So I have my first appointment with the LAP-BAND® doctor on January 7, 2010 and I have no idea what to expect. What usually happens on the first appointment? Does the approval process start then or what? I can use as much information as you can give me. Thanks =)

Hi. Obviously it depends on who your doctor and insurance is, but here's my experience. I was banded on 10/12/09 and my first appointment was on 9/5/09. On the first appt I received the orders for the 5 tests that I needed to be completed. (1. respiratory eval 2. sleep eval (for sleep apnea) 3 upper GI 4. abdominal ultrasound 5. Blood work) Luckily when I scheduled my first appt, they scheduled my other appts so I was able to get all appts done within 1.5-2 weeks. Then once all the info is obtained, the info is sent to your insurance. I received an approval about 1.5 weeks after that was submitted and then scheduled the surgery. It went pretty smoothly for me. Good Luck

I'm assuming you've been to a seminar that gives you information on the WLS your doc performs...so my doctor consult was my chance to ask any specific questions I still had; select the type of surgery, discuss anesthesia, recovery, fills, port placement, etc. I went to this with a written list as it was my only chance to meet with the doc before surgery. Best wishes! BG

Band_Groupie I haven't been to a seminar. Once I told my primary doctor that I did want to have the surgery she referred me to the lap band doctor and was scheduled right away for my first appointment. I am so excited and I hope it goes smooth like with you LynneC.