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montanadi
on 7/6/08 1:30 am - Sheridan, MT

Topic: RE: No word yet on approval..

Thanks for the positive thoughts! Perhaps you're right and they are working by surgery dates or something, I'm tentative for the 29th. I am so excited for you having your surgery tomorrow! How are you going to sleep tonight?! I'm coming from Sheridan which is south and a little east of Butte. It takes me a little less than 3 1/2 hours to get to up there. It's a beautiful drive tho'. I am taking my suburban, it's the most comfortable car I have ever been in, so I'm hoping the ride home won't be too bad. The office told me about a hotel very near the hospital that gives a good rate, does anyone know which one it is? I hope to hear from you Sunny after you're home from the hospital! I will want to hear all about it, how it went, how it felt, what you did, where your support person stayed, etc.etc. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!! Diane

sunnyinmontana
on 7/5/08 4:34 pm - MT

Topic: RE: No word yet on approval..

It certainly does sound like you've qualified for surgery. I know the wait on approval is nerve wracking. I'm still wondering if it's something simple--like them just being busy checking approvals and working in order of upcoming surgery dates. I'll be watching the boards when I get back to hear postive news! And Carrie's right. If the hold up's on the Dr.'s office part, might be worth switching to Rohrer. Keep investigating (and nagging). If we've been approved, you'll be approved. It just has to be. They'd really have to disprove all the documentation and Dr. recommendation, and I just don't see how they could. I can't believe I'm heading to G.Falls tomorrow! It's all feeling surreal...I just want to GET THERE! This pre-op diet has been a struggle. It will be so nice to NOT be hungry. I don't think I'll end up with more than a 10-12 lb loss off by Monday. I hope that's okay with the Dr. I am totally pre-menstrual, so I know I'm also retaining a lot of fluid. And speaking of proteins, I did get that sampler from bariatriceating.com and got to try several different things. I liked the BSN Lean Dessert flavors and Whey Gourmet. I don't like the Isopure either. I'm hoping I'll like it later, because I have like 1 of each flavor and it was so darned expensive! I do like the Unjury Choc & Vanilla. My favorite shake is to blend 1 cup of ice with a cup of skim, choc unjury and dash of instant coffee, and occasionally a splash of sugar free vanilla liquid creamer. We definately have to find proteins we can live with and liven up, don't we? How long is the drive for you gals? It's about 3 1/2 hrs for me. Not looking forward to the ride home. I hope it's not too uncomfortable. Hoping to be home by Wednesday night. C'YA on the OTHER SIDE

montanadi
on 7/5/08 2:42 pm - Sheridan, MT

RNY on 07/24/08

Topic: RE: No word yet on approval..

Hey Carrie, how's it going? I read your post on the bmi over 50 board about the drink recipe, it sounds yummy! I have heard that too, about the tastebuds, I guess it would be a bad idea to buy in bulk and get stuck with a bunch of stuff you can't drink! Hey maybe there's an idea there for a trading board for sealed unused protein powder! This waiting is hard, I'm trying to keep upbeat, it's my natural state of being, but it's hard. I don't like it when I don't have any control over the outcome of things that affect me. What am I saying? Like I've had control over what's been going in my mouth!! AAggghhh! okay, what did Doris Day sing? Que Sera, Sera..what ever will be will be. Carrie, I LOVE the excerpt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that you put at the end of your posts, Very inspirational! I can't believe it's only a week away either, this week is going to fly by! Are you ready? One more week and you'll be on that Loser's Bench, we'll that will be a good thing! I bet Sunny will be making sure there's room for you and you'll be making room for me when I get there! You go girls! Diane

Carrie B.
on 7/5/08 5:18 am - Miles City, MT

RNY on 10/13/08

Topic: RE: No word yet on approval..

Diane, the thing that sucks for me is that you are the one that let me know about the change in insurance and everything that is going on. I know this is going to happen and that you are going to hear something soon. IF I can offer any advice, FIND a protein powder that you can stomach cuz in my opinion they all suck. I just eat them because I have to. I have found that blending the powder with ice and other stuff like Divinci SF syrup helps alot. I bought a ton of Isopure bottles for after and frankly, I am wondering if I will be able to stomach them. People tell me that your tastebuds change after surgery and I hope they change so that I can stand the isopure. I went to the Vitalady website and you can sample tons of brands and flavors. I think that is an awesome idea. I am glad that we know someone who is going first cuz I have a ton of questions. I can't believe Monday will mean I only have a week, and then we both get to cheer you on. I know how hard this is for you...it will happen, and bottom line if you absolutely have to I would switch to Rohrer. Let me know ASAP as I am on pins and needles waiting for you.

montanadi
on 7/5/08 1:50 am, edited 7/5/08 2:26 pm - Sheridan, MT

RNY on 07/24/08

Topic: RE: No word yet on approval..

HI Sunny, hope you had a good 4th! how are you doing? Monday is right around the corner! Isn't that great! two more days and you'll be a LOSER! Ready to start your new life?!! It is so incredibly exciting, I am very happy for you! I haven't heard yet, I thought I'd tell you a little more about my journey, my PCP is very on board with me having WLS, he wrote a letter of support, twice! once when I applied for it in 2005 (didn't expect to get it) and this year. he has been monitoring me for the last 3 1/2 years. I did the why weight, i did the six months, the only thing I think I'm borderline on is the two co-morbids. For the last five years, my weight has gone up 100 pounds, I quit a very active job I had and took a desk job. Medically speaking my weight is my only negative. Three years ago, I did a sleep study and was found to be borderline sleep apneic (?), and in the last year, standing for long periods, walking very far and even house cleaning has become a real chore because my lower back just starts to scream (sit down!) after about 8-10 mins of activity. My ankles and knees and back hurt so much I can't walk very far, I find it hard to stand for more than 10-15 mins at a time. And I have bi-lateral lower extremity swelling (which has gotten worse in the last six months). Oh, and I mentioned heartburn in a couple of my appts. I have been living with that for awhile, I just though it was a way of life, my Mother and one of my sisters have been suffering from heartburn of varying severities for many years, they are both obese. The letter Lindsey (Dr. Martin's assistant) sent in to Blue Cross said that I suffered from the following co-morbids, intertrigo, sleep apnea, GERD, and bi-lateral swelling of her lower extremities. What do you think about these co-morbids? I know my body isn't handling my weight like it used too, it's reacting more to the weight and I truly feel, and I know, it's only a matter of time before I have real trouble. That's why I want the surgery! So I can get my weight controlled and be healthy for once in my life! So I guess I feel that I've met all the guidelines but there is a little doubt on the co-morbids, maybe, I guess I'm hoping that if they don't think I qualify because of them, they'll look at the big picture and see in my records that it is only a matter of time before I progress to that point where it isn't a problem to get approval. I hope I can get help now, not later. Thanks for letting me vent, I appreciate the support and chance to talk and share. I'm not used to this message board thing but I'm stepping outside my comfort zone in order to change my life. Cuz my life isn't working the way it is now. Good Luck on Monday, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers! Diane

Felicia S
on 7/4/08 8:14 am - Billings, MT

RNY on 10/02/06

Topic: RE: Billings WLS Meet Up - Hope to see you there!

LOL I totally agree they need to stay open longer.

Can't wait for next week!

Should be a great Meet Up with all the people that have said they were coming.

*huggles*
=0)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Loss To Date: -262lbs
CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR DAY!
Accept responsibility for your choices and actions.
Believe that you're worth the time and the effort.
Commit and don't quit until your dreams come true.

montanadi
on 7/4/08 12:58 am - Sheridan, MT

RNY on 07/24/08

Topic: RE: Having Trouble deciding which to have Lap Band or Gastric bypass, Help

Hi Bobbie, I agree with Felicia, educate yourself! you can get all the info you need right here, from the message boards to the FAQ's. After you have studied it for awhile you'll know what you're comfortable with. For me, I just don't think I would trust myself with the LapBand, I don't think it's permanent enough. With my family history of obesity, WLS is going to start a whole new way of life for me and I think it's the best tool for me! Good Luck with your journey, and good for you for taking the first step! Diane

Tyna S.
on 7/3/08 1:55 pm - Billings, MT

Lap Band on 09/29/08

Topic: RE: Billings WLS Meet Up - Hope to see you there!

I think City Brew needs to stay open later. Closing at 9:30 on a summer night is just wrong :-) Oh well, it's still nice to have a night out with friends! Nancy and Christine, sorry you couldn't make it. Vinca, hope to meet you next week! Tyna :-)

stoutelie
on 7/3/08 3:20 am - Great Falls, MT

Topic: RE: Any Great Falls Lap Banders???

From being an employee at the hospital, I have seen the after affects of the surgery and the lap band and I chose the lap band. I think it is safer, you lose weight slowly but you dont have the side effects of losing weight so rapidly. I researched the both of them for about 6-7 months before I made my decision. Each person is different and you have to go with what suits you the best. I have a few friends that had the bypass because they weighed about 350-400 pounds and the band didn't suit them. I went with Dr.Rohrer as my surgeon. I would call the bariatric institute and just ask some questions to see what feels right for you.

Felicia S
on 7/3/08 1:27 am - Billings, MT

RNY on 10/02/06

Topic: RE: Any Great Falls Lap Banders???

We use Care Credit. Didn't for surgery cuz we didn't owe that much but have used it for dental bills and vet bills. There ( at least for us ) is usually a way its set up that there is 0% interest as long as you pay it off by a set time etc... Then your charged the interest rate if you don't get it paid off in time. For example I have a vet bill I am paying on. I have 18 months to pay it off. I am charged no interest as long as I have it paid of in that 18 months... Depending on how much you end up having to pay out of pocket it might be an option. BUT I wouldn't finance the whole thing through care credit as you would be better off getting a personal loan for that amount at a low interest rate. I don't know what your situation is but you could also look into a collateral loan ( for example if you have your car paid off you could use it as collateral - gets your interest rates lower) or there is always a second mortgage if you own a home. Lastly some hospitals offer financial assistance depending on your income, etc...

Good luck to you!!

*huggles*
=0)

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