staceylynn

I'm in WA and am covered by Federal BC/BS which began covering LapBand as of 2007. My Dr.'s office called to double check on the coverage and was told they do cover it but the will not pre-authorize it. In other words, you get the surgery and you take your chances! I also have coverage under TriCare Prime (hubby is retired military) and they should pick up what ever is left over so I'm going thru with it but it seems like BC/BS is trying to scare us away from the surgery!

I too will join the Band Land in February- the 20th to be exact! I live in Tacoma Wa and my surgeon is Dr. Oh. He is having me "Protein Load" and I had to start my vitamin regimen last week. I've added shakes to get an additional 60 grams of protein a day. I am not allowed to drink CIB, Slimfast, Ensure, Boost or milk since they are too low in protein for the number of calories in them. He is very strick and requires a 2 week clear liquid (+ shakes) diet starting on 2/6 and then 4 weeks post op on the clear liquids as well and then 2 weeks of mushies. :faint: Not sure how much weight I'll have left to lose after all of that! I'll try and keep in touch as we all go thru this adventure... can't guarantee how cheerful I'll be during the 6 weeks of liquids! :fencing: Stacey

Congratulations- I'm so jealous! 12/22 will actually be my first appointment with my surgeon on this wild adventure. I wish I were in your shoes. I hate the wondering, will I be approved, when will my surgery be- on and on. Don't worry about the holidays- get your shopping done early and consider this your best ever Christmas gift to yourself and your family. If they don't understand now they will when you are healthy again!

From what I hear the first 3 days are the hardest. I found that to be true when I tried Medifast just to lose weight- at least with that I was allowed a light dinner meal each day. The craving really did lessen by day four. Just drink, drink, drink to keep your stomach full. That and suck on s/f hard candies to help satisfy your sweet tooth if you have one! Stacey