Just Started The Process

[canthony11242004 13]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to start this in hopes to gather support through this process. Since my parents and family are not too supportive! I'm a 31 year old with a BMI of 37. I had my first appointment with my family doctor about getting WLS in sept. I have been researching WLS for about a year now and decided based off research that the lap band seemed to be the best choice for me. Today I had my physc. evaluation and not only did the doctor write that I am cleared for the lap band, but that I would benefit from the surgery both physically and mentally as well! After my appointment I spoke with my family dr. and was told I would get a call tomorrow to find out if the referral would be sent into Tricare (my insurance company). Im so excited and scared. I just have worked to get to this point and don't want to hear bad news!! So if you all will pray I get good news by the end of the week!! Since Tricare only has two days to approve the referral!

Thanks in advance for all the comments and support!!

[BlueMoon~T 276]

I'll say a prayer for you and you will be in my thoughts. Congratulations on making a choice to begin your journey to lose weight. You will find a lot of support on this site. If you look around in the forums you will find a lot of the answers to questions you might have and if you don't find it there, ask away. People are always willing to help another WLS buddy out. Let us know what you find out.

Best Wishes!

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

Congrats on your decision and we are all pulling for your approval. That was the most anxiety provoking thing for me initially...waiting and fretting a rejection from the insurance co.

Stop biting your nails, come chat with us... we'll be there no matter what

[LynnR 42]

Welcome!!!! This is the best group for getting support!!! I was banded on 10/4/13 and have no regrets. I have gotten so many questions answered from this group. We have all been in the same spot you are in right now. Stay positive, you will get there and we will be here to cheer you all the way!!!

[KAATNS 1,473]

Hello and welcome!

[bobbiejones27 17]

Welcome canthony! I too just joined this site for info, support, and encouragement. So far thanks to everyone my questions are being answered. I'll be praying for you for good news.

I unfortunately was denied by my insurance so I have made the choice to have my procedure done in Mexico. If there is anyone that went through this same experience please let me know how it went. I am very confident with my decision to get banded however still nervous about having to go out of the US.

[Amy C 31]

Welcome, I too am 31 with a bmi of 37....ok to be exact mine is 37.8...and am waiting for approval from my insurance company. Good luck to you, we are all here for each other so anytime you have questions or just wanna chat we are here!! Keep us posted!!!

[canthony11242004 13]

Ok...so my surgery was approved by tricare!!!! OMG!!!! So excited but scared! Now waiting on tricare to inform me if my fills will be covered...can't get the surgery if follow up care is not covered! Praying it is and I have the green light to go ahead with the surgery!! Well....question to all....can someone give me an idea on how much they eat daily? So I can start wrapping everything in my head!! Thanks again for the followers and support!

[chasingadream 1,311]

Hi, I had surgery on 9/19...almost 3 mos out. The amount of food is quite different from what I was used to eating. I had lap band with plication. I'm eating 3 meals and 1 small snack (sometimes between lunch and dinner)...Round about 1000 calories give or take. I bought myself a bunch of salad plates and that is what I use for my dinner plate.

You will get a ton of different responses from people....many say 1 cup of food per meal, others go by ounces and cups....others eyeball it....some are eating a few bites and are done. Much of that will depend on your docs instructions and how your restriction is after surgery. I still haven't had a fill and am doing okay....it is VERY individualized!!!!!

I follow my nutritionists instructions....most important is getting in your recommended grams of Protein (again, varies by doctor).

This is a great site with wonderful people who are here to support you! Wishing you all the best!

[canthony11242004 13]

Ok....so I'm struggling! I am so ready for this surgery but I'm in the process of quitting smoking....I thought I could do it cold turkey...boy I was wrong! So for the last three days I've been pulling my hair out with this process...I've had two cigs. And tonight decided its best to do it slowly so I'm going to only smoke two a day.....I guess cutting down first is best. Well is there anyone out there that was a smoker and quit for the lap band?? How long before surgery do u have to quit? I have my first appt with the surgeon on jan 10. Hoping to quit cigs by then....I need support thanks you all!!!

[khelm32 52]

Congrats! I'm having my surgery on Jan. 7th. When is your surgery date?

[MzEboni912 177]

Ok....so I'm struggling! I am so ready for this surgery but I'm in the process of quitting smoking....I thought I could do it cold turkey...boy I was wrong! So for the last three days I've been pulling my hair out with this process...I've had two cigs. And tonight decided its best to do it slowly so I'm going to only smoke two a day.....I guess cutting down first is best. Well is there anyone out there that was a smoker and quit for the lap band?? How long before surgery do u have to quit? I have my first appt with the surgeon on jan 10. Hoping to quit cigs by then....I need support thanks you all!!!

When you have your appt with your surgeon that is when you should ask all your questions. Start writing them now so you don't forget anything. I wish you all the best. Please keep me posted. I will have my surgery sometime this month a great way to start 2014.

[canthony11242004 13]

My first surgeon appt is on jan 10. I have been told I should have my surgery. Prior to march as long as the surgeon gives me a thumbs up. So cross your fingers... Congrats on your upcoming surgery as well!!!

[khelm32 52]

Awesome, keep us updated!

[MzEboni912 177]

Congrats! I'm having my surgery on Jan. 7th. When is your surgery date?

Good luck on Tuesday. Hope ur recovery is smooth.