Just a few things

Hello Everyone! I haven't been on alot in the past couple of weeks. My husband and I just got back from vacation in Mexico! It was so nice to not have to worry about having to ask for an extension on the airplane. Last year when we wen to Mexico I was an anxious mess before leaving thinking about how I was going to fit into my seat and if I was going to be able to go snorlkeling, because I might not be able to get myself back up on the ladder on the boat. Sometimes those ladders are so short that you have to really be able to pull yourself up. This time it was so different for me. I knew I would be ok. I didn't have to spend my time feeling anxious about my weight getting in the way. I was able to do alot of walking with out any problems. The band is so great. I also posted some photos on my profile of my husband and I in Mexico. One question for all of you out there. I have a friend who has been interested in getting lap-band. Her health is getting worse everyday. She said that she has a total weight loss surgery exclusion in her insurance policy. What does that mean? Can she file an appeal? Can she try to get it paid for or not? Weight loss surgery was part of my policy, so this is a step that I did not have to deal with. I don't know what to tell her about what her first step would be, since she has an exclusion in her policy. Any help would be appreciated. Oh one more question....This is kind of personal, but I am just curious. Since, surgery I have not been "regular" if you know what I mean. I thought about drinking a fiber drink, but I am concerned about the choaking hazard. If it clumps up on top of the band I would think that there would be a greater chance of choaking. Anyone have any advice on this or heard anything about this? Take Care Everyone! Heather H

Heather, So far as fiber is concerned, I eat about 10 or12 of those whole wheat wafers everyday. Low calorie and super fiber. I just chew well. Eat them with my meal. John

As to the "regular" question, we just talked about this at my support group earlier this week and consensus was it is pretty common for bandsters. Between the decrease in overall food intake and grains, I too am an every other day if I'm lucky kinda person (never was before surgery). I take a Benefiber chewable or two every day and find that while it doesn't necessarily speed things up so to speak, everything feels comfortable and natural. Caeli

Those are great ideas for the fiber. If I can chew it I think it would be better. Thanks for the help! Heather H

I love the new photo's!! You go girl!! Tracy 280/208/160

Benefiber won't clump/get thick in drinks. Also, you can't choke from something getting stuck in the band...different pipes. Food would have to go down your windpipe to cause choking. Nancy 394/265/180

Hi Heather!!! Honey, in just MY experience, if I drink my (apprx.) 70-80oz of water a day, I stay regular like clockwork! I've never had to worry about any fiber! Just an idea! sharon

Heather, I have regularity problems since banding. Actually I have always been prone to stoppage and banding did not help. I try to keep fiber in my diet. I have a water soluable fiber that I take from time to time. I have NEVER had it get stuck. If you worried jus****er it down a little extra and follow it with plenty of fluids. You will do fine. I do NOT recommend taking any fiber pills though - they potentially swell. Chewables would be ok too, I prefer the thought of the water soluable stuff though because it really cannot clump if you keep the water coming. Prune juice can help. I try to keep plums and prunes in my diet, that seems to help. I actualy tend to keep prunes in the house because I find they are GREAT when I have a sweet tooth - sort of a bonus food. Kiera

I think the fiber stuff is worked out. Your friend...It is very difficult to appeal a policy that has a total exclusion. The loophole is when one surgery is covered and others are excluded.

Call or email Inamed: http://www.inamed.com They will talk to you about the insurance exclusions and what to do next. They will write an appeal for you at no charge and/or you can contact: http://www.obesitylaw.com This attorney has gastric bypass and when that failed he was banded and now only handles cases of insurance companies denying WLS. Good luck to your friend. You are doing so well I know she wants to "walk in your footsteps". You are a terrific friend to stand by her and try to find out what she needs to do. Blessings, La Wanda