January 2011 Bandsters !!!

[applesauceforever 0]

If you're planning on being banded in January your either half way thru your 6 month wait or you've just recently met with your surgeon and you're beginning your 3 month wait filled with dr appts and nutrition classes.

I have aetna and I only have to wait three months but it'll be filled jam packed w/ dr appts and classes, etc...

I went to see a pulmonologist last week and he wants me to get a breathing test, chest x-ray and sleep study. Saw the GI yesterday and my endoscopy is set for 11/5 and my cardiologist is Friday - can't wait to see what HE has in store for me - haha --- I'm actually excited to get this "work up of the stars" --- how many others are thankful for all these tests (cause when else would we get them done??)

My BMI is under 40 and my last two years worth of weights was around a 35 but I have diabetes and high triglicerides...hoping that this is acceptable for aetna approval cause I'm gaining and not losing no matter what I do - I presently need to lose 80-90 pounds and there is no way I could do it on my own with the diabetes and hypo-thyroidism. :laugh:

I'm curious to know who is getting banded in January (My surgery date is 1/18/11 if approved). I'd love to hear your stories and concerns - anything at all --- just want to put together a group for those that are planning a new life style come January - I can't think of a better new years resolution!!!! :thumbup: ~Renee

[applesauceforever 0]

Hey There!

I am being banded in Jan (God willing) and also have diabetes and hypothyroidism. I am paying cash because my insurance company does not cover any weight loss procedures. I am scared and excited. I have my consultation on Jan 5th and was told I could have the surgery 1-2weeks after the consultation and upon receipt of the labwork my endocrinologist drew two weeks ago. I have been overweight for so many years. . my BMI is 35 and I have now developed insulin resistance. So, it takes more insulin to keep my sugars under control which adds more weight to my already cushioned frame I am so excited to start this upcoming year with a resolution to get healthy. I start each year with the same resolution only to disappoint myself and never lose and often gain weight. I am scared of surgery because the risks of being diabetic. I see that many diabetics have had this procedure and are doing well. I would love to know how other diabetics fared in surgery. .

[Miss A 1]

My surgery will be on Jan 5th and I am excited and nervous at the same time. As of last week my anxiety has been so bad, with the holidays and second guessing myself on if I made the right decision to have this surgery. At first I wanted to have Gastric ByPass surgery because I wanted to lose the weight quickly but after meeting with my surgeon he said he didn't think I needed to have that type of surgery because I don't have that much weight to lose. I have already lost 23 pounds with the help of the dietian and my willingness to change my life around. I am so tired of being the BIG GIRL and not finding any clothes that are actually nice looking because as we all no the plus size section sucks.

I wish the rest of you January 2011 bandsters the best of luck.

[PMARKEY 0]

I just completed my 6 month weight chart on December 20,2010. The surgeon schedule surgery for January 27,2011. The 6 moths went by much quicker than I thought it would.

[MaybeBanding26 5]

If you're planning on being banded in January your either half way thru your 6 month wait or you've just recently met with your surgeon and you're beginning your 3 month wait filled with dr appts and nutrition classes.

I have aetna and I only have to wait three months but it'll be filled jam packed w/ dr appts and classes, etc...

I went to see a pulmonologist last week and he wants me to get a breathing test, chest x-ray and sleep study. Saw the GI yesterday and my endoscopy is set for 11/5 and my cardiologist is Friday - can't wait to see what HE has in store for me - haha --- I'm actually excited to get this "work up of the stars" --- how many others are thankful for all these tests (cause when else would we get them done??)

My BMI is under 40 and my last two years worth of weights was around a 35 but I have diabetes and high triglicerides...hoping that this is acceptable for aetna approval cause I'm gaining and not losing no matter what I do - I presently need to lose 80-90 pounds and there is no way I could do it on my own with the diabetes and hypo-thyroidism. :laugh:

I'm curious to know who is getting banded in January (My surgery date is 1/18/11 if approved). I'd love to hear your stories and concerns - anything at all --- just want to put together a group for those that are planning a new life style come January - I can't think of a better new years resolution!!!! :thumbup: ~Renee

i just found out today and my date is the same as yours!

i also have aetna, but i did the full six month waiting period, and then some! i couldnt lose any weight for like 4 months....probably because i was so stressed with grad school. but as soon as it was over, i lost 20 pounds in a month! i was annoyed with the waiting period back in january, but im kinda glad i had it now. im glad i could spread out all those dr. appointments.

the pulmonary function test was the worst one for me...that arterial blood gas hurt SO BAD! and ive never been afraid of needles either...that just traumatized me!

once i got everything in, i was approved within a week. but that was the week of Christmas, so i didnt get my date til today! lol...i have a BMI over 60 (i think) but my only co-morbidity is sleep apnea. and pcos, but i dont think they count that. they should, though! i was glad for all the tests and super glad they came back okay....ive always avoided finding some things out. but my biggest surprise was that my cholesterol is perfect!

[Renee1003 2]

I'm a January 18th bandster! (fingers crossed) hopefully everything goes well and I get approved!!!

GOod luck and keep in touch

Its official. I am a January bandster. I am so excited. Found out today the insurance said yes and my date is 1/19... Wow our lives will change for the better in time for the new year. How lucky are we?

I am looking so forward to meeting everyone and sharing stories.

[MaybeBanding26 5]

I got insurance approval I think back in June. I had to turn in my letter from a Psychologist saying he recommeded me for the Surgery, a Letter from my MD saying she thought I needed the surgery including all my cormorbidities(sp); I have cardiomyopathy, hypertension, diabetes, severe back pain, pickinwickin syndrome and reflux, You also had to send a 10 years history of dieting.

okay, so i definitely had to google pickwickian syndrome! for a minute i thought you just made that up! lol...its very interesting! i have those symptoms, but i didnt get diagnosed or anything with all my pre-op testing. my arterial blood gas was good. my O2 levels were good and i passed the pulmonary function test with no problems. thats strange right? i do have sleep apnea...pretty severe actually. and ive been really lazy about using my cpap. but im definitely going to be using it regularly now that i have surgery on the way...i most definitely wish to survive this surgery.

[Renee1003 2]

Getting nervous guys ....uggghhh

My last nutritionist appointment is January 4th -- the worst time of the year to be weighed!! in addition to the holidays and all the parties - i was also at an all inclusive in Jamaica for one week a couple weeks back - i've gained some weight and I'm afraid that the weight gain will make my insurance deny me - I can't stop freaking over this ---- anyone know anything regarding this?

After my last nutritionist appt they will submit all my paperwork and we'll go from there

[momtofourredheads 1]

After two years of research, humming and hahing and convincing my husband...I am finally getting banded on January 12th. I am self pay, so there weren't any hoops to really jump through. I start the two wee pre-op diet on the 29th...I think my weight must be really high this week though...with Christmas and this little voice in my head telling me this is the last time I can ever eat like this has kind of given me a carte blanche for eating whatever the heck I felt like...yikes! Good thing I've only got one day of 'freedom' left!!!

[Stephy5 33]

I'm a January 18th bandster! (fingers crossed) hopefully everything goes well and I get approved!!!

GOod luck and keep in touch

Renee when should you find out about approval???

Good luck

[melzie_99 22]

Diet starts today; was excited but now feeling ho-hum. I know there are lots of "good food" options, but right now seeing a freezere full of food I can't eat is driving me crazy (lol). Wish me luck, people; I think I'm going to need it.

[MaybeBanding26 5]

Diet starts today; was excited but now feeling ho-hum. I know there are lots of "good food" options, but right now seeing a freezere full of food I can't eat is driving me crazy (lol). Wish me luck, people; I think I'm going to need it.

very very good luck, melzie!

im starting next week, myself...im thinkig about not really buying anything extra for my pre-op since i have tons of Protein shakes sitting around the house and a giant box of medifast stuff.

[Justine86 1]

Congrats! Im on the 25th of January, starting the liquid on the 11th and am starting to have anxiety. I def second guessed myself so many times also but just trying to look ahead at the future makes it easier...

My surgery will be on Jan 5th and I am excited and nervous at the same time. As of last week my anxiety has been so bad, with the holidays and second guessing myself on if I made the right decision to have this surgery. At first I wanted to have Gastric ByPass surgery because I wanted to lose the weight quickly but after meeting with my surgeon he said he didn't think I needed to have that type of surgery because I don't have that much weight to lose. I have already lost 23 pounds with the help of the dietian and my willingness to change my life around. I am so tired of being the BIG GIRL and not finding any clothes that are actually nice looking because as we all no the plus size section sucks.

I wish the rest of you January 2011 bandsters the best of luck.

[Justine86 1]

Im 23 and getting banded on January 25th! Ive been overweight most of my life and am so excited about my new journey! I hope the best for all the January Bandsters!

[Nener 0]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first post here...so HI!

I had my pre-op consult and paid for my surgery today. I am self pay. My insurance denied me, but I'm moving forward with the surgery.

I have been trying to consciously chew my food more (oh boy, let me tell you that has been hard for me!)...I didn't realize what a vacuum I am...suck the food in, maul it around for a bit and then down the pipe she goes...sheesh!

My doctor has told me to maintain my weight and/or lose 5 lbs...but I've decided that I'm going to start taking in 2-3 liquid Meal Replacements per day and having just one low carb meal per day in preparation. It just seems to me that it will help shrink my stomach a bit and get my mind focused on the "task at hand" post-op.

I have been second guessing myself since I started this process back in July (consult, nutritionist, psych eval, etc.), but after dishing out the moolah today, it was like 'well, this is really it'...there's only forward movement for me now.

I'm headed to bed, but I will check in with everyone from time to time. Nite!

BMI: 35

Weight: 194

Surgery Date: 1/6/2011

WA State