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Hi I just wanted to reply to your post because you have just given me the same assurance I needed. I met with my surgeon yesterday. Before I saw him, I was sure that I wanted the sleeve. He advised that I have the Gastric Bypass to get the best results addressing my Diabetes, High BP, Cholesteral and sleep Apnea. Now reading your post that you are off all of your meds... WOW, that is awesome and I am so happy that I ran across your post. HAPPY DANCE!!

Life has been crazy, and I haven't been updating! There have been floods in the apartment,the car died,mike's mom went to the mental hospital, and when she got out she told them that we stole her car,when, in reality,she let us borrow it for a week when ours broke. Then a lot of expensive things were stolen out of the afore-mentioned car,creating a very hectic life for us all around. Also, just two days ago, Mike heard his best childhood friend had passed. Things have been very difficult for us these past two months. But still I trudge on down the bandster trail. I've had numerous appointments and classes. I've re-grouped with Pam, the nurse practitioner,who told me I had the go-ahead to meet with the surgeon. When I met him, he tried to talk me into getting bypass instead of the band, to the point where I finally told him if he didn't want to band me, that's fine, I would go somewhere else. He changed his tune super freaking fast. He told me I am the perfect candidate for banding. Turns out, that hospital gets more for bypass than banding. go figure. He told me yesterday that I can expect to have m surgery within the next 3-4 weeks, and that as soon as I see a hematologist and lose 10 pounds, I am good to go!!!! I also have one more support group meeting this upcoming week,and another surgery skills class. I am still awaiting insurance approval, which was jsut submitted last week. This is getting super real, and I'm not sure how to deal with it! I want to write more, but I have to go and finish getting everything out of the rooms to be re-carpeted today!

Thank you so much! I feel that I am doing the right thing for myself too, I just wish that my family understood that better. I can't wait to announce my date either, I know that it will be sometime in November!

As of now, my surgery is scheduled for November 20th, the Monday before Thanksgiving. I really hope that the surgeon can stick with this date b/c it will really really work out well with my and my boyfriend's school and work schedule. I find it hard to believe that it is just over a month away...I have done so much work to get to this point and now I am facing the 10 day liquid diet... I am not sure what I am actually feeling at this point...when I think about it, for the most part I am excited and anxious...honestly I think that I am trying to bury any other negative thoughts at this time b/c it would be so easy to get scared. I am changing my life and that is such a wonderful, yet nervewracking process to go through. I feel that few people in my life actually understand...in ways I think they are nervous too about me being different, I have been overweight my entire life and I do belive that it has helped define (or limit) who I am today...

Hello, I'm 31 female 5'8 with a BMI of 50. My insurance company covers surgery. But I don't know what to do to start the whole process. My IC requires a 6 month program. I got a referral from my PCP for gastric bypass. I called the surgeon, but the nurse set me up with a free information session. She was going to send me a packet in the mail about it. I called them on Dec16, 2015. The free information session isn't until Jan, 27th 2016. It just seems like a very long wait just for a information session. That month could be used to start my 6 months of lifestyle changing program. So really my question is, am I going down the right road here or is there any shortcuts to get me going faster? I have UPMC insurance.

My mom is going through the same thing. She had the bypass in the 80's and now wants the sleeve. She is in the very early stages of this and is in the process of insurance approval. Hoping she can do this because she is at the end of her rope with dieting. Good luck and I hope you get sleeved.

Hey, I'm Jenn, 27 married with 2 kids. A coworker of had the gastric bypass surgery about a year ago and his transformation has been amazing to watch. In March of this year I started my 6 month long monthly weigh in's as per my insurance and decided on the sleeve surgery. Now here I am about 2 weeks away from starting my protein liver shrink diet and pre op appointments. So glad I found this app now because I will def need support and advice as I am a very anxious person.

Hi Timoyal, My waiting game ended yesterday. I was approved. It took about 7 business day. Those days seemed to be so long. I am sheduled for November 2nd. My best advise to you is too occupy yourself with something else if you don't you'll drive yourself crazy.

I have BCBSNC.... My paperwork was sent in on November 2nd. I have STILL not heard anything. When I called BCBS they said it was in 'review'. I'm also getting pretty nervous. How long had they had yours when you got approved. Its been 2 1/2 weeks so far for me. Running out of fingernails!!!! Cindy

I am so sorry to hear that. The same thing happened to me. I ended up going to Monterrey Mexico and being banded. I just couldn't see myself having the bypass. Goodluck with this all!!

I live in Louisville Kentucky and have Humana HMO KPPA insurance and they require the 6 month diet. I called them and they said the Doc has to send the paperwork to the insurance company. I told them I started the diet in November and would that count, of course she didn't understand me so Iam just going to talk to my pcp and se what we can do to speed up process. My husband is taking a buyout at his job (Ford Motor Co) and once he quits they will give him 6 months of free insurance, so Iam trying to get everything approved before then. I met this lady today who had a triple heart bypass and she had humana hmo and they declined her surgery. I think thats crazy because her heart doc told her she needs it. I wonder why the insurance turned her down. Would any of yall have an idea? I sure hope they don't turn me down after my 6 months of hard work, I going to be pissed if they do. Once my husband doesn't have insurance anymore I can get some from work so if all fails I hope my insurance will approve. Let me know if anyone knows anything about Humana Thanks ~Carmille

First of all, I awoke last night with a full blown panic attack about this LB! I had dreams of going to "gatherings" with my sister Jane, and came to find out we were the "guests of honor." Everyone there had been banded and wanted to sing the praises of banding to us... It was ok until we wanted to leave.... and they wouldn't let us! It was a big struggle... I ended up staying home from work all day -- just too worn out from my night! I went to my 4-hour Team appt. Two others showed up - all of us were interested in Lap Banding... We met with a nurse practioner, signed some forms, found out about the cost of surgery... detailed break down... Dr Sunby came in to talk to us, and seemed "friendly" enough. Shirley Shelly: From there I met with a dietician. She asked me to explain the lap band as I understood it... and the food routine. I did very well. :car: She did contradict what Dr. S said... water up to meal, nothing for 2 hrs after. (He said 30 min before and after).... hm... She also stressed that I will never be allowed to eat anything other than three meals a day. Very adamant about that... hm... We talked about my chem panel, and what supplements I should be on... suggested if I feel I need a medicine to help with hunger during the 2 weeks prior to surgery, to see Dr. Becx at Fish Hatchery. He's an endrocronologist. I am pre-diabetic... : ( Hopefully that will straighten out with diet. Dr. Scott Bohon: Next I met with a psychiatrist. I liked him a lot. I did break down a little bit when I talked about Dick's depression and his suicidal thoughts. He was pleased to hear that he's working with Dr. Ishii. I talked to him about my panic attacks... and said they are triggered by breathing problems (root canal was the 1st... last night was in part due to the cold I have, and "stuffy" breathing/coughing... Then to a computer True/False questionaires... 700+ questions on one test... @200 on the other. The psychologist said I did just fine... no red flags. She said she could tell I'm on the shy side... The team will meet on Monday to discuss the three of us... so I guess I'm on the track for now - will see what happens next. Misc. things I found out: keep options open to gastric bypass band is a tool (I knew that) the work is up to me... surgery just puts the tool there only THREE meals a day - NO SNACKS! lots of support groups available my time w/WW was not all for nothing... it proved I could stick with a program (loyalty)... i could die in surgery (psych) breakdown of costs i need to contact Aetna, and get a printout of their requirements and give them to Theresa protein is most important because it's one nutrient the body can't manufacture on it's own no fruits or veggies will be off limits (unlike Atkins) with the exception of stringy things like Celery exercise is key - make it a priority (PAC, here I come)!

Hubby and I were sleeved Nov/Dec. 2013. Very minor pain (1 dose pain med at home after sleeving, no acid reflux, no heartburn, no spasms, no hunger pangs. Within a few days hardly felt as if we had surgery. We take Omeprazole only I think to prevent an ulcer. Biggest problem? Little burps that tell you when to stop eating LOL! Best wishes. We bypassed all WLS for 10 years til we could have the sleeve. The band stories really scare me. I know there are thousands of success stories, but even so many revisions..... Just so happy with the sleeve. Our only regret is that we did not have it before our health worsened.

Yeah, I decided on the sleeve because it seemed like the safest, most effective option. I really liked not having the malabsorption part of the surgery that you have with gastric bypass.

@@majorsmama August 11-November 3rd.

Hate to drink the water because I know the cramps I'm getting are coming from that?

HI I HAD GASTRIC BYPASS 12/24/14. SO TODAY IS MY 2 WEEK MARK. I TOO LIKE YOU HAVE NOT LOST MUCH. I WAS 286 WHEN I STARTED MY 1 WEEK PRE OP FAST. I WAS 279 SURGERY DAY AND WAS 269 THIS PAST MON. THAT 10 LB LOSE IS GREAT BUT I REALLY DID EXPECT MORE BECAUSE OF THE VERY SMALL AMOUNTS OF food I WAS GETTING. I WAS ALSO EXHAUSTED ALL THE TIME. I WOKE UP EXHAUSTED. MY HUSBAND KEEPS SAYING THE SAME THING YOU SAID MAGGIE. HE KEEPS REMINDING ME MY BODY HAS GONE THROUGH A MAJOR CHANGE AND REST WILL HELP ME HEAL. THE FOOD IS NOT BOTHERING MUCH BUT THIS LACK OF ENERGY WAS STARTING TO REALLY GET ME. IT'S KIND OF SOOTHING TO KNOW OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME REACTION AND BOUNCED BACK, EVEN IF IT TOOK 2 MONTHS. MY SURGEON DID SAY SOMETIMES HE ASK HE'S PATIENTS NOT TO GET ON THE scale OFTEN BECAUSE FOR SOME IT TAKES THE BODY TIME TO ADJUST AND YOU MIGHT EVEN GAIN WEIGHT. CAN YOU IMAGINE? I JUST WANTED TO WEIGH IN ON THIS & LET YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I KNOW IN THE DAYS TO COME IT'S GOING TO GET MUCH BETTER.

I work in the health industry, and this article came across my desk today... it's an opportunity for you, the patient, speak up regarding their proposal to NOT cover surgery for patients whose BMI's are under 35 who are dealing with diabetes. Their argument is that it won't make a dramatic difference in a person's health. CMS Proposes Covering Bariatric Surgery to Treat Diabetes Written by Stephanie Wasek Monday, 17 November 2008 After an extensive evidence review, CMS has announced a proposal to revise its existing coverage policy for bariatric surgery to include type 2 diabetes as one of the co-morbidities CMS would consider in determining whether bariatric surgery would be covered for a Medicare beneficiary who is morbidly obese (an individual with a BMI of at least 35 is considered morbidly obese). CMS is also proposing to not cover bariatric surgery when it is used to treat type 2 diabetes in a beneficiary with a BMI below 35. In 2006, CMS expanded coverage of bariatric surgery for Medicare beneficiaries who receive one of four procedures — gastric bypass, open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and open and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch — in bariatric centers of excellence, as certified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, and as reported on the Medicare coverage Web site. To be considered for coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must have a BMI of 35 or higher and must have exhibited a serious health condition in addition to morbid obesity, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or osteoarthritis. Type 2 Diabetes would join the list of serious health conditions. However, after "a careful review of the medical evidence available on bariatric surgery," CMS is also proposing to not cover bariatric surgery for patients who do not meet the definition of morbid obesity, even if they do have type 2 diabetes. "While recent medical reports claimed that bariatric surgery may be helpful for these patients, CMS did not find convincing medical evidence that bariatric surgery improved health outcomes for non-morbidly obese individuals," says the agency. CMS is seeking comments from the public about this evidence and its implications for coverage, and about which groups of patients should be covered for this surgery. Public comments may be submitted directly to CMS's Coverage Web site for 30 days from the Nov. 17 posting of the proposed decision memorandum. CMS will issue a final decision memorandum within 90 days of the proposed decision. Read the proposed decision memorandum and submit comments at the CMS Coverage Web site.

Does anyone here have 30/32...5x jeans or shirts that they could mail me that they don't need anymore. I am in need badly of some. I have one pair of pants that fits me and they are almost dead :thumbup: and I have very few shirts that fit me. I am losing slowly but surely but I really need some 5x's to hold me over until my surgery in November. Thanks.

I have been researching this form of bypass and am leaning towards having it. Is there anyone on the forum who can give me more information ? Anyone who has had it done or know someone? Much appreciation.

Hi all, I was banded in November 2007 (self pay), found the sweet spot after two fills, was loving my band, lost 50 pounds in 6 months, then a major slippage. I took 5 colace (stool softener) tabs, they must have stuck together, I then had a violent episode of vomiting, then noticed a slight difference in restriction and over the course of the next month, it became progressively worse until I had to go to ER as I had not been able to get down even a sip of Water and was becoming dangerously dehydrated. The doctor removed the Fluid from the band and immediately the symptoms disappeared. He told me that it was a major slip but that there was the possibility that the stomach may reposition correctly and if it did that he would try to refill the band. He wanted to give it three weeks for the stomach to possibly reposition. Since the visit to ER was considered an emergency then my insurance covered it. I have BCBS Federal but self payed in Germany (where I live but am visiting the states for the summer.) The German Dr. also told me that it is German law that my insurance has to pay if there are any problems after the initial self-pay (has anyone ever heard of this?) These are my questions: When I go for the followup to see if we can try the refill, will my insurance now cover this? If I have to have surgery to reposition the stomach and lapband will my insurance cover it or: Will they pay only to remove it or: Will they refuse to even do that, can the band just stay in there forever unused without causing any problems? Thank you in advance to anyone who may have any information on this rather complex issue. Sincerely, Traveler

It has been awhile since my first post months ago. I started this process in June and after a bunch of crap from the insurance BCBS of GA I am finally approved. It took 2 and a half months from the day my paperwork was sent in for me to get the call this morning saying I am approved. WOW!!! I had just about given up hope. I just wanted to share my exciting news!!! Will probably be getting banded on November 3rd. So woo hoo!!! Thanks for letter me share.:biggrin::eek:

Is there anyone who have try to have a baby before having the gastric bypass and was not able then after the bypass and had a baby very easy! Please let me know me and my husband have try for 6 year with no luck and I relly would like to have a baby and I would like to know if it may happen and has this happen to someone else!!! Thank you!!!

Hi, I am scheduled for November 6th.....I have lost 33 lbs since surgery. How much have you lost in the Pre op phase of this journey? Are you thinking you dont need the surgery? Second thoughts cross my mind all the time. Kim

Some folks in chat have asked me about the vitamins, shakes and suppliments I take. I wanted to post the website. Bariatric Advantage - Nutritional Supplements, Vitamins, Proteins, and Help for Gastric Bypass, Distal, Lap Band, Realize, Stomaphyx and Duodenal Switch Surgery Patients