Search the Community

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top> <TABLE class=tborder id=post808534 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_808534 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d9d9d9 1px solid">Believe it or not I rushed into this <HR style="COLOR: #d9d9d9; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d9d9d9" SIZE=1>It's taken me almost a year and a half of work but it's over at least. This...meaning insurance approval with Cigna. I was Denied because I was shy a 40 BMI by 10 -12 pounds when I submitted everything they were looking for I jumped thru every hoop and paid out every last cent to docs. etc. but I should have know (and not listen to people on this site that said Cigna does cover with no co mobidities - NOT TRUE) they clearly state that they do not cover those under a 40 BMI unless you have grave illness that don't respond to meds.. Not only that but they will not approve any claim even related to this one in the future. Meaning if I gain 10 pounds in the next year.even if I maintain that for a year and..easy to do at my age...they won't even consider it. My fear is of dying of a heart attack like my twin sister did of obesity last year. My chest is so huge it strangles me at night and causes sleep apnea that doesn't appear on the "test" ...another few hundred bucks there. My warning to those seeking insurance approval with CIGNA....if you're not starting out with a 40 BMI save your money until you are or get a loan unless you can clearly prove a comobidity. __________________ financing </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tcat style="MARGIN-TOP: 3px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center width=7></TD><TD class=tcat vAlign=center width="100%">food and Nutrition</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=82> Cooking, Baking and Recipes</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=81> Fitness & Exercise</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=11> Doctors and Hospitals</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=20> Fill Doctors</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjsel value=8 selected> Insurance & Financing</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=12> Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth0 value=122>Lap Band Support Groups</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=15> General Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=74> Lap Band Support Groups</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=21> USA Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=22> Alabama Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=23> Alaska Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=24> Arizona Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=25> Arkansas Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=26> California Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=27> Colorado Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=28> Connecticut Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=29> Delaware Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=30> Florida Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=31> Georgia Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=32> Hawaii Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=33> Idaho Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=34> Illinois Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=35> Indiana Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=36> Iowa Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=37> Kansas Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=38> Kentucky Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=39> Louisiana Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=40> Maine Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=41> Maryland Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=42> Massachusetts Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=43> Michigan Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=44> Minnesota Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=45> Mississippi Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=46> Missouri Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=47> Montana Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=48> Nebraska Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=49> Nevada Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=50> New Hampshire Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=51> New Jersey Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=52> New Mexico Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=53> New York Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=54> North Carolina Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=55> North Dakota Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=56> Ohio Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=57> Oklahoma Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=58> Oregon Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=59> Pennsylvania Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=60> Rhode Island Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=61> South Carolina Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=62> South Dakota Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=63> Tennessee Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=64> Texas Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=65> Utah Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=66> Vermont Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=67> Virginia Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=68> Washington Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=69> West Virginia Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=70> Wisconsin Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=71> Wyoming Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=87> District of Columbia Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=76> Canada Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=75> Australia Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=85> United Kingdom Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=194> Ireland Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=77> Elsewhere Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=96> Monthly Lap Band Support Groups</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=141> 2005 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=145> January 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=146> February 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=147> March 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=148> April 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=149> May 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=150> June 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=151> July 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=152> August 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=153> September 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=154> October 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=155> November 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=156> December 05 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=133> 2006 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=142> January 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=143> February 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=144> March 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=111> April 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=108> May 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=101> June 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=102> July 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=103> August 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=104> September 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=105> October 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=106> November 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=107> December 06 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=135> 2007 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=88> January 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=89> February 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=90> March 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=91> April 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=92> May 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=93> June 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=94> July 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=95> August 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=97> September 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=98> October 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=99> November 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=100> December 07 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=136> 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=112> January 08 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=113> February 08 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=114> March 08 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=179> April 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=180> May 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=181> June 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=182> July 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=183> August 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=184> September 2008 Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=115> Age Specific Lap Band Support Groups (NEW!)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=116> Teens</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=117> Twenties</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=118> Thirties</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=119> Forties</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=120> Fifties</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=121> Sixties</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=123> Seventies+</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=124> Weight Specific Lap Band Support Groups (NEW!)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=125> 200 Lbs+</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=126> 100 Lbs+</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=127> 50 Lbs+</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=128> 25 Lbs+</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=129> Under 25 Lbs</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=109> Life At (or Near) Goal Weight</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=137> Slow Losers Unite</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=138> Steady Losers Unite</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=139> BMI over 50</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=140> Low BMI Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=131> Pregnancy with the Lap Band (NEW!)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=132> 12 step support groups (NEW!)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=78> Lap Band Complications</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=79> Life After Lap Band Removal</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=110> The Men's Room</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=157> Special Interest Lap Band Support Groups (NEW!)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=167> Diabetic Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=175> PCOS Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=158> Religious Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=162> Christian Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=163> Jewish Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=165> Other Religions Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=159> Single Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=161> Biker Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=160> Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Bandsters</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth0 value=207>Lap Band Talk Magazine (NEW!)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=195> Lap Band Talk Magazine</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=197> Lap Band Support</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=196> General Lap Band Surgery</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=201> Lap Band Success Stories</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=198> Fitness & Exercise</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=199> Food and Nutrition</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=200> Lap Band Doctors and Hospitals</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=202> Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=203> Lap Band Complications</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=204> Lap Band Insurance & Financing</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=205> Lap Band Fills</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=233> Lap Band Radio Show & Podcasts</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=235> "The New You" Radio Show</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth3 value=234> Weight Loss Podcast Network</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth0 value=3>Lap Band Talk Community Center</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=236> Lap Band Chat Rooms</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=208> LapBandTalk Social Groups (NEW)</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=7> Lap Band Talk Lounge</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=80> LBT Rants and Raves *** Off-Topic DEBATE AREA ***</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=5> LBT Forum Suggestions, Feedback & Questions</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=86> Lap Band in the News</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth1 value=169> Links to Sponsor Websites</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=186> Fill Centers USA</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=185> The Bariatric Group</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=189> Dr. Matthew Schulman BCPS</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=176> MyLapBandSurgery.com</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=171> NewHope Bariatrics</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=172> Dr. Guillermo Alvarez</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=174> Personalized Lap Band Care</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=170> Mexicali Bariatric Center</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=177> UCSD Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=173> Dr. Roberto Rumbaut</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=187> Lap Band Solutions</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=230> Lap Band Surgery Houston</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=231> Lap Band Surgery Dallas</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=190> The Bariatric Group - Mexico</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=232> Lap Band International</OPTION> <OPTION class=fjdpth2 value=237> Lap Band for Life</OPTION> </OPTGROUP></SELECT><INPUT class=button type=submit value=Go> </FORM> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><THEAD><TR><TD class=tcat width="100%" colSpan=5> Similar Threads </TD></TR></THEAD><TBODY id=collapseobj_similarthreads><TR class=thead align=middle><TD class=thead width="40%">Thread</TD><TD class=thead noWrap width="15%">Thread Starter</TD><TD class=thead width="20%">Forum</TD><TD class=thead width="5%">Replies</TD><TD class=thead width="20%">Last Post</TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1 align=left>I've rushed through the mushie phase </TD><TD class=alt2 noWrap>healthyagain</TD><TD class=alt1 noWrap>PRE-Operation Lap Band Surgery Questions & Answers</TD><TD class=alt2 align=middle>7</TD><TD class=alt1 align=right>02-07-2008 12:53 PM</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </TD><STYLE type=text/css> <!--.style1000 {font-size: 14px}--> </STYLE><TD vAlign=top width=188><TABLE style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.lapbandtalk.com/v3/misc/gtcat.gif); MARGIN-LEFT: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=188 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center width=7></TD><TD vAlign=center width="100%">Members Area <TD vAlign=center align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tborder style="MARGIN-LEFT: 7px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width=188 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt1 width="100%">Welcome, Sooverit!. You last visited: Yesterday at 05:43 AM Private Messages: Unread 1, Total 113. Chat Rooms New Posts Messages Calendar Edit Profile Edit Options Invite a Friend Unanswered Posts Subscribed Thread Logout </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.lapbandtalk.com/v3/misc/gtcat.gif); MARGIN-LEFT: 7px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=188 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center width=7></TD><TD vAlign=center width="100%">LapBandTalk Sponsors</TD><TD vAlign=center align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tborder style="MARGIN-LEFT: 7px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width=188 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt1 width="100%"> Please support LBT by visiting our sponsors websites: <SCRIPT src="http://www.lapbandtalk.com/advertise/adpeeps.php?bfunction=showad&uid=100000&bmode=off&gpos=center&bzone=Right_banners_every_page&bsize=all&btype=3&bpos=default&ver=2.0&btotal=7&btarget=_blank&bborder=0" type=text/javascript> </SCRIPT><SCRIPT type=text/javascript> google_ad_client = "pub-3485778159918730"; /* Right Side LBT, 120x240, created 2/20/08 */ google_ad_slot = "9226286092"; google_ad_width = 120; google_ad_height = 240; </SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript> </SCRIPT> <IFRAME name=google_ads_frame marginWidth=0 marginHeight=0 src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-3485778159918730&dt=1208611945312&lmt=1208611945&prev_slotnames=2762194207&output=html&slotname=9226286092&correlator=1208611942734&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lapbandtalk.com%2Ff8%2Fbelieve-not-i-rushed-into-59330%2F%23post808534&frm=0&cc=100&ga_vid=1670784481.1179822002&ga_sid=1208611290&ga_hid=1280472509&ga_fc=true&flash=9.0.47.0&u_h=768&u_w=1024&u_ah=734&u_aw=1024&u_cd=32&u_tz=-240&u_his=28&u_java=true" frameBorder=0 width=120 scrolling=no height=240 allowTransparency></IFRAME><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TD style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://www.lapbandtalk.com/v3/misc/right.gif)" vAlign=top width=8></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

You'll have to contact your insurance company to answer your specific plan coverage. They vary widely. Otherwise, all the advice above is correct. Most bariatric programs will have a qualified dietician to help you with your supervised weight loss plan. Good luck!!

It's amazing how a good office staff can make or break a practice. When I first started exploring getting my lap band out, I went to the closest bariatric office, three hours away, I liked the surgeon and his PA, but the office staff was a DISASTER. You could never get hold of anyone on the phone, and they gave me a lot of incorrect info about Medicare benefits. So I started seeing the next closest surgeon, 5 hours away. The difference was like night and day! The office always answers your questions, and if they can't, they get you an answer the same day. There are a lot of good surgeons out there, so if the office staff is bad "shop around" if there are other options where you live.

I agree with most of you alls points & I think sadly a lot of people get on here & look for answers instead of contacting their doctor. There are credible sources that say the body does what they termed "hibernation mode" about 3 weeks into the post surgical phase. It's around this time your body is like what happened? And it needs to convert some stores to readily available energy. I think many forget we didn't wake up obese one day so we aren't going to wake up thin. That surgery is just a tool, that diet, exercise & other lifestyle changes must accompany it. And the biggest is moving everyday & owning what we put into our bodies. How can your nutritionist help you if you can't actually tell them what your eating? Plus it helps keep you honest. And yes every program has its own set of rules. Carbs are ok, carbs are not ok. Protein shakes are a good source of protein but you can only have them for so long... Read the materials your program gave you, in need be reread them & call for clarification. We all went thru major changes & have changed a lot of things to get this surgery. We need to remember most mainstream advice doesn't apply to us anymore, and your Bariatric center is your friend. If you have moved since getting your surgery find one locally & see if they can help you out when questions arise. I just want us to all succeed & not fall back on half truths to make something we have learned is not acceptable with our new life acceptable(like eat more lose more). There are times when we are just not feeding our body enough & it will metabolize muscle & not fat so adjustments need to be made. But again your nutritionist & your doctor will know what that magical calorie number is for you based on you & not someone else. Ok off my soapbox ????

I don't know anything about the open surgery. However, bariatric advantage makes a preop vitamin. I had to take that and calcium before surgery.

hello, I had my surgery 19 months ago (to the day actually), and yes I am a slow loser, but am not going up and do continue to lose, albeit slowly, I have lost about 42lbs since surgery and have gone from a BMI of 47 down to 41. and here is my question: I hardly ever drink booze, I maybe imbibe once or twice a year and try to take very good care of my stomach. but thursday night was one of those nights where I decided to break that personal rule.In addition I did everything else that is ill advised if you want to reduce your chances of feeling like death in the am. I had not eaten anything since about 6:30=empty pouch. I did not drink Water in between drinks. Then from the hours of about midnight to 4am I drank 5 nips of 70 proof vodka with punch, 1 nip of whiskey with cola and a hard cider (my friend works at a liquor store and gets free stuff), I proceeded to go to sleep at about 4am, still with nothing in my tummy and the spins.I ruffled around in my purse to try and find some of my zantac or pepcid but I had forgotten it. Large mistake. I woke up at 11am and when I sat up almost instantly puked. It was black, and granular. I puked like this 2 or 3 more times over the next hour. On the way home my friend stopped and got me a gatorade, I took one sip, and about 15 minutes later that came up too, it was gatorade with little black flecks in it. That was the last time I puked. My friend said I was fine, and that what I was seeing was the cola from last night, Except I has only had about 6-8 ounces of cola, but that was 7 hours previous. I have a history of ulcers and bleeding in my family (my dad had his first bleed when he was 18, bled in the same spot when he was 43, 50, and 55). And almost died once. I overuse nsaids, although since surgery I take about half the amount that I used to and try to take them with zantac or pepcid b/c my bariatric doc said that's ok. I had an endoscopy about 8 month before my LAGB surgery and it showed mild erosion in the antral area of my stomach. I do have GERD but refuse to take PPI's regularly (I am against them for several reasons) and use zantac and pecid as needed, and was told this was ok by my doc Problem is, I hate the doc and the hospital, and I am a very anxious person especially when it comes to this because I watched what my dad went through, which means I can over-react a bit. I have felt a little woozy and like butterflies in my stomach, but that could just be anxiety, because I'm thinking of what ifs. & My BP runs very low anyway .I guess my main question is, Would I have thrown up cola 7 hours after drinking it? is that even possible? one would think it would be way past my pouch by that point, but is that even possible? I am posting here because I really don't want to go running to the doc unless absolutely necessary. (I once peed pink like 10 years ago and freaked went to the ER, and then realized I had eaten beets lol). AM I over reacting about my black/dark dark brown, somewhat granular vomit? Could it be anything else than blood? Please help tell me what I should do..thanks! P.S. Sry for the long post, I tend to be quite wordy :-)

I was sleeved on 11/15/10 by Dr. Schrapps @ Christus Bariatric Center in Beaumont, TX. My pre-op tests include psych eval, EKG, lab work and chest x-ray. That was it. Good luck to you.

There is no need to feel any shame what-so-ever about having this procedure. For what ever reason, diets did not work. Period. This surgery allows you to get your life back. It's a difficult decision to make, and you should be proud for doing so. It took a lot of guts (no pun intended). The sleeve allows you to have a normal life after it is healed. You can eat almost everything you had before, but in smaller amounts. You won't be bitter about having smaller amounts, because you will feel full. It will get better each month, and you will not gain the weight back, as long as you don't abuse the tool by eating high calorie carbohydrates. If you stumble, no need to worry, you just start eating right again, and the weight will still come off. This is the best and safest bariatric surgery. Stop the pitty party and begin enjoying your new life. You will be thin!!

That is so awesome about your Hep C! I have a friend here in OKC who had Hep C, but none of the drugs worked to cure her. She ended up with a liver transplant last year, and this year started the latest treatment out, and 4 months later was cleared of all Hep C! Hang in there till Thursday, I bet your bariatric counselor will have a ton of news for you then

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum as well. I started my journey back in July 2015. I had my sleep study completed and then I had to register for a weight management class which is required by my insurance which is Kaiser. I had to wait until November to take the class because they fill up fast. The class lasted eight weeks and after the class I attended the orientation on January 27. My next step was to have an hour-long appointment with the nutritionist and social worker. I completed that on April 20 and also had my blood drawn the same day. Now I'm just waiting for the bariatric team to review my chart on May 4 and then call me to schedule a consultation with the surgeon. The process is so long but it is definitely well worth it. I'm so excited to get the call for my next step. I am so glad that I found this forum and glad that I have all of you for support. I would love to hear how your journeys are going and any advice that you have. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

your pouch probably has not stretched. try doing the pouch reset Plan. the first day drink a Protein shake for breakfast snack lunch snack dinner and snack on the second day have a shake for breakfast one for snack one for lunch and then do not eat until about 6pm cook a 8 oz chicken breast and eat it slowly. when you start to feel full measure what is left. that will tell you what your pouch is holding. should be about 6 oz. good luck the plan is on the Bariatric Eating.com site along with two different plans to get rid of the regain.

I have a good friend that does approvals for BC/BS. While they are not my insurance carrier, it was interesting to see the process from her perspective. She said that she rarely if ever denies bariatric surgery if the BMI is over 35. The rest of the hoops you jump through are just a formality. My surgeons office knew exactly what I needed to do and how to submit each part of the requirements. I needed a letter from my primary doc stating she had supervised my diet and exercise for at least 6 mos. They didn't require a log or any notes. There was no minimum weight to be lost prior to surgery either. Your surgeon's office should be your best resource.

I have to agree with Kate. One co-morbidity you can claim is weight related joint pain. When you pass a certain point, your ankles, knees, and possibly hips hurt on a day to day basis. It was true for my case. It can be true for your case. Just document it with your PCP and bariatric surgeon's coordinator. Another is hypertension. I've never met someone with a BMI of greater than 35 that did not have some form of hypertension. The great thing about hypertension is that although it is a *spectrum* (you can have kinda high, high, very high, dangerous, etc) on most doctor forms, it is stochastic: you either have it or don't have it. If you take something like hydrochlorothiazide, then ipsofacto, you have hypertension. Perhaps it would be appropriate to talk to your PCP about getting you on a "baby dosage" of hydrochlorothiazide? I had slightly elevated heart rate and my doctor prescribed 12.5mg/day, considered a "baby dose". For me, there were no side effects at this level (the main side effect being having to pee a lot).

Hi Chris, first you should call Aetna Customer Service and tell them that you need to check your contract for bariatric surgery. Make sure you plan does not exclude this procedure. Also, ask your doctor's office to give you the CPT billing code for the surgery and double check with your insurance carrier on the rules associated to receive approval for this code. Aetna tends to be one of the insurance carriers that requires you to jump through alot of hoops to get approved so be prepared. That's why we call it a journey. Visit your PCP and make sure he/she can document your weight progress over the past two years. Then document all your attempts at losing weight utilizing OTC pills, Jenny Craig, WW, etc. This should give you a good head start on your road to insurance approval. Good Luck!

I haven't experience this. Citrus fruit can be a trigger for GERD. I did an internet search and came up with this. http://www.njbariatricspc.com/weight-loss-surgery-articles/stomach-pain-after-bariatric-surgery/

Hello Everyone, I'm new here but I have a few questions..... First of all I go this Thurs for Blood Work and then I go the following Thursday( March 31st) for my nutrition class ( 8-10), then at 10:30 I have my one on one with the Bariatric Counselor and then I meet with the surgeon , I already know my Co-pay But will the surgeon be giving me a surgery date ?? Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using the BariatricPal App

There is an AMAZING group of Bariatric Surgical Specialist in Louisiana & Mississippi. They are SURGICAL SPECIALIST OF LOUISIANA & MISSISSIPPI, & their # (985)234-3000 for the office I use, & they can direct you to your closest location. They have a very informational website, www.whyweight.com. The dr I use is Dr. Rachel Moore & she is top-notch! After 19 years in Medical Field, I've experienced, seen & witnessed it all. I floated from ER, all ICU Units, OR & Trauma, & I know all about physician credentials, what flags to look for, etc. so, in short, THIS GROUP IS IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN! Take a few minutes & go check out their website I listed. BEST OF LUCK & GOD's SPEED

Anyone attend support group meetings held by you Bariatric Surgeon office? Mine is held the first Tuesday of every month. I went but I don't know if I'll be returning. First it's kind of far from my house about 40 minutes, second it's held at 6 PM. I loved hearing the success stories of veterans Sleevers, but I get that here on fb. Question and answers session was nice since the answers were relevant to my surgeon and his recommendations.

Hello and I am a college student who is looking to start working overseas in China or South Korea. I have been wanting to get gastric sleeve for about a year, and I have medical assistance that allows for me to have bariatric surgery. However I want to start working early 2017 and I want to do the surgery now but my insurance guidelines is for me to have weight loss program or nutrition counseling 6 months before the surgery. Is there a way where I can file an appeal to my insurance company and show proof that I will work next year abroad so can expedite the process for gastric sleeve surgery. Thank you so much for your input. Feel free to post anything.

Omg these taste so good but now I am worried. I am trying to get all my vitamins, etc ready before surgery and ordered a three month supply. The problem is these taste like candy and I am already craving them. I'm scared they will turn into a trigger food. Has anyone else had this problem?

The hair loss is something you can't really prevent. It occurs due to a process called telogen effluvium. Bariatric surgery shocks our systems, resulting in temporary trauma to the hair follicles. Basically, the hair follicles go dormant for a while and the hair sheds. The hair shedding due to telogen effluvium usually starts at 3 to 4 months post-op and stops before the 1-year mark. Some swear that biotin supplementation and Progaine shampoo works. However, the only proven treatment is time and healing.

Just checking in, really trying to stay consistent on the forums here seems to help me stay accountable. I am 22 months post op and was doing great at my lowest (although still not my goal), then i gained 10 lbs during a SUPER stressful two semesters of grad school and starting a new job, and switching that job from days to nights, and just life in general. Because I haven't seen my surgeon in about 9 months and didn't have the option to see my usual nutrition clinician (new insurance doesn't cover their services), I took the steps today to make an appointment with my surgeon in June AND called for a NUT appointment with the bariatric clinic in a nearby town that my insurance covers. I had every intention of starting a 5 day pouch test too, but having just accepted a huge promotion in my new job, my coworkers are giving me a big giant potluck tomorrow night and even though I'll eat healthy, i didn't want to stand there with a shake and turn my nose up at their efforts. So, 5 day pouch reset starting sunday night... I would love any input as far as pouch test success, getting back on track, etc. I currently have 10 lbs to get back to my lowest, and about 25 to my goal!! I CAN DO THIS.

It will take time for your emotional relationship with food to change. And the more effort you put into changing your lifestyle from " food centered" to " health centered" and all the things you can do to support that, the better off you'll be! I've found that pre planning my menus and looking for healthy versions on the bariatric food blogs has turned my focus from " can't to can! I have to be alert so my body doesn't go back to gaining mode. Also exercising. 5-6 days a week to support and increase weight loss keeps me busy. Believe me, nature wants to get me back to my old weight because that's what our bodies tend to want- homeostasis ( not change).

Hey Gill, For right now I am just trying to get all the information I can from the site to see if it is really something I want to do. Am going to try going to a seminar on April 7th put on by a bariatric Doctor that I know is a provider approved by my insurance, and then try to make a decision. Something has got to change. I want so bad to lose this weight! Went to my regular Doctor today and talked to him about it, and he didn't have anything good to say about the lap-band. Just told me that I could have the same exact results if I would just stop eating as much. But with him being a very fit skinny guy I could not really get accross to him that it is NOT that easy for us people with this problem. He asked me what I thought the lap-band would do for me, and I hate when I am in situations like that, because I have all kinds of reasons that I believe the lap-band is just exactly the tool I have been needing all this time, but when put on the spot like that all I could say was "It would keep me from eating as much" which of coarse was not a good enough reason to him. Granted he is an all natural holistic doctor, so of course he is not going to approve of anything un-natural like having a foreign object placed inside you. So after that little visit I left feeling more like maybe I should give it a try myself again. But I know that is not going to happen. I'll lose about 15 pounds at the most, then fall right back into eating just as much and gain 20 back. That's just been the cycle throughout my life, and I am sick of it. My dad is 340-350, my mom is about 280, my sister is about 280 and I am 308. My mom and sister have been pretty strictly following a diet given them by the same doctor I visited today, and they have lost only a few pounds in the past couple years since they've been going to him. I think my whole freakin family needs this lap-band. We all eat too much right now and we all have a huge desire to make a change, but need a tool to help us do it!

I second Banner Gateway. That's where I'm having my surgery and they have support groups open to the public. There's a calendar of them on their website, just search bariatric surgery. Like others have said, other hospitals offer them too. I've been looking for an online support group specific to our area. I may check out Facebook to see if any exist.