Newbie- banded in 2007
Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum, but not OH. I was banded on 5/23/07 at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, where I lived at the time. I was active on the California OH boards before and about 6 months after the surgery, then I faded away. At the time of my banding, I weighed 294.5 lbs and wore a size 26. Today, I weigh 195 lbs and wear a 16.
I haven't had a fill since July of 2008. Obviously, I changed jobs and insurances when I moved to Georgia. My current provider, United HealthCare, told me several months ago that bariatric surgery wasn't a covered procedure, so even though I had already had the operation, I wasn't eligible for a fill. I contacted Dr. Duncan's office at Emory and they told me that he only sees patients that he performed surgery on. They gave me the number to FillsCenterUSA and I've been in touch with them.
Until Friday, I'd been putting off finding out the size and type of band I have plus amount of last fill, so that i can be adjusted. I also didn't look to appeal or further investigate United Health Care.
So long story short, I know I still have restriction and it is a miracle I haven't gained any weight or had any complications since I've been in Georgia. I'm eating way more than I should and back into the wrong types of food. That's why I've been putting off getting a fill because my head isn't in the right place. No point in getting tight and I'm still eating junk.
After getting a physical a few weeks ago, I discovered my cholesterol and blood pressure had gone up! My doc put me back on blood pressure meds. Now, it's not super high like some folks, but high enough. All of this was a wake up call for me to get back into action. I've tried to toe it alone since i've been here, but I've been led back here to find support, share my experiences (good and bad) and once again be thankful for this small miracle that's inside of me- my little band.
I haven't had a fill since July of 2008. Obviously, I changed jobs and insurances when I moved to Georgia. My current provider, United HealthCare, told me several months ago that bariatric surgery wasn't a covered procedure, so even though I had already had the operation, I wasn't eligible for a fill. I contacted Dr. Duncan's office at Emory and they told me that he only sees patients that he performed surgery on. They gave me the number to FillsCenterUSA and I've been in touch with them.
Until Friday, I'd been putting off finding out the size and type of band I have plus amount of last fill, so that i can be adjusted. I also didn't look to appeal or further investigate United Health Care.
So long story short, I know I still have restriction and it is a miracle I haven't gained any weight or had any complications since I've been in Georgia. I'm eating way more than I should and back into the wrong types of food. That's why I've been putting off getting a fill because my head isn't in the right place. No point in getting tight and I'm still eating junk.
After getting a physical a few weeks ago, I discovered my cholesterol and blood pressure had gone up! My doc put me back on blood pressure meds. Now, it's not super high like some folks, but high enough. All of this was a wake up call for me to get back into action. I've tried to toe it alone since i've been here, but I've been led back here to find support, share my experiences (good and bad) and once again be thankful for this small miracle that's inside of me- my little band.
Welcome to GA! The board here is kind of quiet sometimes. Maybe you can find a local support group near you? It might help to go in person and get feedback.
It's good that you're recognizing your choices and working to make better ones before committing to another fill. Good luck to you and I hope you find a dr soon!
It's good that you're recognizing your choices and working to make better ones before committing to another fill. Good luck to you and I hope you find a dr soon!
Across the United States, in 2006, twice as many people died from lack of health insurance as died from homicide.
"This is my one and only life, and it's a great and terrible and short and endless thing, and none of us come out of it alive."
Welcome to the GA board.. and Congratulations on your weight loss so far. I'm recently banded so I can't really give you much advice except to say what I've heard others say.. the best part about the band is that it allows you start over ..so as soon as your ready for a new start.. go ahead and get that fill and start making stides in the right direction again. Again welcome and good luck with your journey.
Most Active
Recent Topics
