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I have the exact same insurance as you (BC/BS federal Basic) and I also live in Texas. I was told that our insurance is a "quick approval" if you have a BMI over 40 or have comobities. I was just at 40 BMI and my doctor's office submitted my paperwork and within 10 days I was approved. I had my surgery almost two weeks later. My doctor required me to do a iquid type diet the 12 days before my surgery to shrink my liver but that was it. Good luck!

I am not a federal employee......and I agree - BC/BS is one of the best insurances to have for this procedure. Just got my hospital bill - I owe less than $20 - day procedure - no overnight stay.

Yes lawd! I was concerned about my tongue bc it had a bad odor, taste, and whiteness. It was ridiculous...Im guessing its just from changes

I work with mainly men (only 4 other women out of 80 employees!) and they are so funny about how to comment! I had one tell me the other day that my pants were baggy. I'll take it! lol Several have commented about being able to tell I've lost but I think it's bc I've been really open about the surgery. I think a lot of people notice, but aren't comfortable commenting bc they don't want to offend in some way.

Iam so disappointed in myself. I never feel full.i feel just like I did before the surgery. I can eat a complete portion of McCanns quick and Easy oatmeal. Today I was just so fed I had 2 snack packs of pop corn and nothing.. Even had a soda. None of it bothered me at at all. I have no discomfort just normal feeling. Did this surgery work? I am begining my 6th week and have lost weight but now that I am on regular food I still feel like a bottomless pit. I just want to feel full. I walk an hour a day drink plenty of liquids yet as far as food there does not seem to ge a limit to the amount that I can eat. Most of the time I just stop myself because I know I should. When I had the popcorn and soda it was like I wanted to see if anything would happen. Because while I know I had the surgery it seems like I could eat a whale. I just do not know what to do anymore..... HELP!!!

It's amazing what doctors dont pick up along the way. I had my first band replaced last Sept. bc it slipped, my surgeon is Prof. O'Brien and follow up doc is John Dixon. From day one, as soon as I woke up I kept telling them this band doesnt feel right, straight away it was as if I had a tight rope right under my rib cage and could only take short breaths, then I go home and had these excruciating pains in my left side, again under my ribs, something like a stitch but would last for half an hour at a time. So they tell me its gas trapped after the op. That went on for months, in the meantime I developed what I would call colic, I tell you I know why poor little babies scream when they have colic. I had and still have to this day so much gas that its incredible, it feels like twins kicking around in my tummy. Seen my gp, who is as useless as tits on a bull (looking for another one), gone to prof number of times, then of course to John Dixon, and they all just guessed this and that. Three weeks ago I was in so much pain and misery that I insisted on a barium, then a colonoscopy and endoscopy. WELL the endoscopy showed that my band is in the wrong position, right on top of the esophagus (sp), in other words I have no pouch:omg: , so the air that I swollow gets trapped below my band and cannot come back. I am having my band repositioned/replaced on the 4th Oct. My third operation in less than three years. I am furious. Sometimes I think I should have the band out, and grow up.:cry Sorry guys, this was a long rant, but there is really no one who completely understands what I am going through, including my family, think you have to be fat, banded to really relate to another person in a similar position. Thanks for listening edited: Anyone interested in a get-together, we all seem to live in the same area

He gave me .5 cc today, which im kindof confused bc he said i had 2.5 and added .5 which would mean i have 3cc but i could have sworn last time he said i had 3.5... i dont know LOL oh well all i know is i got a little more so hopefully this helps a little. I have set a pretty high goal for the next 6 weeks (my next appt is april 11th) I want to be under 200 when i go that is only about 17 lbs... sooo good luck to me LOL Kathleen I did feel a little restriction before this fill but i def couldnt eat like i used to. But for this month my goal is to make sure im eating the right way even if im hungry and if i am hungry and its not time to eat i will drink Water... like i said i have set a pretty high goal for myself but i have been on this plateau for a month now so i think i can do it!!! Ami

aubrie...my thoughts exactly regarding the punishment. i'm staying here, because i have to, but all respect is gone, and if another opportunity comes along, i will not hesitate, but i do not feel "up" to searching right now. (for a new job) i think i am going to wait for the fill afterall, it turns out that this fills is a lot tighter than i thought it was. i called today and talked with the lady at the front desk (all employees have been banded), and she said that i should just be eating bread at every meal, but that i really do not need a fill. well, what do you know, add bread, and i've got perfect restriction. 1/2 piece of pizza is all i could eat, and that adds up to only 100 calories and 10 grams of Protein. AWESOME. but i'm having to retrain myself per se to follow the rules. funny thing, my husband and i have not had an argument at all (not even the stupid kind) since our wedding, and loss.... but last night, we argued about whether or not i should have a fill..lol... apparantly i was just on the defensive side, because he would say get it, and then don't get it. i just worry about the fact that it is now may and i was banded in october and i have only lost 21 lbs. most of which was lost during the pregnancy because of morning sickness. oh..yeah..as far as a lawyer, i really do not think i have a legal leg to stand on, because my FMLA papers state that i am not guaranteed my position, but i am guaranteed my pay. the thing is this is like some kind of "probation" where i will be re-evaluated in 60 days..well..then what, they still can't fire me. so i think it is a bunch of bs that it is not a punishment, it is definately a punishment, for i guess deciding to have a natural miscarriage. i don't think they believed that it really took 2 1/2 weeks with true labor pains and horrible horrible other things. if i could go back, i would have had a d&c, but it just so happens i have a doc who doesn't believe in them, and strongly recommended not to have one. well, she has never miscarried herself (the doc), if she had, she probably would recommend one, the physical pain and duration only prolongs the emotional side of things. but..i'm medicated now, and i just sit in the corner scanning my files, for a very decent hourly pay (dummies are paying me WAY more than a scanner would typically make). then when i get home i'm not all stressed from my day at work, so i enjoy it. so yeah, they did me wrong, but they really did me a favor. i have a stress free job now with the same pay (minus my bonuses', which really hacks me off, that is is $600 missed as of right now). i now know that i really truly did hate my job. lol....

Hi everyone, I am new here and am a Vancouver resident. I have been thinking about getting the sleeve done and have a consultation with Puget Sound Bariatrics on June 13th. I wanted to reach out to anyone that has had it done there and particularly any Vancouver (BC) residents that may have had the procedure done there. I would like some feedback and some info on how everything went for you and how difficult it was travelling back after the surgery. Obviously I have a million questions and would really like to buddy up with someone thats in the same area so I can chat with them about their surgery, progress ect... If you can help out with this please reply to this post or private message me. I really appreciate all the help. thanks so much!

thanks everyone! Day 4. I got up at 8ish to use the bathroom, finally went # 2! I laid in bed till 9:00 but no joy trying to fall back asleep. My wife wants to sleep till noon if she can so my son and I are down stairs. My little boy is really taking care of me. He got some room temp water for me, poured and microwaved the Tuscan chicken broth. Now I start the morning pill regime. I hate the gurgling in my stomach. I’m going to try a chocolate S’mores shake for breakfast after the broth is down. My fasting BS was 154 with just the metformin. I didn’t take any insulin yesterday. Yesterdays sugars were in the 170s at the hospital they were running 190-250 and they were only giving me 1-3 units of insulin.

yeah I found out my premium is really high because I am part-time...but, it is worth it. I'm going with a doctors office who knows the insurance very well. It is a 3 hour drive but I feel very safe to know that they know what they are doing. I will have double coverage...but my primary insurance does not cover anything related to weight loss surgery. So, my secondary which is bcbsfed hopefully will cover everything.... what I wonder is will my primary cover those two 100 dollar co-pays? And, if I ever lose my fed plan... will the primary (who says doesn't cover anything) kick in and pay for follow-ups and fills, etc. related to the surgery.

I'm hoping someone can relate and give me some hope. I've always had irregular periods. Some lasting 3 months and recently not having one for 2 years!!! I've been on BC since I was 13 to regulate periods and stopped 3 years ago. Jan 2011 I had pre-cancerous cells removed from my cervix. I decided to get banded as I've always been told my weight was preventing me from getting preggo. I've lost 80lbs since being banded feb 1. And still no period. I really hope this changes I would love to have at least one baby Anyone else have my bad luck???

Well hello, Texas ladies! I was over filled 3 months ago. I didn't say anything bc I was finally losing. 10. Pounds a month. Steady. BUT I paid the price. Vomiting and sliming and choking on my own spit through the night. They ended up un filing me 2 weeks ago and I have been on mostly mush, except for the delish prime rib I ate yesterday. Since the un fill I haven't vomited once nor have. I had any sliming. Scared to get on the scale. Guess I will see it on Monday. The x ray showed an enlarged stoma and the band was starting to slip to 2-3 o clock position. I am praying. That. Come Monday it's back in its original 1 o clock position. I have a very hectic life, and I do not make good food choices. I hate chicken breast. And I love ranch dressing. And i am from NOLA with 2 years in culinary school. I am a foodie! This is very hard for me. It was easier when I was vomiting and losing. But since that is not the way this is supposed to work, I. Have to start over as well. If I. Can get. In the green zone, lose steadily, and not vomit, I would be happy. But it seems that the losing is paired with the vomiting. What are your thoughts on this? I know there is a happy place.

I lost only a small amount of sensation initially- but that has returned to a great extent. I would say about 90%. The majority of the loss of sensation is along the long longitudinal incision under the breasts. My biggest disappointment was that I was not able to nurse my son - the milk ducts were cut. I did have some milk leaking, but certainly not enough to provide enough nourishment. So, I bottle fed - no big deal. I love the way things turned out - my clothing fit better, and when I went out, men didn't look down at my boobs constantly - in fact, I would ask men what color my eyes were - many could not tell me. Don't be surprised after the surgery if you feel a bit "out of proportion". I did, at first. It took my brain a little while to make the connection and "settle in" to the new look. No regrets - go for it!

KAT!!! You will be right near me! We will have to do a regular coffee clutch type of thing. LOL Glad to hear that you guys are excited about this possibility. I have always loved taking risks and making moves like that. A year and a half ago when Rob and I were fed up with Seattle we just packed up the van and the kids, put all of our cash into our checking account, and drove to florida. It was the best move we have ever made. Good luck with the final decision!!!

Yea iv always told him. He has never cared ab the number in a neg way. He loved me the same at 150 then at 278. And as my weight goes back down I tell him every pound I lose bc he is happy for me

Even though we frequently hear people say that the weight will come off regardless of what you do, it's not really true. If you are consuming 2000+ calories, you won't experience much, if any loss. Most of us just can't consume that many. We don't need to do MUCH, but we do need to eat fewer calories. @Goggyween was essentially force-fed calories. Hopefully Goggy can weigh in here..

Anyone know anything about Wellmark/BCBS in Iowa and where they are as far as covering the sleeve? I heard that it was in committee. It seems that BCBS in other states is covering.....

Fortunately I've got great ins. No yearly deductables etc. If I'm in an in-network facility with in-network doc, my surgery will cost me nothing. I say all that to ask, now....if they submit a pre-cert for me to have the sleeve and I get denied, do I have to pay for the consult and all the tests that were done? My doc requires a 3 month diet to lose at least 5% of body weight before he will operate. So if the ins won't approve me will I be doing all this for nothing? So sad to say that gastric bypass may be in my future....:svengo:....I know for sure BC/BS WILL pay for that. I do have a few coworkers that have had it and are doing good, as long as they eat right....but I don't want it :lol0:

I have fed BCBS. 3 months with a NUT, physc eval, proof of weight 2 years before(2012 and 2013) and dr requirements of EGD and cardiac consult, and some blood lab results. So far, out if pocket about $500 which included my $350 deductible. Not sure what my surgery will cost me once the ins pays what they contracted with the hospital and drs.

I got in trouble w/ nut yesterday. I had my notebook (food diary ) filled out for the past month. Towards the end i found MFP but continued the food diary. She was frowning, and looked so exasperated! She said "this is all over the place! " as she flayed the pgs with her thumb then slammed it shut. I'd lost 3 lbs BTW. I think she was not happy that my meal times were not always the same (but darn close), and that i am not having fruit, veg and dairy at every meal, and why am i drinking prot shakes sometimes???? So i pinned her down on just how many calories etc does she expect? (so i can fill in MFP goals). She wants 1300 cal/carb 200/prot 60/fat 30. I'm discouraged and feel sorry for myself!! If i could follow this plan, i wouldn't be Needing WLS! Geez. I'm tempted to just BS the next month's food diary and do my own thing. I only have one more appt with her, thank goodness.

BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence? (Part One of Three) I’m guessing most of us understand that the disease of obesity is a complicated one. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity. Some of these factors you may be very aware of; others you may be surprised about. Some of the causes of obesity are things you cannot do anything about; other causes of obesity are things you can influence. It’s important to recognize the difference. Why? For starters, you can stop beating yourself up over the things you can’t do anything about. It’s also important that you focus on putting forth effort where it will get you the best results! It’s essential for both doctors and those suffering from obesity to have a mutual understanding of these causes of obesity and which people can influence, so that: 1) Doctors can develop or increase empathy for the struggles of those suffering with obesity. When doctors better understand that many people with obesity have struggles that go beyond fighting their biology which negatively impact their weight, the doctors can more compassionately and appropriately address these issues and refer patients to see other professionals, if need be. 2) People struggling with their weight can evaluate the numerous factors impacting obesity and work toward accepting those things they cannot influence. In addition, they can take responsibility for putting forth effort into those aspects of their struggles with weight that they can positively impact. All righty, then! Let’s look at three of the main contributing factors of obesity and then talk about each one, emphasizing what, if anything, each person can do to have a positive impact on their weight. Genetics Culture and Environment Metabolism Genetics Obesity definitely has some genetic determinants, as researchers have clearly discovered. If there are a lot of obese people in your extended family, you have a better chance of being obese than someone from a family without a history of weight problems. Although there are many more obese people in the current population than in previous generations, this cannot all be linked to genetics. The genetic composition of the population does not change rapidly. Therefore, the large increase in obesity reflects major changes in non-genetic factors. Listen to this… According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002): “Since 1960, adult Americans have increased in height an average of 1 inch but have increased in weight by 25 pounds.” So in 50 years, the human species has grown taller by only an inch but heavier by 25 pounds. That tells us there is more than genetics influencing weight gain in this country. PATIENTS: Even if you have a genetic predisposition for obesity, there are other factors involved, including the food choices you make and whether or not you exercise on a regular basis. Some of these behavioral factors are habits learned in your family, so what appears to be a genetic predisposition may be a familial pattern of unhealthy habits that can be broken. DOCTORS: Remind yourself that patients cannot “eat less/move more” and have any effect on their current genetic makeup. Acknowledge to patients their genetic predisposition for obesity in a compassionate manner. Help to gently educate them about the factors affecting their weight that they can influence. Do so in a “firm and fair” way, providing encouragement rather than admonishment. Culture And Environment In addition to one’s genes, a person’s culture and environment play a large role in causing people to be overweight and obese. The environment and culture in which you were raised impacts how and what you eat. Some people were taught to eat everything on their plate and couldn’t get up from the table until they did so. Others never sat at a table for a meal but watched television while they ate. Some kids are fed well-balanced meals while others exist on fast food or microwaved mac and cheese with hot dogs. In some cultures, simple carbs make up a substantial part of every meal. In other cultures, fruits and vegetables are consumed regularly. When you are a child, you’re not in charge of buying the groceries or providing the meals. You did learn, however, about what and how to eat from those with whom you lived. And guess what that means? How you feed your children is what they will think of as “normal” and will most likely be how they eat as adults. (I’m always concerned when weight loss surgery patients tell me their kids are “just fine” even though they eat the same unhealthy foods as the obese parent. It’s only a matter of time before the kids start to gain weight and have health problems as a result of their unhealthy diet and learned eating behaviors.) PATIENTS: Although your genetic composition cannot be changed, the eating behaviors you learned in your family, from your culture, or developed on your own can be changed. You alone now determine what kind, and how much exercise you do and what and when you eat. Your behavior is completely within your control. Work toward accepting the fact that you are in charge of, and responsible for, your behavior and every food choice you make. For every choice, there is a consequence, positive or negative. And NO EXCUSES! It doesn’t matter how busy you are, whether you get a lunch break at the office or whether you have to cook for a family. Even if you have five kids in different activities and spend your life taxi-ing them from one place to another, you are the adult and you are responsible for how you eat and how you feed your children. It takes a very responsible person to acknowledge, “Although I have a genetic predisposition for obesity, I am responsible for making healthy choices about my eating and exercise. For me and for my children.” Focusing on what you do have control over rather than that over which you are powerless, leads to believing in your capabilities. So take charge and make positive changes happen! DOCTORS: Engage your patient in a discussion about the cultural and environmental factors that helped shape their current food choices and exercise behaviors. Empathize with them, noting they are going to have to put forth consistent effort to change years of bad habit formation. Encourage them to get support, whether it is from friends with a healthy lifestyle, a health coach, a personal trainer, or the use of free online exercise videos. Help them set a short-term, reasonable goal and set an appointment with you to follow up. Remember, docs: That which is reinforced is repeated. Reinforce even small steps forward you see in your patients. This can go a long way in encouraging them to continue making healthier choices. A step forward is a step forward. Notice and praise every single step forward your patient makes! Resting Metabolic Rate Resting Metabolic Rate (or RMR) is simply the energy needed to keep the body functioning when it’s at rest. In other words, RMR describes how many calories it takes to live if you’re just relaxing. Resting Metabolic Rate can vary quite a bit from one person to another, which may help explain why some people gain weight more quickly than others. And why some people seem to find it more difficult to lose weight than others. There are some factors related to metabolism that you can’t change, but there are actually some that you can influence and change. Things you cannot change about metabolic rate: Metabolic rate decreases with each passing decade, which means the older you are, the slower your metabolism gets, making weight loss more difficult. Sorry ladies - Men generally have a higher metabolism, meaning they burn calories more quickly than women. You can inherit your metabolic rate from previous generations - which can be a benefit… or not. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can slow down or speed up metabolism. Some things you can do to influence your metabolism and burn more calories include: Eat small, frequent meals. Drink ice water. You can boost metabolism temporarily with aerobic exercise. You can boost metabolism in the long run with weight training. PATIENTS: I’ll bet you didn’t there was much of anything you could do that would increase your metabolism. I’m hoping you choose to implement the ways you can help your body burn more calories. And what do you know? They are completely consistent with healthy post-op behaviors that you’re supposed to do anyway: 1) Eat small, frequent meals. CHECK. 2) Drink water (so add ice and boost that RMR). CHECK. 3) Engage in exercise, both aerobic and weight bearing. CHECK. There’s no reason NOT to anymore! (That’s a slogan from a really old commercial…) The point is, your specific RMR is both something that is unique to you, and that will slow down with age, is gender-influenced, and can be affected by thyroid issues. Accept the things you cannot change and DO the things you can to get the most out of your own, unique RMR. You DO have choices! Opt not to make excuses and JUST DO THE THINGS YOU CAN! DOCTORS: I’m pretty sure that educating patients is in your job description. Even though you have an allotted set of minutes during which to accomplish all your goals with a patient, point out the ways they can boost their metabolism while you’re looking into their ears, or hitting them on the knee with that little hammer. Present it as a, “Hey! Guess what I was reminded of today?” sort of thing. It’ll probably be absorbed better than a mini-lecture. Leave yourself a sticky note in the patient’s folder to bring it up in your next session… and then a new educational point for the next meeting, along with the small goal you set with them so you can be sure to praise them for their efforts! Patients and Doctors and all Allied Health Professionals: We need to work together to do the following: 1) End Fat Shaming 2) End Blaming 3) End Lecturing 4) Encourage reciprocal AWARENESS and ACCOUNTABILTIY 5) Encourage reciprocal EDUCATION and DISCUSSION 6) Encourage reciprocal GOAL-SETTING and FOLLOW-UP Stay tuned for Part Two of BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence?

Hi Hungryforchange - looks like you're right! We are body doubles...Looks like we've even lost the same amt of weight so far! Guess we both got fed up with ourselves at about the same time - huh? LOL! It started at a size 22/24. How about you? Please keep us posted on how your doing & thanks for checkin' in!

I am 14 werks post op started at 322 I am as pf today 251 down 73 pounds and my biggest nsv is wearing old navy clothes. I have never boughten anything from there bc I was tooo fat. Now I am a xl shirt and 20 pant ( loose now )

I had a friend ask me to join her in doing "Virtual Lap Band" Apparently they hypnotize you into thinking you've had WLS and you magically eat like you do as if you had it. Needless to say I did not opt in for my BS Detector 9000 was screaming at me...