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Ewwwww - a tub of butter!!! Gross! Wasa - I'm fed-exing you a birthday cake or two. Fav flavor(s)? Please don't forget the 1M calorie Burger King bkfst monstrosity with 3 large orange juices! That would be tasty in a blender! (I'm pre-surgery so unfortunately I can still eat a lot. Moo)

for those with FED BCBS, what is the wait time once the insurance is submitted??? thanks

I have Fed Employee BCBS and they said they cover now in 2007. I'm wondering what the co-pays wind up being?? Anyone know?? I know each plan is different but we have the higher option of the insurance. If you have it please let me know what to expect.

Thank you much for your help....I currently do not have any insurance and am getting married this summer and will have Tri-Care through my husband. I was thinking of purchasing BC/BS on my own as I have heard many say they are easy to work with...I guess I should start by seeing my doc, although he has never mentioned me losing weight, I am going to talk to him about what i want to do and get on a program with him, i think thats a good first step, and to also investigate ALOT about the policies available to me and the options. Thanks so much for your help...Be Blessed, Clay in his hands, Stacy

http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/ Note the timeline on this: 02-40000-10 Original Effective Date: 10/15/99 Reviewed: 04/27/06 Revised: 05/15/06 Next Review: 04/26/07 Subject: Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity (Bariatric Surgery; Gastric Bypass Surgery) DESCRIPTION: Clinically severe obesity is a result of persistent and uncontrollable weight gain that constitutes a present or potential threat to life. For purposes of this medical coverage guideline, clinically severe obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or greater. See the height and weight tables for Men and Woman, BMI tables (100-195, 200-295, 300-400, and formula for calculating a BMI. Several surgical (bariatric) procedures are used for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. These procedures can be categorized as follows: <LI class=bulletedList-1>Malabsorptive procedures - alteration of the intestinal absorption limiting nutrients available to the body OR Gastric restrictive procedures - reduction in the capacity of the stomach thereby limiting the amount of food ingested. Gastric surgical procedures for the treatment of clinically severe obesity include: <LI class=bulletedList-1>gastric bypass where approximately 90% of the stomach is bypassed and reattached to the proximal jejunum OR gastric stapling, vertically banded gastric partition, or vertically banded gastroplasty where a proximal pouch of 30-60 ml and a one centimeter outlet are created by a row of vertical staples and a horizontally placed reinforcing band. WHEN SERVICES ARE COVERED: Effective January 1 2005, weight loss surgery is not covered for most contracts. Please refer to the individual member’s contract benefit language. NOTE: The primary care physician must provide a letter with facts supporting medical necessity, for review by the Medical Director. Certain surgical procedures performed for the treatment of clinically severe obesity may be considered medically necessary when ALL of the following conditions are met: The member: <LI class=bulletedList-1>meets the above definition of clinically severe obesity, <LI class=bulletedList-1>has been severely obese for at least five (5) years, <LI class=bulletedList-1>has attempted a physician supervised (by the primary care physician) non-surgical management weight loss program (e.g., diet, exercise, drugs) for six (6) consecutive months <LI class=bulletedList-1>has received psychological or psychiatric evaluation with counseling as needed, prior to surgical intervention; does not have a medically treatable cause for the obesity, (e.g., thyroid or other endocrine disorder). The following procedures may be considered medically necessary when the above criteria has been met: Vertical-Banded Gastroplasty (CPT code 43842) Vertical-banded gastroplasty was formerly one of the most common gastric restrictive procedures performed in this country but has more recently declined in popularity. In this procedure, the stomach is segmented along its vertical axis. To create a durable reinforced and rate-limiting stoma at the distal end of the pouch, a plug of stomach is removed, and a propylene collar is placed through this hole and then stapled to itself. Because the normal flow of food is preserved, metabolic complications are uncommon. Complications include esophageal reflux, dilation, or obstruction of the stoma, with the latter 2 requiring reoperation. Dilation of the stoma is a common reason for weight regain. Vertical-banded gastroplasty may be performed using an open or laparoscopic approach. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (CPT code 43644, 43846) Gastric bypass may be performed with either an open or laparoscopic technique. The original gastric bypass surgeries were based on the observation that post-gastrectomy patients tended to lose weight. The current procedure involves a horizontal or vertical partition of the stomach in association with a Roux-en-Y procedure (i.e., a gastrojejunal anastomosis). Thus, the flow of food bypasses the duodenum and proximal small bowel. The procedure may also be associated with an unpleasant “dumping syndrome,” in which a large osmotic load delivered directly to the jejunum from the stomach produces abdominal pain OR vomiting. The dumping syndrome may further reduce intake, particularly in “sweets eaters”. Operative complications include leakage and marginal ulceration at the anastomotic site. Because the normal flow of food is disrupted, there are more metabolic complications compared to other gastric restrictive procedures. These complications may include iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and hypocalcemia, all of which can be corrected by oral supplementation. Another concern is the ability to evaluate the “blind” bypassed portion of the stomach. Long Limb Gastric Bypass (i.e., more than 100 cm) (CPT code 43847) Recently, variations of gastric bypass procedures have been described, consisting primarily of long limb Roux-en-Y procedures, which vary in the length of the alimentary and common limbs. For example, the stomach may be divided with a long segment of the jejunum (instead of ileum) anastomosed to the proximal gastric stump, creating the alimentary limb. The remaining pancreaticobiliary limb, consisting of stomach remnant, duodenum, and length of proximal jejunum is then anastomosed to the ileum, creating a common limb of variable length in which the ingested food mixes with the pancreaticobiliary juices. While the long alimentary limb permits absorption of most nutrients, the short common limb primarily limits absorption of fats. The stomach may be bypassed in a variety of ways (i.e., either by resection or stapling along the horizontal or vertical axis). Unlike the traditional gastric bypass, which is essentially a gastric restrictive procedure, these very long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses combine gastric restriction with some element of malabsorptive procedure, depending on the location of the anastomoses. NOTE: Coverage of long limb Roux-en-Y procedures is limited to 150 cm. Adjustable gastric banding (i.e., Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System) (CPT code 43770, 43771, 43772, 43773, 43774) Adjustable gastric banding involves placing a gastric band around the exterior of the stomach. The band is attached to a reservoir that is implanted subcutaneously in the rectus sheath. Injecting the reservoir with saline will alter the diameter of the gastric band; therefore, the rate- limiting stoma in the stomach can be progressively narrowed to induce greater weight loss, or expanded if complications develop. Because the stomach is not entered, the surgery and any revisions, if necessary, are relatively simple. Complications include slippage of the external band or band erosion through the gastric wall. Adjustable gastric banding has been widely used in Europe. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one such device for marketing in the United States, Lap-Band (BioEnterics, Carpentiera, CA). The labeled indications for this device are as follows: "The Lap-Band system is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 lbs or more over their estimated ideal weight according to the 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables (use the midpoint for medium frame). It is indicated for use only in severely obese adult patients who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives." Biliopancreatic Bypass with Duodenal Switch (43845) The duodenal switch procedure is essentially a variant of the biliopancreatic bypass. However, instead of performing a distal gastrectomy, a “sleeve” gastrectomy is performed along the vertical axis of the stomach, preserving the pylorus and initial segment of the duodenum, which is then anastomosed to a segment of the ileum, similar to the above procedure, to create the alimentary limb. Preservation of the pyloric sphincter is designed to be more physiologic. The sleeve gastrectomy decreases the volume of the stomach and also decreases the parietal cell mass, with the intent of decreasing the incidence of ulcers at the duodenoileal anastomosis. However, the basic principle of the procedure is similar to that of the biliopancreatic bypass (i.e., producing selective malabsorption by limiting the food digestion and absorption to a short common ileal segment). WHEN SERVICES ARE NOT COVERED: Surgery for clinically severe obesity is not covered when these services are excluded from the member’s contract benefits. Studies are needed to determine the long-term health outcomes of the following procedures, therefore the procedures listed below are considered investigational when performed for the treatment of clinically severe obesity: Biliopancreatic Bypass Procedure (i.e., the Scopinaro procedure) (CPT code 43847) Biliopancreatic bypass (BPB) procedure, developed and used extensively in Italy, was designed to address some of the drawbacks of the original intestinal bypass procedures that have been abandoned due to unacceptable metabolic complications. Many of the complications were thought to be related to bacterial overgrowth and toxin production in the blind, bypassed segment. In contrast, BPB consists of a subtotal gastrectomy and diversion of the biliopancreatic juices into the distal ileum by a long Roux-en-Y procedure. This procedure consists of the following components: <LI class=bulletedList-1>A distal gastrectomy functions to induce a temporary early satiety OR the dumping syndrome in the early postoperative period, both of which limit food intake <LI class=bulletedList-1>A 200-cm long “alimentary tract” consists of 200 cm of ileum connecting the stomach to a common distal segment <LI class=bulletedList-1>A 300- to 400-cm “biliary tract,” which connects the duodenum, jejunum, and remaining ileum to the common distal segment <LI class=bulletedList-1>A 50- to 100-cm “common tract,” where food from the alimentary tract mixes with biliopancreatic juices from the biliary tract. Food digestion and absorption, particularly of fats and starches, are therefore limited to this small segment of bowel (i.e., creating a selective malabsorption). The length of the common segment will influence the degree of malabsorption Because of the high incidence of cholelithiasis associated with the procedure, patients typically undergo an associated cholecystectomy. Many potential metabolic complications are related to biliopancreatic bypass, including most prominently iron deficiency anemia, protein malnutrition, hypocalcemia, and bone demineralization. Protein malnutrition may require treatment with total parenteral nutrition (TPN). In addition, there have been several case reports of liver failure resulting in death or liver transplant. Mini-Gastric Bypass (no specific CPT code) Recently, a variant of the gastric bypass, called the “mini-gastric bypass” has been popularized. Using a laparoscopic approach, the stomach is segmented, similar to a traditional gastric bypass, but instead of creating a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, the jejunum is anastomosed directly to the stomach, similar to a Billroth II procedure. This unique aspect of this procedure is not based on its laparoscopic approach, but rather the type of anastomosis used. NOTE: CPT code 43846 does not accurately describe the mini-gastric bypass, since this CPT code explicitly describes a Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy, which is not used in the mini-gastric bypass. The following procedures reported as gastric bypass or gastroplasty are also considered investigational due to the lack of clinical studies to support effects on health outcomes: <LI class=bulletedList-1>jejunoileal bypass <LI class=bulletedList-1>gastric wrapping Garren-Edwards gastric bubble. BILLING/CODING INFORMATION: CPT Coding: 43644 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy (Roux limb 150 cm or less) 43645 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and small intestine reconstruction to limit absorption (investigational) 43770 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band (gastric band and subcutaneous port components) 43771 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; revision of adjustable gastric band component only 43772 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric band component only 43773 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal and replacement of adjustable gastric band component only 43774 Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components 43842 Gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; vertical-banded gastroplasty 43843 Gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; other than vertical-banded gastroplasty (investigational) 43845 Gastric restrictive procedure with partial gastrectomy, pylorus-preserving duodenoileostomy and ileoileostomy (50 to 100 cm common channel) to limit absorption (biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) 43846 Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity; with short limb (150 cm or less) Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy (may be done laparoscopically) 43847 Gastric restrictive procedure, with gastric bypass for morbid obesity; with small intestine reconstruction to limit absorption (may be done laparoscopically) There is no specific CPT or HCPCS code to report mini gastric bypass. A laparoscopic approach is used with the mini-gastric bypass. The stomach is segmented similar to a traditional gastric bypass; the jejunum is anastomosed directly to the stomach, similar to a Billroth II procedure. The mini gastric bypass is not based on its laparoscopic approach, but rather the type of anastomosis used. HCPCS Coding S2083 Adjustment of gastric band diameter via subcutaneous port by injection or aspiration of saline ICD-9 Diagnoses Codes That Support Medical Necessity: 278.01 Morbid obesity REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION: Bariatric surgical procedures are limited to individuals 18 years and older and are reimbursed based on the procedure performed and not the surgical technique used (e.g., microsurgical, laser, laparoscopic). PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS: Federal Employee Program (FEP): Follow FEP guidelines. State Account Organization (SAO): Follow SAO guidelines. DEFINITIONS: Biliopancreatic bypass: gastric restriction rerouting bile and pancreatic juice to the distal ileum. Garren-Edwards gastric bubble: a free-floating intragastric device made of elastomeric plastic is placed in the stomach via a gastroscope, used for reducing stomach capacity. Gastric wrapping: the stomach is folded over on itself and a full stomach wrap, i.e. polypropylene mesh, is applied to limit gastric volume. Gastric banding: a synthetic band rather than staples is used to divide the stomach into a small upper pouch and a lower portion). Gastric bubble: see definition of Garren-Edwards gastric bubble. Jejunoileal bypass: shunts food from the jejunum into the ileum, bypassing the small intestine. Morbid obesity: defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or greater. Satiety: the quality or state of being fed or gratified to or beyond capacity. RELATED GUIDELINES: Gastric Bypass Revision, 02-40000-11 OTHER: Other index terms for gastric surgery: Adjustable gastric banding Bariatric surgery Gastric bypass surgery Lap-Band System Mini gastric bypass Billroth II Long limb gastric bypass Roux-en-Y Scopinaro Vertical banding REFERENCES: <LI value=1>All-plan survey (Blue Cross Blue Shield plans) <LI value=2>American Academy of Medicine CPT Coding (current edition) <LI value=3>Blue Cross Blue Shield Association TEC Evaluation (12/88), 2003 <LI value=4>Blue Cross Blue Shield Association TEC Special Report: The relationship between weight loss and changes in morbidity following bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. BCBSA TEC Assessment Program, 2003; 18:1-25 <LI value=5>Blue Cross Blue Shield Association-Surgery for Morbid Obesity (7.01.47), 12/14/05 <LI value=6>DeMaria, E J, Sugerman, H J, Meador, J G, et al. High Failure Rate After Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding for Treatment of Morbid Obesity. Annals of Surgery 2001:233:809-818 <LI value=7>First Coast Service Options (FCSO) Medical Policy - surgical Management of Morbid Obesity, LCD #L14600 (01/01/06) <LI value=8>Guidance for Treatment of Adult Obesity, American Obesity Assoc., 1998 <LI value=9>Hayes Medical Technology Directory - Laproscopic Bariatric Surgery - us.lapa0008.2005 (11/03; Update report 12/05) <LI value=10>Hayes Medical Technology Directory - Obesity Management, Surgical Approaches OBES0802.03 (10/99; updated 07/27/02; updated 04/04/03) <LI value=11>InterQual Care Planning Criteria: General Surgery; Weight Loss Surgery GS-23 (2003) <LI value=12>National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity Statement (March 25-27, 1991) <LI value=13>Rutledge MD, Robert. “The Mini-Gastric Bypass: Experience with the First 1,274 Cases”; Obesity Surgery 2001; 11:276-280 <LI value=14>St. Anthony’s ICD-9-CM code book (current edition) U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) Talk Paper, FDA Approves Implanted Stomach Band To Treat Severe Obesity, T01-26, 06/05/01 COMMITTEE APPROVAL: This Medical Coverage Guideline (MCG) was approved by the BCBSF Medical Policy & Coverage Committee on 04/27/06. GUIDELINE UPDATE INFORMATION: 10/15/99 Medical Coverage Guideline developed. 09/15/01 Various revisions. 01/01/02 Coding changes. 10/15/02 Annual review. Added Roux-enY anastomosis or vertical-banded as covered services. Added biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch and very long limb gastric bypass procedure (e.g., greater than 100 cm) as non-covered services. 05/15/03 Revised to clarify coding of the various procedures; criteria revised and is consistent with Inter-Qual criteria. 09/15/03 Coverage criteria for psychological testing/counseling revised. 10/15/03 Reversed investigational status for CPT code 43847 and provided coverage criteria for long-limb Roux-en-Y procedures up to 150 cm. 01/01/04 Annual HCPCS coding update. 04/01/04 2nd Quarter HCPCS coding update; added S2082 and S2083. 07/15/04 Scheduled review; no changes. 01/01/05 HCPCS coding update. Added 43644, 43645, 43845, S2082, and S2083. Revised descriptor for 43846, and deleted S2085. 05/15/05 Unscheduled review of the non-covered statement for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band); coverage statement unchanged. 01/01/06 Annual HCPCS coding update (added 43770-43774; deleted S2082). 04/15/06 Scheduled review; removed investigational statement for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch; updated coding, index terms, and references. 05/15/06 Scheduled review; removed investigational statement for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch; updated coding, index terms, and references; added age limitation of 18 years and older. Private Property of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. This medical coverage guideline is Copyright 2006, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF). All Rights Reserved. You may not copy or use this document or disclose its contents without the express written permission of BCBSF. The medical codes referenced in this document may be proprietary and owned by others. BCBSF makes no claim of ownership of such codes. Our use of such codes in this document is for explanation and guidance and should not be construed as a license for their use by you. Before utilizing the codes, please be sure that to the extent required, you have secured any appropriate licenses for such use. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is copyright 2006 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. No fee schedules, basic units, relative values, or related listings are included in CPT. The AMA assumes no liability for the data contained herein. Applicable FARS/DFARS restrictions apply to government use. CPT® is a trademark of the American Medical Association.

At a seminar just Tuesday 1-9-07 the insurance guru said BC?BS is starting to cover lapband here. That is the Kansas/Missouri area. A lot more important is the contract the employer has FOR the insurance. But from my understanding...as long as the contract DOESNT have an exclusion for weightloss surgery you can always appeal a denial. DONT GIVE UP!

I believe most of us had a love/hate relationship with food prior to being banded. While we loved the food, we hated the fact that we obviously did not have a control over it that "others" did. And it led us to feelings of inadequacy. Banding, does allow you to focus on the other aspects of life, that before seemed to center around the food. At family get togethers, you get to spend more time with family as opposed to food! I say that as a joke, when I am eating with others, I seldom seriously notice a difference. I EAT the food I have differently, not to mention the TYPE of food I have. I will order the best steak on the menu, in the smallest size. There is no question---it WILL be enough. I enjoy the tastes and textures more---and pay more attention to what the actual food itself tastes like, not just the preparation method. Because when you have to fully CHEW something, you get to taste the food, not the breading, or the sauces it was cooked in, but the food itself. So you want it to be good! I take a bite, a small bite, and begin eating, I chew longer than I ever used to, I sit my fork down between bites. I do not even put the next bite on my fork until the first bite is swallowed. When you start doing that you notice how others shovel it in----just like we used to! I pay very close attention to my speed. And in the end, we are all finishing up at about the same time. The difference is, they are finishing because their plates are empty, and I am finishing, because I am full. I will take probably 3/4 of my meal home if not more. I thought like you did that would bother me, but instead, it has changed the love/hate relationship---to one I just love! I love my food still! I do, like I say really enjoy the different textures. Who knew a good steak could have almost a creamy texture as you eat it!!! Or a nice juicy shrimp---it may take 4-5 bites to finish that shrimp instead of just popping it in whole---but it tastes fantastic! You learn to appreciate the food itself. And when you are full, you know you have ate a good healthy meal, you have not overate, you have fed your body----not your emotions. There is never the disgust with yourself after a HUGE meal. There were times in the beginning, I missed the eating without thinking. Not worrying if it was good for me, or good with the band---but it becomes second nature, just as gorging ourselves did. Only now it is good habits I am developing---not the ones that were killing me. It is a different life---but a much better one in my opinion---I don't miss my old habits. Kat

I have a surgery date for July 28th. Documentation was submitted to insurance company ( Anthem BC/BS ) on June 26th. Doctors office said we should here by this week. Does anyone else have Anthem, and how long did it take to get approval? Very anxious! Whole process was fairly quick. Consult 5/14/08, completed all required testing, Pre-op appointment 6/26/08 with submission of documentation to insurance. Liquid diet starts 7/14/08.:thumbup:

Oh my god 😬 I just got my cycle two days ago it was super heavy but it's slowing down, I usually only have 4-5 day cycle. I also need to get on bc asap!

Stacie, I'm so sorry you are having to endure a leak. I had one as well, and it was a very long road to a full recovery, BUT, I can tell you once you get passed these speed bumps, life with the sleeve is awesome. I had a leak 2 days post-op my band to sleeve revision. I had leak repair surgery, where they sutured the leaked area with heavy sutures. My lungs would not recover after the 2nd surgery so I landed in ICU on a ventilator, in a medically induced coma for 5 days with a grave prognosis for survival. Once my vitals stabilized I was woken up, and then released a couple of days later with a central line in my arm and force fed 1800 calories a day through a TPN bag and sent home with drains and an in-home health care nurse. I was only 32 at the time, with an 11 year old son, and my husband was deployed to Afghanistan and was not allowed to come home. I completely empathize with you, but what got me through all of the trials of the complications, was my sheer determination to recover and beat the odds. My mother drove to FL from TX to get my son. I was alone for over 3 weeks and not able to eat or drink anything for 22 days. Nothing passed my lips from June 2 to the 25th with the exception of 2oz of contrast Fluid used for the leak tests. I won't deny being scared, and wondering what the heck was I thinking, but I have zero regrets because I survived, and learned about myself, and my strength to endure pure hell. I know it's not everyone's mentality, but I honestly believe that a positive attitude will help you overcome these obstacles through your journey. I was hospitalized for a week, 6 weeks post-op for abscesses in my abdomen and pelvic cavity. I was dehydrated, and once again came home with drains in my abdomen for a 2-3 weeks. But, I am stronger because of it. It's been researched, and documented that positive mental status will help you recover. You can and will "WIN" if you want to. You can and will "RECOVER" if you can will yourself to believe it. That's the only thing that got me through my recovery. I had to resign from my job, and now can not find another one. My husband went through severe emotional distress due to my condition/complications while being in a war zone. BUT, here I am almost 8 months out, and firmly believe that I endured all of it, and I've won. I'm healthy, happy, and my life is full of joy because of the trials and tribulations I endured, I cherish every day more than the last. If you need to talk, vent, or cry, please feel free to contact me via Private Message feature here.

I'll be 10 weeks post surgery on Monday. I'm unsure if the actual pounds lost to date as I shunned my scale, but I'm at least 2 sizes down on all of my clothes so I know I'm losing. I've never exercised "formally" in my life as I abhor it. But...I know that in order to maximize my weight loss and be as healthy as possible, I MUST start. I face several challenges in making time to exercise. First off, I have three small children; 2 in preschool, one in grade school. All three have homework which means Mommy & Daddy have homework! Secondly, I commute about an hour and 20 minutes one way to work every day. I literally live on one side of town and work on the other side, and work 8:30-5. Lastly, walking (the supposedly best way to ease into exercising) is off limits bc I have a completely torn ACL in my left knee. Physical therapist said no exercising that involves me picking up and putting down my foot!! I'm not really in a financial position right now to join a gym, and I can't see having the time to go anyway. I have a wonderful husband who does more than his share but our daily lives are jammed full from start to finish, and we already don't get enough sleep!! Help!!

I just don't allow myself to eat anything high cal or carbs, I think it's very important to keep yourself away from the bad food that could become your slider. My personal belief is I put my body threw major surgery and had a huge part removed, why do all that if I go back to my old ways. This is just how I believe. I understand not everyone thinks that way but it's working for me. Iv lost a total of 80 lbs 70 since sleeved oct 9 th, my way of thinking had paid off for me. So at 11 days post op plz don't be even wondering ab sliders bc it might be your down fall a few months out

I didn't have a drain and I don't have anymore swelling. I really think it just depends on your body. As far as generalized swelling, I didn't have much of that bc my procedure was done outpatient and I didn't get pumped full of Fluid during a hospital stay (make sense). My bellybutton site is the only one that was sore- that's where they actually removed my stomach from-- so it's the site with the most activity and most stretching - that may be why your belly button site hurts worse too.

So I'm two and a half weeks post op and I'm on my soft foods puréed stage but I still don't know what it feels like to be full "/ I think bc I'm too scared and just don't wanna risk it so I stop and think I'm full... How did you know if you were full?

For me it was about being as normal as possible. I never had mood swings. One thing that you can do that was a huge help to me was just understanding that life is different in some ways. Sometimes in the beginning, we overthink, and over-complicate things...just be patient. If we were out and about, I would carry a cooler pack that had food and drink options for me in case we were in a position that we were out and I needed to push protein or felt hungry. (They told me I wouldn't feel hunger. I call BS on this, I have felt hunger since 2 weeks out.) Let your partner guide the recovery. Just being supportive may be all it amounts too. I never had a breakdown over food or anything. Just prepare yourself for the life that is going to be coming. In less than a year, I have changed from bump on a log status to go go go go go. It's a wild, amazing ride. Try to enjoy it together,

I did not exercise yesterday but! I ran to my sisters house, got 3 kids ready for school, Walked them to school Went to the bank and grocery store Ran back to the school Ran back home to sisters (who's in the hospital) to drop off the food, Ran back to the school to pick up DD Ran back home Did laundry and fed dd Ran to the school to get rest of kids Ran to the hospital Got home at 8 pm POOPED !!! Today is REPEAT !!! except no school

It can happen. Make sure you are using BC until your body settles down. Enjoy the ride.

So i have Florida blue bc/bs. Found out they DO NOT cover wls unless the doctor sends pprwrk saying its medically necessary along with proof and THEN they will review and decide. I asked if there were any other requirements and they said no. Ive already started the prerequisite appointments and have appointments scheduled into December 2016. What do i do? I don't want to go through all of this, just to be denied the actual surgery! My first appointment with nutrition is December 15th, then sleep study December 22nd! Should i talk to the surgeon? What proof are they wanting other than previous attempts at weight loss? Comorbidities? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@BIGBRAND0105 _ have BCBS fed employees and they did answer relatively quickly! keeping my fingers crossed that you are 'good to go' soon!

Don't lose hope. With a BMI of 48, they cannot reasonably state it is not a medical necessity. Perhaps there's an error in the records your doctor sent...like they recorded the weight wrong. Rather than call the doctor, I'd call BC and ask them how they can justify it as not 'medically necessary' because the doctors will only be able to tell you what the insurance told them. Go to the source. .

I know I'm struggling Its never been this hard to loose 10 lbs in my life. I'm 3 month in and I have only lost maybe 7 lbs bc the first month i gained bc I gave up pop cold turkey. I would drink about 2 2liters a day. But its finally time to get really seriouse. BTW How did you guys put your picture in your profile?

Yep, I agree with everyone else - sounds like migraine to me too. The best OTC med I've used for them is Exedrin Migraine - here's the problem, Exedrin is part of the ANCID group of medications which lap bandsters are supposed to avoid. They're hard on the stomach and so are hard on your esophagus and the band. My doctor said taking these meds OCCASIONALLY is OK, you just have to watch how frequently they're used. When I feel a migraine coming on, if I take the Exedrin Migraine quickly enough I can avoid the headache or (more often) extremely suppress it so it isn't as painful or doesn't last as long. With a bad headache, I too have to retreat to a darkened room and lie PERFECTLY still, sometimes for as much as 12 - 24 hours. And then, as if it wasn't bad enough to lose one day to a migraine, I get what I call a 'phantom or shadow headache' the next day. It's not really a headache, but my head doesn't feel quite right, almost like a hangover, but not. I know - how vague and unhelpful can I be here? Sorry. I'm not sure of the chemical make-up of BC powder so I'm not sure if it's an ANCID or not, but you should find out before you start using it. I HAVE heard from several people that BC Powder works well for migraines, but they also say you have to be careful when you take it or you can inhale a bit of the powder as you pour it on your tongue. It makes you cough like crazy and gives you a scratchy throat when it happens. Just a heads-up on taking BCP. Sorry you're having headaches - migraine or not. You really should see a doctor just to be sure there isn't something else going on there.

that sounds like the guidelines of Kaiser through feds... it sucks but I didnt get approved because it was not two years and I didnt have 2 comorbidities... issurances are evil

Absolutely NOT, glad to hear all the success stories keep up good work, but there is no way I would do this to myself nor my family if I had it to do again. Ok I am 41 3kids and married. 5'4 286# was my highest weight had surgery july 24th tired all the time, cant sleep except flat on my bk. Living in fear what to eat what to drink, worry more about food than I ever have, gas only have 1bm a week. Scared to enjoy myself outside bc leaks n infections, scared to be intimate with spouse besides no sdrive. Skin dry had to go to er heart problems never had heart problems before. No if loosing weight was going to make me miserable and suck all enjoyment out of living. I would rather be fat and happy. N yes I was happy. I had the surgery bc I wanted to be healthy an enjoy life more. All I had was migraines, guess what I still do. Plus heart issues only since surgery. Each person has their on opinion, this is just mine. My mother was considering it I said no. I will walk with her cook for her, join gym with her just plz no. so yes I have lost 40# but there is no other up side for me. So be sure to consider all options and whatever your choice is it is the rest of your life.. Good luck.

i wil have to agree…..not drinking while eating is the hardest part of this whole journey. i guess it's because i really don't understand what the big deal about it is. i just had my sleeve done 3/10. i don't think i'm getting enough Water bc scales really aren't moving so much. i am certainly not eating too much. i don't know what the deal is. any advice?