mbanded
Updates will appear at the top of this page.
July 19, 2006: I am sooo embarrassed by how long it has been since I posted. I feel like my life in the past year has been caught up in a tidal wave of so many unexpected things.
Unfortunately, I fell off the "bandwagon". I realize now that my metabolism is so screwed up, I am not sure how to pull myself out of it and get it back to normal. The year plus of eating less than 1200 calories a day slowed my metabolism to such a snail pace that even eating 1600 calories a day brings on weight gain.
Over the past year...where do I begin? I lost my sister to Ovarian cancer on October 14, 2005; just a week after my previous post. Around the same time, I was dealing with a child struggling with a drug problem. One of the hardest things a parent can ever do is to have their own child arrested for drugs. Guilt, feelings of inadequate parenting, feeling like you are being an unloving parent. Then, dealing with your child's anger at you. Awful, awful time. Fortunately, my son and I have grown so much closer since that day. He understands my fears, my helplessness with it all. He understands I had no other choice.
Over the past nine months, I have watched my weight creep up. Honestly, I have no clue what I weigh now.
Do I feel that the band let me down? No. I wish there was alot more stressing that the band is a TOOL to make you feel full. You will *still* have to diet. You will *still* have to watch calories. I am not so sure if that is really living. Sometimes, I wish I had the RNY instead but after seeing so many people with problems, I know that; despite gaining some back (nobody's fault but my own), the band was still the best option for me and I'd still recommend it.
October 7, 2005: Wow...four months almost since I have posted anything. Life has been---well, lets just say I have been dealing with some issues. I don't even know where to begin as far as this post goes so I'll just leave it at that for now. Hopefully, next update will be full of news. :-) Until then, to the people new to the lap-band...do not give up. That is exactly what the insurance company wants you to do!
Oh, and besides all the issues in my life, I am working three jobs. Yes, a very busy lady I am! ;-)
June 20, 2005: Oh my goodness!! FINALLY! Get out your party hats, streamers and kazoos....as of this morning, I am down 100.5 pounds!!! Woo Hoo!!!
June 19, 2005: Happy Father's Day to all the dads at AMOS!!
June 14, 2005: I am now down a total of 98 pounds! Yes!!!! I am excited. I see size 12 jeans on the horizon! LOL
June 12, 2005: The fill is working! I have lost 2.5 pounds this week! Finally!!! Yippeeeeeee! Thank You Jesus!
June 10, 2005: I cannot believe how much I have neglected posting. I am embarrassed! :-(
I am working split shifts several times a week in addition to regular shifts (today, I work 8am-5pm and then 7pm-10pm!). I haven't had time to go to the gym in a long while.
Weightloss roared to a halt. Finally broke down and did it: I got a fill Monday the 6th. The experience wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. He numbed me up good and then stuck a huge needle into my port. He checked me on fluroscopy (yummy barium!) and said my band looked pretty tight as it was. He initially tried 2.0cc but I refluxed with that. So, he backed off to 1.0cc. That looked really good so that is my first fill.
I definitely feel a difference. My weight is dropping again. Yaaaayyyy!!! Hopefully, I'll have some good numbers to report the next time. PMS is not a time to get an *accurate* weight. LOL
April 17, 2005: It is hard for me to believe but I am now in a size 10/12 on the top and a 14 on the bottom. Never would have believed that in a million years. LOL I started out in size 26 on top and bottom. As for my actual loss, I am not sure. One scale says 92.5, another says 95 and yet another says 99 pounds. I like the last one the best. ;-)
Working all the time, it seems. Regular days, first shift some days and second shift others. Then there are those days in which I work split shifts...work until 3pm, come home and go back at 7pm. Yes, I have been spending alot of time at work. On my off days, I have been spending those few days doing things around the house. I have to...I have too much energy to just sit around now! LOL
April 5, 2005: Happy Bandiversary to me! Today makes one year since I started this journey. Hard to believe, indeed!
I have learned alot over the past year...weight does not simply drop off. You have to work at it, be diligent about your choices and exercise. The band has not been a magic wand by any stretch but rather a tool to help me. *I* have done all the hard work. The band is there to assist me but like a carpenter's tool, I am the one running the show and doing the work.
Just back from vacation. Spent ten days in Naples, FL...walking the beach, hiking, shopping, etc. Relaxing in the hot tub every night. LOL It was such hard work! LOL And, believe it or not, I practically lived in my bathing suit! I swore I would not wear one but once there, I put it on and looked in the mirror and thought "hey, not bad! I am not going to let others thoughts stop me!" Not once did anyone smirk or roll their eyes in any way. In fact, two guys flirted! LOL
I came home rested and with a nice tan too! :-)
March 16, 2005: I have been so busy that I have not had time to update in almost a month!
Weightloss had slowed down bit but it is starting to pick up again. I started a new job that involves massive amounts of walking. I am literally on my feet most of the shift (sat down for about ten minutes last night). I am working swing shifts and some days, split shifts. I like the job though. :-) Anyway, with the exercise from work, I am down two pounds in one week...now 91.5 pounds since surgery.
My one year bandiversary is coming up quickly. My husband, my son and myself will be going to Florida for Spring Break this year. Still not doing a swimming suit (not sure if I will ever feel comfortable with that) but I have prepared in advance by going to a tanning salon...who wants to look like a tourist? LOL
Life's been good! :-)
February 20, 2005: My new photo is finally up! :-)
February 15, 2005: Today is the eight year anniversary of my husband and I being together. To celebrate, I lost another pound and a half! LOL Down 88.5 pounds now! Woo Hoo!!!!
February 13, 2005: Happy Valentine's Day!
I am down 87 pounds now...just less than eight weeks from my one year bandiversary. I think it is safe to assume I am not going to reach the century mark during that time. But, I am happy and grateful for the loss I have had!
January 31, 2005: I finally got my spa treatment on Saturday. It was wonderful...the best part was the facial though. OMG....massaging my face and neck...then four layers of mask. By the time I sat under the heat lamp and the mask had hardened, it was so heavy. She had to literally lift it up with both hands.
The facial itself took almost an hour! I'd say it was well worth the $55. And, I can't wait to do that part again!
My husband took some pictures after my spa day. One picture in particular, I loved. I have sent it in to OH and hopefully, they will post it soon. I thought I looked pretty darn good for a middle aged broad! LOL Definitely the best I have looked (and felt) in about ten years!
January 22, 2005: Today is my 37th birthday. Hard to believe but when I started this journey, I was only 34. :sigh: But, even three years older, I feel 100 times better! :-)
Again, another snow storm. My husband had scheduled a spa day for me (hair, facial, pedicure, manicure, etc as well as 1 month tanning) and it was cancelled because my asthetician (is that the word???LOL) was snowed in 15 miles away. So, that is rescheduled.
I am down another two pounds though. :-) That is always welcomed news. LOL God is so good!
January 8, 2005: Who ordered the snow? Can anyone tell me? Hmph! Our snow blower sure is getting used. Went to bed last night to the weatherman saying we would get a "dusting" of snow...yeah, right...we got six inches overnight!
On the other hand, I am now down 83 pounds....can you see me happy dancing? Yowza!
January 7, 2005: Happy New Year everyone! Yet another snowstorm (more ice this time) and yet another two pounds gone! Alot has happened...will write more as time permits!
December 24, 2004: Finally dug out. Streets are still slick but traffic is moving. And so is my weight! :-) Down another pound since yesterday! Thank you Jesus! I made my Christmas goal...I had revised it to 80 pounds since I made the 75 pound goal early. Well, as of this morning, I am down 80.5 pounds!
December 23, 2004: We are housebound today. Since yesterday, we have over 13 inches of snow with expectations for 6-12 more today. Obviously, we will have a white Christmas. LOL
December 7, 2004: Today would have been my mom and dad's anniversary. Their marriage was such an inspiration. I miss them so much!
This morning, I have lost another pound. Down 77 total since surgery.
December 5, 2004: Today is my eight month Bandiversary! Where has the time gone?
December 2, 2004: In spite of Thanksgiving, I am down another pound! Woo Hoo!
November 25, 2004: Happy Thanksgiving everyone! And indeed it is here! My "mini-goal" was to be down 75 pounds by Christmas. Well, as of this Thanksgiving morning, I am down 75 pounds! One month ahead of my plan! Thank you God! :)
November 13, 2004: Down again! Yaaaahhhhoooooo!!!
November 11, 2004: Happy Veteran's Day...thanks to all the veterans past and present.
Check out my BMI...woo hoo!!!!!
November 7, 2004: Hard to believe it is November already...Halloween has been here and gone as has the Presidential election (thank goodness...I was getting something in the mail every single day for about two weeks from *both* Bush and Kerry!). I was good for Halloween. I ate three M&M's...count 'em..three! LOL
Haven't weighed in several days. Tryig to stop being a slave to the scale, something that is so easy to become. Still working out three times a week and find I miss it when I am on my "off" days from the gym.
I keep saying I am going to get a new picture up...just have not done it yet. I don't know why. Maybe because I cannot find any that I like? Maybe because my hair is shorter now and wished it were long again? I don't know. Eventually I will buckle down and get a new one up. LOL
October 28, 2004: Just wanted to say I am in total amazement as to what working out does for a body. Just totally amazed...more info on that to come....
October 24, 2004: I measured today. Total inches lost: 74 1/8"!!!
October 23, 2004: It has been a frustrating month. I am working out at the gym three times a week, walking/tae bo/dancing the other four days, drinking enough water to float a boat and eating at least 80 gms of protein a day...yet my scale has been pretty darn obstinate! I complained in the forums about feeling defeated, etc...and guess what? This morning, down 1.5 pounds since yesterday. I was shocked. :-) I have also lost more than 70 inches...going to check that again today so I can update.
Celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary on the 11th. Well, not actual celebration...we are doing that today since all the kids are gone this weekend. Have a full day planned, dinner out, etc.
School is taking most of my time. But, ah ha! I see break right around the corner. Just four weeks to go.
October 5, 2004: Today is my six month bandiversary. :-) Still working out, still eating right. I haven't weighed in a while so need to do that and see how I am doing.
September 26, 2004: Finally some movement! :-) Down 68.5 pounds now!
September 24, 2004: Well, my weight has been up and down all over the place. I think my scale is evil. lol My scale is totally different from the doctor's scale so I am not sure how much I truly weigh! Whatever the case, despite my weight not going down any lower than what it was, I continue to lose inches because I am GAINING MUSCLE! I have lost 10.5 inches this month alone for a total of 67 3/8 inches!
Not only that, I am going to the gym three times a week. I ride the bike, walk the treadmill and use the machines and it is paying off! On my "off" days, I walk about two miles a day and have been doing belly dance (not for the faint of heart---that stuff will kick your butt!). I feel great! :-)
Oh, and I am back in school full time too!
September 7, 2004: Today is my brother's birthday...50 years old. It is so hard to picture him at that age. lol Today was also my first day back to class...and what a way to celebrate...I am down 66.5 pounds now! Woo Hoo!
September 6, 2004: Just realized my bandiversary was yesterday....five months already! I still cannot believe it. I took my measurements on August 28th. Between August 28th and September 4th, I lost a total of 7 3/8 inches!
Still have not had any -65 pictures taken yet. I am working on it though. :-)
September 3, 2004: I see I really should update my after photo...that was 30 pounds ago! As of today, I am down 65 pounds! Woo Hoo! In other words, I have lost 65% of my excess weight in under five months. Glory to God!
September 1, 2004: First day back in class for my kids. Up at 6am to make sure they are getting up and around without a hassle. I got on the scale and to my utter surprise, I have lost ANOTHER three pounds! I have lost 7 pounds since August 27th! I am now down 64 pounds!! :happydance:
August 31, 2004: Another two pounds lost. WOO HOO!!!!
August 28, 2004: Finally some movement in the scale! Down 59.5 pounds! Despite the lack of movement in the scale, I have still lost inches and clothes fit differently.
August 23, 2004: My scale seems to be screwed up. Went to the doctor's Friday and it showed me weighing alot less than my scale says.
Went to visit my son's grandma this past weekend and I stepped on her scale. It was even less than the doctor's scale! Got home and tried my own scale again and there is an eight pound difference between scales. So, at this point, I have no clue as to what my correct weight is. It is so frustrating!
For now, I am waiting it out...going to buy a new battery for my scale...see if that is what the problem is.
August 19, 2004: I seem to be stuck. Oh well, it has to happen once in a while, doesn't it? I am working on it though----got alot of wonderful advice from my lapband friends. :-) And, to them, I owe a big THANK YOU!!!! I did just realize though that I am down more than 9 BMI points since surgery!!!
August 15, 2004: Down another 1.5 pounds for a total of 57 pounds lost!!!
August 13, 2004: Well, I went to see Alice Cooper. I have learned that your ears will ring for at least a day after the concert if you sit too close to the stage and speakers (we were 7th row!). LOLOLOL I got a guitar pick from the guitarist and when the openning band "Dirty Americans" (very good band, btw) lead singer came into the audience, I helped hold him up on the seats. The concert was great...Alice was wonderful. Only complaint I had was he only played one ballad. :-( Other than that, I cannot believe this man is 56 years old! He can run circles around me and I am 20 years younger!
My weight has held steady for the past week. Dang Aunt Flo!
Tomorrow is my husband's 44 birthday. He wants to go to Red Lobster. I printed out one of the restaurant cards and hope they accept it. It will be my first time there since surgery. Keeping my fingers crossed that they serve chicken (I hate seafood!).
August 11, 2004: Off to see Alice Cooper in concert. Can't wait! Down a total of 55.5 pounds and 53 1/8 inches! :-)
August 6, 2004: Another 1/2 pound gone. Total= down 55 pounds.
August 5, 2004: Today is my bandiversary---four months out and now down 54.5 pounds!
July 30, 2004: Today, my husband and I spent the day at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
We were there about five minutes and I noticed my husband had stopped and was talking to someone. I recognized the person but didn't...if that makes sense....I did a double take and realized who it was ...It was John Stevens from American Idol. I went over and talked to him too.
He was very gracious. I told him that my son loved old standards and was upset he did not win. He thought that was sweet. He signed an autograph for my son, we thanked him and then went on our way.
About 20 minutes later, we ran into him again and talked to him again. Again, he was very pleasant.
When we came outside, not only did we see John Stevens, but also Jon Peter Lewis, who was also very nice. Being outside (the Rock Hall does not allow photos to be taken inside) I asked if we could get a photo. They both said "sure" and complemented me on my t-shirt (Beatles...lol).
I got home and downloaded my pictures...I was amazed at how much weight I have lost in that photo. I cannot believe I was 53 pounds heavier just four months ago.
July 28, 2004: Decided to weigh myself again this morning before I posted my weekly weigh in. I am down yet another pound for a total of three pounds lost since July 24th! I am now down 53 pounds and have a BMI of 37.9...finally made it under a 38!!! :-)
July 27, 2004: Down another pound for a total 52 pounds! Yippppeeee!!!
July 25, 2004: Down another 1/2 pound this morning for a total of 51 pounds! I tried on a pair of jeans that could not be zipped or buttoned last week...now they fit. I decided to check my inches and despite only a one pound loss in ten days; I have lost an inch off my hips as well as an inch off my waist! Is this cool or what?!!! :-)))))
July 24, 2004: After nine days of a plateau, I have finally gone down a half pound. I just hate that bloating from monthlies but what can you do?
July 15, 2004: I just updated yesterday and I am already down another 1.5 pounds. I have now lost 50 pounds in 3 months and 10 days!! I tried on a pair of jeans that were too small last week...they fit now! The jeans I bought last week at the thrift store are sagging! I have lost 3 pounds in the last six days! God is awesome and I am so thankful to Him for all He is and all He has done! :-)
July 14, 2004: Down another 1.5 pounds in just 5 days . Have lost a total of 48.5 pounds and almost 8 BMI points. Correct BMI now is 38.7.
July 10, 2004: What is up with the BMI's? I hope OH gets this corrected soon. Yesterday, it said I was 203.9 BMI, today it says 41.9 BMI. As of today, I am (for real) a 38.8 BMI. Just wanted to clarify!
July 9, 2004: Can you see me Happy Dancing? I am down 47 pounds now. I have lost 3.5 pounds just in the past ten days! Woo Hoo!!! Went to visit my former mother-in-law yesterday. Had a wonderful time. We spent alot of time shopping and got a few new smaller jeans. :-) I love my band! And thank you God for making it happen!
June 30, 2004 again: My son and I just got back from shopping at a thrift store...all I can say is OH MY GOSH!!! I have lost four sizes since surgery! I assumed a couple of sizes but no, I have lost FOUR sizes!!!! I keep pinching myself! I still cannot believe it. Holy Cow!
June 30, 2004: Amazing! I just realized this morning I have lost seven BMI points! Seven right on the nose (I originally started at 46.5 BMI)! And, I am down a total of 43.5 pounds. Despite the slowing of weightloss, I have learned that inches still do come off and today, I am going shopping. No more teenage-hanging off-your-butt type jeans for me! I am a little too old for that teenager look. lol
June 22, 2004: Down two more pounds ( 42.5 pounds lost!) and have lost more than 41 inches overall!
June 17, 2004: I made it!! Down another pound and a half for a total loss of 40.5 pounds.... and have made it to under the 40 BMI! Woo Hoo!!! Who would have thought that a 39.9 BMI would make me happy??? LOL
June 12, 2004: I just spent a week on jury duty. It was really interesting and I know that my fellow jurors and myself did was was right according to the law. What a learning experience though! ;-) Still, I am down another pound for a total of 39 pounds (though this is not accurate since it is "that time of the month" (LOL). Hopefully a few days will show a couple more pounds gone. I am slowly inching my way towards a less than 40 BMI.
June 4, 2004 --again: I spoke too soon. I decided to weigh in early and I am down 38 pounds as of today. 1.5 pounds in five days. yaaayyyyy. I have also lost almost 6 BMI points.
June 4, 2004: I have noticed my weightloss has slowed down a bit but that is okay. Clothes are still getting looser despite the numbers not dropping drastically.
I am having to go out and buy new stuff already. Jeans are falling off, shirts look like maternity blouses. lol
As of May 30th, I am down 36.5 pounds now. :-) I have a new picture since the surgery. If I can figure out how to post it, I will.
May 23, 2004: I have now, as of this morning, lost 34.5 pounds! I am wearing a pair of jeans that I have not worn in about a year or year and a half! Woo Hoo!!
May 11, 2004: I cannot believe a month has passed! Gosh, this surgery has been so worth it! One more week and I will be on regular foods. Still do not need a fill. I am eating 1/2-3/4 cups of food at each meal. As of May 8th, I am down 30.5 pounds! Not bad at all for just over a month out. I am so pleased. Thank you Jesus for making this possible for me!
April 7, 2004: I had surgery on April 5th. Both Dr. Duckett and his partner in the practice, Dr. Oweis performed my surgery. The doctors did nine band placements on the 5th and I was the first of the nine to be released on the 6th. Doing well and find it incredible that I am eating such a small amount and getting full!
February 7, 2004: Dear Lord in Heaven! The external review has totally overturned Anthem's decision and has ordered my insurance to pay for my surgery!! Thank you Jesus! I still cannot believe this. Has anybody ever dehydrated from crying tears of joy? Oh my, I am going to be finally getting this done after 18 months of fighting. Praise God!
January 2004: Anthem is not providing all the info the state is requesting. I am not surprised.
November 2003: again, I was denied. I finally decided to just ask for an external review. Not giving up hope yet.
July 22,2003: I am on my last appeal before going to an external review. These people have not been pleasant to deal with at all and I would never recommend Anthem to anyone.
January 16, 2003: Since I had not heard anything regarding my appeal, I called Anthem to inquire what was going on. They claimed they had not received anything. I called my doctor's office immediately and they said "you know, Anthem told another patient here the exact same thing". Upon the doctor's office investigation, they found that Inamed (the company that makes the band) changed connsulting firms. My info and research was submitted during the change over and the new consulting firm did not have anything documented that my appeal had even been sent in (Inamed handles the appeals for people getting the band). So, almost 6 weeks since the stuff was sent to Inamed and they inadvertently lost it in the changeover! Now I am back to square one. The doctor's office resubmitted my stuff and the new consulting firm was very apologetic but this has wasted 6 weeks of my deadline to appeal! Very frustrated right now but know that if this surgery is God's will, He will see me through. I am not giving up.
January 1, 2003: Happy New Year! Well, my appeal was sent out the first part of December and I have not heard a thing. When I initially attempted to get it approved, they were very fast at denying my request. Now, with my appeal, they have been taking their time. I plan to call them tomorrow to see what is going on. With my college finals, Christmas and then New Year's, I honestly did not even think to call before now. My 35th birthday is three weeks from today...please God, an approval for surgery for my birthday! :-)
November 23, 2002: Happy Thanksgiving everyone! My appeal is ready to be sent in. When I first got my denial, I was planning to write something and send it in right away. After calming down from the initial upset, I decided to research...extensive research. I have gathered more than 75 pages on wls, in particular the lap-band. I have written a well thought out letter. I am going to make them see me as a person and not just a "group number". I gathered all my documentation from various phone calls to Anthem---I have had such conflicting info given to me. They say FDA approval does not matter...they gave another reason as for why they deny the lap-band. I went to the source and found out the customer rep was way off base. I have definitely addressed all the misinformation I am constantly given. I have also found through research that the majority of the references used when they came to the decision it is "investigational" are , for most part, 3+ years old. Not many current/recent references used. Ah well---I am not giving up.:-) Giving up is exactly what they want me to do.
October 31, 2002: Happy Halloween! The week has been a bit depressing. I received my denial on Monday, the 28th. I expected this and so did Dr Duckett. We are appealing right away. Anthem sent a copy of their policy with explanations...none of it makes sense and I feel their reasoning is a bunch of bull. I am going to battle them all the way. Does this sound backwards? Anthem told me that I have to have my GP submit the request for surgery before I even see the surgeon. Becuase of that, they refuse to pay for the office visit to Dr. Duckett. Before I even went to see him, I spoke with Anthem and made sure it was covered and that he was network. When I told the lady this Monday, she told me to appeal the refusal to pay for the office visit (it was $357). I told her if I could afford to spend $357 for a 15 minute office visit, I'd just do the surgery self-pay too. Although she was pleasant, she did try to talk to me about considering an RNY or VGB. No thank you, I have decided on lap-band as I feel it is best for me.
October 18, 2002: I think I am fighting an uphill battle. I spoke with Anthem to ask if they would pay for my upper GI (they said yes and I had it done this morning). While I was on the phone, I asked if the psychologist I was referred to is in network. I was told that Anthem does not require psych evals anymore and thus, will not pay for it even if the doctor does. This is the exact opposite of what I was told in August. I called Dr. Duckett's office and they said they'd call and find out what is going on with the insurance. I am kind of skittish about if they really will pay for the Upper GI now. Keeping fingers crossed...and have Walter Lindstrom in the back of my mind.
October 10, 2002: Had my consult with Dr. Duckett. Feel very confident about his abilities. Looks like once my insurance approves this, they can get me in really quick. As of right now, we are shooting for the 2nd week in December.
October 2, 2002:::Well, I am finally scheduled to see the surgeon. My appointment is for October 10th with Dr. Timothy Duckett in Maumee, Ohio. He is new to AGB but not new to laparscopic surgery. At this point, I am not sure who will be proctoring him during the surgery. Hopefully a doctor with a thousands of AGB's under his belt! :-)
I am both nervous and excited. Ironically, I have lost 11 pounds since I began researching WLS...I hear this is not unusual though. I had to drop a size in clothes, which is just fine by me.
This weekend, we are celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary (actually, our anniversary is on the 11th of October...we are just doing it a week early). My husband is taking me to see Paul McCartney in concert. I can't wait!
August 24, 2002:::My name is Marlene and I am a 34 year old nurse, mother of two and stepmom to three. I have dieted for the past 23 years. I can still remember my first diet at the age of 11---a doctor supervised diet that I was on for about 6 months. I only lost ten pounds despite the fact I did *not* cheat. I have tried low fat, high carb, low carb, Formu-3, had an active gym membership for 18 months, etc.---nothing has kept the weight off permanently. I am not looking to be a skinny minnie. :-) I'd be quite pleased to get down to a size 12.
I went to my PCP yesterday and I am being referred for surgery!!. I was so surprised! I took in a detailed list of my diet history, starting at the age of 12, my comorbidities and my family history. The PA (Physician Assistant) was very impressed and said she would write a letter of medical necessity as will as a letter documenting all my weight loss attempts. While I was there, she noted that for the fifth time in a row, my blood pressure is high. She promptly added that to my comorbidities. As of right now, I have degenerative disc disease, hypertension, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, arthritis and possibly sleep apnea. My quality of life has diminished just over the past year due to my weight. Despite the fact that I have hovered around this size for several years (in between diets), it has finally affected my knees. It hurts to climb stairs or to get down on the floor on my hands and knees. I used to love to take long walks and hike---cannot do that anymore. And, forget about going outside and running with my german shepherd...my knees just hurt too bad.
A year ago, I would have never considered weight loss surgery. But, once your body starts to "go"...well, you start to reconsider. My rheumatologist told me that losing weight would relieve my symptoms of CFS (if not put me into a complete rrecovery)...well, that little tidbit gave me hope and brought me to this website. :-)
Now the hard part---convincing Anthem to approve my surgery. As of right now, they would pay for a RNY or a VGB however, I have decided on the Adjustable Gastric Band. At this point, Anthem still has it listed as "investigational". I asked them to send me a copy of their policy on it and according to it, Lap Band has not been FDA approved. When I read this policy, I noticed the last revision on the policy was December 2000. The Lap Band was approved by the FDA in June 2001. So, I will definitely bring this up when I appeal (I already know it will be denied).
Why have I chosen Lap Band? Well, for one, the first time I had heard of it was when Sharon Osbourne (Ozzy's wife) spoke of the band and how she lost 95 pounds. I was really impressed. That led me to research it on the net---I like the idea of a slower weight loss and of the fact it can be totally reversed if needed. The low risk of complications sounds pretty good too. :-)
One of my dear friends recently had an open duodenal switch and her profile is on here (her name is Tammy Rowe). She has been an inspiration and has given me websites, info, etc. She has helped make my decision easier.
If anyone has advice to share whether it be about the surgery or help with insurance, please feel free to write me at my email addy above. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
