MyNext30Years

Thanks! I just have to figure it out fast because my open enrollment when I elect how much to contribute to the FSA ends on Monday.

My BMI is 33.36 and I have a family history of diabetes and heart disease. My cholesterol is in the number range of my mother's when she had both of her heart attacks. Maybe I could talk her into it; however with that being said, about 9 mos. ago I asked her for an appetite suppressor and she wouldn't do it and stated that all I needed to do was cut back on my eating, eat healthier, exercise, yada yada yada If I could do that by myself, then I wouldn't be in my current situation. I know what to do, I just don't have the will power to be hungry/not satisfied all the time. Yes. I am fully aware that the band is a tool and not a quick fix!

Thanks everyone! You gave me hope! I did receive an answer back from my Flex-Admin... "Good Morning, In order for us to accept the lap band surgery, we must have a letter of medical necessity from your referring physician. Please make sure the funds are converted from pesos to US dollars. Also, any travel expenses would not be eligible. For example, you could not claim the airfare or the hotel expenses as it is not necessary that the procedure be performed in Mexico . I have attached a letter of medical necessity template for your convenience. Thank you. " I'm not sure what they're going to accept as the referring physician since I know my GP would not approve, but I'm going to give it a try. A $2000 savings is worth the fight! Mandy

Does anyone know if this surgery would qualify under the Flexible Spending Accounts in the US? It's a pre-tax benefit that could save a good deal of $$. I've emailed my flex-admin but I'm impatient and wondered if anyone had any experience with this?

I know I saw it on their website but I can't seem to find it to paste as a reference...I think this is what it said...the fills are free, the x-ray is $100, if you want their transportation from the airport it's $199 (there is public available to the boarder), and if you want to stay in one of the hotels overnight it's $279

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of your info! Now I have a another question. I saw and questioned on another board about foods that are restricted once you have the surgery. It seems that bread, rice, pasta, & carbonated drinks are big NO NOs...however these are basically my current fav. foods. I guess the only thing that I can reassure myself with is that the band is a tool and if these foods make me uncomfortable, then I won't desire them???

Hi Lisa, I'm glad you are doing better! I'm new to the board and am hoping to have the band sooner rather than later. You made the comment of "No more eating foods that can potentially get stuck!" My question is have you or anyone else that is willing to reply noticed certain foods that do get stuck? If so, what are they? Do they give you a list? Thanks for any info!! Mandy

Hello all! I'm 30 (almost 31) years old and have been overweight my entire adult life and am tired of it! I've pretty much decided that I'm going to the lap band (after countless unsuccessful changes in lifestyle). The timing just depends on when I can talk my husband into spending the money. I'm hoping for the first 1/2 of next year. Anyway, I have a few questions... I've been told that the band will not control your hunger, that you have to learn to cope with that yourself. Is that true? I stay hungry especially if I don't get "full" during a meal and a lot of the time it takes a lot of food to feel full! However, if I could learn to cope with my hunger, then I would not need the band! How is it decided what size or type of band that is used? Are there only certain days of the week that surgery is preformed on? Is it documented that people have a more successful time if they go to the OCC for fills instead of a local US practice? Any advice, input would be appreicated! Thanks, Mandy Also, have you been open about your procedure to everyone or to just a select # of people. I'm comfortable telling my family and friends, but I'm not so sure about my hubby's family or my co-workers. What do you tell people when they ask you how you lost the weight?