EKG and chest xray. Had to go to a lab for the blood draw.

I had blood drawn, an EKG and a chest xray. The chest xray was because I had smoked for a long time but quit 18 months before. I didn't have to do psych or sleep or anything. Best wishes,

In my opinion, sarcasm is rarely helpful or supportive. I do think detailed journaling and a meeting with the nutritionist is an excellent idea. I hope you get the mechanics all sorted out soon. Best wishes,

Hi, I have one on my thigh. They are called lipomas. Check out the wikipedia page. I heard that they are genetic - they won't melt away unfortunately. My Dad has had a few removed and they just kind of "pop them out" of a small incision. I'm hoping I don't find more once I get some of this padding off!

Hey Renee, My Aetna policy has no coverage for bariatric procedures. I do see others on this site that do have coverage and get approvide pretty quickly. Read your policy to see if there is actually coverage - if you haven't done so already. I hope it comes through quickly for you...

What about letting one go completely flat then drinking that? I wonder if that would be ok?

What a disappointment for you! Ugh. Come to December. I'm the 9th!