New to this board

Hi, my name is Kristi.  I live near Des Moines.  I just completed the 6 month supervised diet visits and Dr. LaMaster's office now has all the info.  I've completed all the requirements so now it's time to wait and pray! 

I actually went to the informational meeting regarding the lapband in June 08.  Went to my first supervised diet visit  in July.  It didn't go well because my Dr.  tried to talk me out of it and told me that if I just ate 500 calories less a day, it would solve my problems.  I told him he didn't realize my history of losing and gaining for the last 25 years and I'm only 44 now!  I showed him several years of WW records of my weight.  He advised me not to get the lapband.  So I called LaMaster's office and asked if they knew of a friendlier office that I could go to.  I felt very fortunate with the suggestion they gave me and for the next 5 months I didn't feel like a failure going to the "diet" visits.  My weight right now is 270.  ughhhh

I was told it would take two weeks to submit the info to the insurance company.  And another 4-6 weeks to get an answer.  Then if all goes well, it may take awhile to get on a surgery schedule?  Does this sound right?  I have Iowa Health Insurance and unfortunately it's 60/40, so it's a lot of money.  If I don't get to have the surgery I have a lot of flex money that I could lose.

Sorry to be so long winded, just really don't have anyone to talk to, that has been through this.  I have a very supportive husband that has loved me through thick and thin.  Try 300 pounds that I have lost in my life, and I should be invisible right? hahaha  Unfortunately that means I also gained that amount!

When I first started this I thought surgery could possibly be in Feb and now I'm thinking it could be March or April?  IF the insurance company approves it.  I'm really nervous about that.

I haven't bought any protein drinks yet, with not knowing if I will get approval for the lapband.  What drinks do you like?  Where do you buy them in the DesMoines area or online?
I'm also trying to figure out how to decrease my pictures for the avatar.  Any suggestions?
I would love to hear from you, whether you are an old pro, or just starting out on this journey.

Thanks for any help you can provide!
Kristi

Hello Kristi and welcome!

I can't really answer any of your questions about the lap band because I am not having that surgery (I'm scheduled for RNY on 2-10-09 with Dr. Jamal).  You sound like so many of us with our yo-yo experiences of losing those same 100 +/- pounds over and over again.  That's why we're trying gastric surgeries because we are at wit's end or need one more tool to try to get us on track.  

Don't feel bad or apologize for being "long-winded".........this site is a support site and if you need to talk/type a long post that's just fine.  We're all here for each other and it's been pretty supportive for me so far.

If your insurance doesn't approve the procedure, appeal that decision. What I know from a friend who works with someone who does the insurance approvals for such procedures, you keep appealing it until you get approved.

If someone knows how to do the avatar, I'd like to know too because I am not a question mark really! 

Keep us posted on your journey because I love hearing how others are doing and progressing along.

Carolia

Thanks for your response Carolia.  I appreciate it.

It must be so exciting to have a surgery date!  Please keep us updated!

Still haven't figured out how to decrease the size of my picture.  I've tried compressing it and I understand how to upload the pic to the avatar, but my pics are too large, just like me! hahaha

Hi Kristi!! Welcome!!
Im Jenn, Im having my RNY surgery on 1-28-09 so I cant help with the lapband thing either!! However, I say if your insurance doesnt approve you, appeal, appeal, APPEAL!!!

I was told with my insurance that it would take 4 weeks, and maybe more because I had christmas and new years eve in there. if you dont hear anything by 4 weeks and are getting anxious like I was, call your insurance company and check on the status...that is exactly what I did and I found out that I was approved!!! In fact, I found this out just last week, and Im having surgery in 13 DAYS!!!

Feel free to be "long winded" with us anytime, thats what we are here for!! And trust me we will do the same in hopes that you will lend an ear!

I got some sample protein drinks at www.bariatriceating.com they have a great website with lots of great info on it about WLS. I havent tried any yet, as I hear our tastes will change after surgery, and Im not sure where to get them locally. I dont even know if I will use them since they dont recommend them at the office I go to.

As far as the avatar goes..I just kept trying different pictures until one worked. Im not sure what the trick is..im just figuring out this whole forum thing...wish I knew how to change the font/color?! LOL.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Jenn

Hi Kristi, welcome aboard the board :)
I am pre-op waiting for some stuff to go thru before I can submit for approval.
As far as protien drinks go, my program doesnt require protien, but with all of my research I have tried a few. I really liked the Chike shakes, they had good flavor and not much of an after taste. If you click on their ad I think you can still get free samples.
Be as long winded as you need to be, this board is for support. I remember years ago when I was first researching the surgery the Iowa board was way more active. But maybe we can get it there again.. we are all in the same boat and all need support.
Good luck on your journey!!

Hey Kristi!  Welcome to the board.  Don't worry about being long winded.  We're all here to help and listen.  I like the Isopure protein drink because it's already made.  I don't like milk or milkshakes so I really couldn't go that route.  I would suggest trying GNC locally.  I go the one in Valley West Mall.  They have a deal by one get one half off going on right now.  I'm not sure if they have any other types of protein drinks but it never hurts to ask. 

You could possibly have surgery in Feb.  I got my approval letter on December 31, had my final consult on Jan 6, and am having my surgery on Jan 22.  So anything is possible! 

I think we've all had the yo-yo dieting.  But that's in the past now.  You're staring a new chapter of your life and we're all here to support you.  So if you need anything don't hesitate to ask.

Jenny

Oops!  Forgot to tell you how to create an avatar.  I didn't have one for the longest time then I found this website  http://www.shrinkpictures.com/create-avatar/  It does all the work for you!