Search the Community

Find out what it takes to change on the inside to support your goals on the outside. Katie Jay is director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery, holds a masters in social work, is a certified WLS life coach, and is author of "Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story, How Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Hope for Living". <embed src='http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mediaplayer.swf?displayheight=&file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2fTheWLSCoaches%2fplay_list.xml&autostart=false&shuffle=false&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FlashPlayerCallback.aspx&width=180&height=152&volume=80&corner=rounded' width='180' height='152' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' quality='high' wmode='transparent' menu='false'></embed>

I was the same way Mona. After I graduated from college, I dedicated my life to working out. I went from 220 to 170, however I had also been on phentermine as prescribed by my old(slave to the drug company) doctor. Low and behold, I had to have surgery (unrelated) and in recovery they could not get my heart down to a normal beat. It scared my so bad I was off for good...ballooned back up and past my first highest weight. Oh and PhotoNut..I hear you. I plan on getting back to the gym and getting a head start, but I AM going to treat myself on the cruise. It was preplanned, surgery or not. I will get it together though...just to make myself feel good :-D

I was banded on April 1 in Mexico by Dr. Rodriguez. He is a wonderful surgeon and all has gone well since surgery. I have lost a total of 55lbs and I feel wonderful. I was 336lbs before and my BMI was 53. I am now 281lbs and my BMI is 47! The band does not lose the weight for you but is sure does help. Good luck in your weight loss journey! Sandy

My insurance asked for past history, more then likely you already have it.. Even been on weight watchers? Does your doc know that? Also my BMI was under 40 and I got the same thing. I have been working on this for 1 year. I finaly got it. If you are under a BMI of 40 and do not have a morbid disease. I did not have one, they turned me down. So I thought that I might have sleep apnea, and guess what after going through all of the testing I did. You more then likely do if you are over weight. As soon as I got my results I sent them to the insurance co and they approved my surgery with in two days. It all depends on how bad you want it. I am a single mother and there is NO way I could have paid for this on my own. Good luck !! If you want it, just keep on trying, you never will know if you do not try.

I am new to this site, I am hoping that I will gain the support that I have seen many others gain here. So far I am encourage through what I am seeing from others. I will be attending a seminar on Sept 22,2012 which I guess is the first step to this journey. I am so excited about this life change and upsetthat arrived to the first seminar that I had scheduled late and they would not let me enter. But I am 26 years old weghing 268 and stand 5'5". I normally wear like a 14-16. I am just simply tired of being over weight. Please share you ensight with me

Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM Supplemental Letter for January 9, 2007 January 3, 2007 Dear Review Panel: Presented to you for review is my case for a gastric procedure known as a laproscopic banding procedure or "Lap-Band". In a lower review, BCBSFL did not dispute that I meet the criteria for the Lap-Band procedure. There is no dispute that I would benefit from weight loss surgery and there is no dispute that losing weight would be beneficial to my health. At issue is the coverage of this surgery and the exception I am requesting for this exclusion. Ironically, I received a phone call a few weeks ago from BCBSFL's new Diagnostics Program that offers support to wellness. Through this program, I gained beneficial information in the form of a booklet, catalog and DVD on the very weight loss surgery I am requesting. There is evidence in my medical records that I have tried for years multiple weight loss regimens and used pharmacotherapy for obesity under the supervision of my physician, Dr. Alan Sichelman. For my mental state, it is documented by my therapist, Jane Fenby, that I have a full understanding of what this procedure entails and that it will be a lifetime commitment on my part. There is no indication that I am unstable, misinformed with perceptions of unrealistic expectations; Rather so, that I have pursued this avenue under the direction of my primary care physician and other medical personnel, with cooperation, information and education; That I am laying the course for my surgical event and post surgical life by the compass of these individuals and their combined medical expertise demonstrates I am an individual who very much wishes to be healed. Unquestionably, I am ill and feel I am fighting for my life. As a result of my severe morbid obesity, I suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, back problems, joint pain, hypertension, migraines, Pictures will show my condition and the severity of my obesity. It is true that my life is endangered. This procedure will prevent the worsening of my condition, alleviate present harmful medical conditions and perhaps cure them. It is the conclusion of my physican(s) and myself that I am in need of this operation. Please authorize my surgery. Additional: As providers of health care coverage, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has historically authorized weight loss surgery. Currently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina cut in half hospital re-admissions "by the twelve surgeons in North Carolina that are designated as centers of excellence for bariatric (obesity) surgery." Additionally, BCBSNC was one of the first insurers in the nation to officially recognize centers of excellence for bariatric surgery. Illinois also follows this model as well as South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and several other states. In recent publications in the Tampa Bay area, BCBSFL appears to be using bariatric surgery denials as a financial decision rather than one in the best interest of patient care. I must express my concern that with sufficient evidence from their medical providers and informed decisions with which they move forward, it is very troubling that patient/physician decisions of health necessity are disrupted, ignored and denied, superceded by a focus on cost. It is hoped that Florida will soon follow the successful excellence practice as established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in other states. Patricia Reeves

Thank you guys! I'm just worried about getting the 2 years of my weight history becuz my bmi was lower then what it is now... I don't understand how they gave me a surgery date but didnt submit anything to my insurance yet... I'm just stressing myself out... Will they deny me if my weight was lower 2 years ago?

You can eat whatever you feel like eating actually. The point of the clear diet is to jumpstart your weightloss. Your stomach will have swelling from the trauma to the tissue from surgery. The swelling will be the tightness you feel when you consume food or liquids. Heavier things could cause you to need to throw up, it isn't a regular nausea it is more like choking and needing to get it out, and I am sure you have been told that that is bad for your band. If you are very hungry try some Jello, fudgesicles, or a cup of warm tea. These will help aleviate the hunger, as will the Protein drinks. You can get some from quixstar online with 35 grams of protein and just 5 carbs. The vanilla is terrific. I am in hormone hell and having hunger issues way more than I can control, I was done on May 7, 2008. You want to lose 2 a week at most or you get too flabby too quick. See some on here dropping way too fast and know that my sister looks awful after doing that with bypass surgery. I fought getting this done for a long time, but know it is my tool I need. Plugging away at increasing exercise and hope in the next 2 weeks to control the hormone hunger then get my 2nd fill. My best help has been reading on here where I can get some shared info and incentive. Good Luck and work into soft slowly so you don't get disappointed in your weight change.

I had a panni after losing only 80 pounds, only about 1/3 of the way to my goal. But I am probably the exception. I started out at 433 pounds with a very pronounced pannus. As I lost weight my pannus only got worse, hanging lower, rashes impossible to manage. It made exercising quite difficult. My insurance coved the panni. It made it much easier to exercise, dramatically improved my appearance and eliminated the rash problem. But I knew all along that I would still need major cosmetic surgery as I get close to goal weight. Now I'm about 40 pounds from my revised-revised goal, and I am planning for a lower body lift with lipo. That will be out of pocket. I would say wait until you are at or nearly at your goal weight unless your pannus is causing you health problems or interfering with exercise.

Question: Do you have to be below a specific BMI or lose a specific amount of weight before being approved by surgeon and insurance for a panni or TT? I have only lost 30lbs, but definitely want to start the process of seeing the doctor to get this extra skin removed. I am a 35BMI now, started out at a 39. My extra skin is mainly from having very large children, biggest one was 11lbs. I believe my muscles may be separated also, I'm sure they'll check. I just want to know if it will be a waste of time now and to wait until I hit a normal BMI. Of course, I know the more weight I lose between now and then, the better the outcome. I guess the surgeon will probably tell me how much more weight I need to lose before I'm eligible to have the surgery?? Were any of you told to lose more weight before plastic surgery? Thanks, A

My doc said no pre op diet either. he just said dont gain any weight, but if you lose a few lbs thats fine. i lost 5 lbs preop.

Good hello, Just wanted to introduce myself. I had the gastric sleeve surgery on Monday. I'm in bed, sore, but positive & looking forward to this new way of life! Becoming the very best version of myself. My heighest weight: 265lbs Day of surgery: 251lbs Current weight: 248lbs Goal : 150lbs Attached is a pic of me the morning of surgery. Excited to have some comparison pics in the next month or 2! Sent from my SM-F916U using BariatricPal mobile app

I’ve decided that the band is the right thing for me in my life right now. I thought I could do the weight loss by myself, and I did, for 2 years but I gained it all back. I’m tired of the struggle, the ups and downs. I want to do things in my life and my weight is starting to get in the way. I want it gone forever and not have to worry if it’s going to come back with vengeance. January 20th @ 7:00 is my registered meeting at Dr. Feteiha’s office. I trust Dr. Feteiha because he has done surgery for me in the past and many of my family members. Unfortunately I am not gaining much support from my family in this department. They think it’s easy to just lose weight by eating right and exercise. I guess for 25 years they have been ignoring the results of my efforts and I have no choice but to press forward without their good graces. Afterall this is for me, not them! So here is to a slow start and many months ahead, I hope to track my progress in here and pictures when things get rolling.

Good for you! It is about you. I had support from only one close friend and my mom and dad. No one else in my family or friends wanted me to have it done. They said why don't you just stop eating or just stay on the liver shrinking diet until you get the weight off. They obviously were not thinking it all the way through because us dieters know that as soon as you go back to "normal eating" all that weight comes right back. Fad diets do not work. I truly believe alot of mine problem is from hormonal issues and genetics. I eat decent and work out 3-4 hours a day. I have had 5+ doctors tell me I should not have a weight issue. Well I know that and I am tired of having a weight issue so I chose to go forward with it. I am going to beat this and so are you!!!! Good luck to you and keep us posted~

I’ve decided that the band is the right thing for me in my life right now. I thought I could do the weight loss by myself, and I did, for 2 years but I gained it all back. I’m tired of the struggle, the ups and downs. I want to do things in my life and my weight is starting to get in the way. I want it gone forever and not have to worry if it’s going to come back with vengeance. January 20th @ 7:00 is my registered meeting at Dr. Feteiha’s office. I trust Dr. Feteiha because he has done surgery for me in the past and many of my family members. Unfortunately I am not gaining much support from my family in this department. They think it’s easy to just lose weight by eating right and exercise. I guess for 25 years they have been ignoring the results of my efforts and I have no choice but to press forward without their good graces. Afterall this is for me, not them! So here is to a slow start and many months ahead, I hope to track my progress in here and pictures when things get rolling.

Hi, this is the first time I have ever written. I had my surgery in July. I have lost approximately 35 pounds. I am having a hard time watching what I eat. I am also sick of water. I can't believe I spent that much money to lose weight and still eat inappropriate things.

My mom is having a horrible time with her band. All the usual band problems, esophogus problems, unfilling, refilling, weight coming back, and now the port seems to be moving. She has Health Plus and doesnt think she can get them to pay. Has anybody gotten the revision paid for by inssrance? did you have to appeal? Anybody have Health Plus? I am trying to get whatever info I can for her. Espescially since I now I have my Sleeve Im feeling a little guilty.

Don't be too hard on yourself....this is a learning journey we are on...we will stumble, but if we get back up and keep our focus forward you will be fine! I found very quickly that all of the crap foods are easy to eat....I think that is why when people get "too tight" they end up gaining weight as they fall back on what is easy....so be careful of that too! Everyone is different on what they can tolerate - and that may change for you after each fill, too! I can eat homemade scrambled eggs without a problem if I am careful and chew, but give me a fast food egg and I am dead meat as they come right back up! I cannot eat any bread or buns at all, but can tolerate a few bites of thin crust pizza when I get a craving, but my friend can eat a hamburger with the bottom bun without a problem. Everyone is different --- it is so wierd! Stress eating is what got me overweight to begin with...it's a habit that you have to work to change. I think everyone should be required to remain in therapy after surgery as it would probably help tremendously! We have to find a new way to channel those feelings - lately my best way (due to the extreme cold outside!) has been to curl up with a good book...and have some ME time, forgetting about the bills, laundry, dishes, etc, that need my attention. When the weather is nice it helps me to go outside and play with my girls or take the dog and go for a walk - exercise really is a fabulous way to burn off stress....if I can take the first step to do it! Make sure you are getting tons of Protein in every day - I have found that when I am able to get at least 60 or so grams in that I am NOT hungry at all and it makes stress eating a lot less desireable....as if I do start I end up throwing it up after a few bites. It's a learning process....hang in there, it will get easier!! In the meantime, we are here for you!!! God Bless, Kimmy

I agree with the above post very good advice. Try not to watch TV while you eat also. When you want to have a snack that is not on your list have 2 glasses of Water first and then if you can take it eat the cookie. You will not want it after the two glasses of water and if you do it will not be as good as before the water. I am 16 months out and return to liquids for a few days if I get out of control so I can refocus myself. I try to not keep things in my house that will set me off on a carb craze but I have a skinny husband who eats all the time and two grandbabies that need the stuff too, but like Peanut Butter is not allowed in my house at all because although it is good Protein a whole jar does not help at all. When I was first banded I made my husband keep his junk food in his car. I also consider a refrigerator with an alarm did not know they made those till a year ago. I also have been know to just throw stuff away (brand new) if I just can't take it better to lose a couple of dollars than gain a couple of pounds. Cheri

I am getting excited and nervous as March 10th gets closer and closer. I've lost 28 lbs so far (Since January 16) and have about 2.5 more weeks of liquids before surgery. I'm drinking New whey Protein bullets (mixed with about 20 oz of Water. I like the fruit punch and "blue" raspberry. None of the New Whey Proteins end up the color you'd think they'd be. I also drink some ensure and Soups. I am 37 years old, 5'10" starting weight was 378 current weight (depending on the scale is between 345-350).

I gained 13 pounds from the surgery. Within the first month I lost that plus 16 pounds. I was losing about a pound a day. I had a lot of complications that made it terribly difficult to exercise, drink my fluids and get my protein in. So I stalled a few times. I'm down 38 pounds now, in 7 weeks. Funny, I've been thinking in my head that I'm not losing as fast as others, but when I put it down to paper here that's a really good number. I know some of us get tired of hearing that we all heal and lose differently, but the truth of the matter is that is a very accurate statement. Congratulations to us all!!!

Your welcome Staci... I'm so glad my family doctor suggested he take my measurements every month... this kept me motivated and I found maintenance to be fairly easy... I don't find myself getting as stressed like I did when I lost weight in the past and weighed myself everyday.

I'm currently 22 days post op... lost 15lbs within the first week and half to two weeks then gained 2lbs and have been stalled since so I'm about 12-13lbs down since surgery. I've been in a stall for about a week but I see the inches coming off even though I'm stalled.

Hi there, I got back from my three weeks vacation to Texas and Mexico on Saturday, did any one miss me? I see there are lots of new members and lots of posting going on. I am so swamped with work this week, it will take me awhile to get caught up on what's going on. Well, I am doing really good and lost some more weight on vacation. I am down to 142 and can see my final goal weight is finally approaching. I wanted to share with you all how exciting this past month has been for me. These 7-8 lbs I have lost this month have really been a defining point in my weight loss journey.. I am not fat anymore. I have been fat for so long that I never realized how good this feels. My sister-in-law took some pics of me on her digital camera and when I saw them I was truly astonished. I don't look fat anymore. People have been telling me for awhile, but even though I look at myself in the mirror, the picture is so distorted I never realized how I've changed. I have been screaming it out, I'm not fat anymore, isn't that wonderful???? I don't want you to think I'm conceited or anything, but I do look really good and for a person that has hated the way she has looked all her life and has been the fat girl all her life, this is major stuff. The compliments I received from family members that have not seen me where awesome. It just boosted my self-confidence that much more. I am so excited to share this with you all. What's even more important, my husband, who has never in the eight years that I have known him ever given me a compliment, told me I look really nice and that he would like me to maintain this weight and not lose anymore, he says this is the perfect weight for me and that I look just perfect. I wanted to get a fill on the way back because my band surgeon does them for free and my husband said absolutely not, I don't need one, this weight is perfect and that I need to keep my walking up and my weight training and that's all I need for now. Isn't that fabuloso. Well just thought I'd share this with you all my lapband family that has always been here for me. I love you guys. Well I better get back to work, I have a board meeting tomorrow and I need to get ready for it. Talk to you soon. Love ya,:nervous

Hi, new to the boards. Been lurking some. Got my insurance approval last week and am now waiting for Dr Kim's scheduler to call me to get things rolling. I have a sleep study scheduled for 4/8 but that's it so far. Currently I'm at about 367 pounds and am 5'11". I am 41 years old. Ideally I'd like to lose around 200 pounds. My story is the same as alot of you. I've always struggled with weight, have had some success in the past with diet and exercise, but always end up regaining everything and then some. I always thought I'd be one of the 5% who take it off and keep it off forever. It's only taken me 20 years to realize that I'm not one of the 5% and it's time to take a different road. I am nervous and excited about the journey before me.