Sharilo

I get banded Sept.7. I'm hoping it goes well. The process to this point has been easier than I anticipated. However, I start my all liquid diet Wednesday, not sure how well I will cope on that.

I really hope you find someone you are comfortable with and who has a more professional system. There are only a few programs in my area so I got lucky. Best of luck to you!!

Wow! Sounds quite unprofessional to me. I had to pay $25 at the seminar I went to, but that was only if I decided I wanted to get in to the program. I have seen the dietitian twice and will see her once more before my surgery. I have NEVER had to pay anything to her. And this was before I even knew that the insurance was going to cover everything. I would be looking for a different surgeon if this happened to me. How dare they treat you that way!! Getting banded is a very important decision in a person's life and you need to be totally comfy with all aspects of the program. I don't want to say you got "ripped off" but I do think their business practices are a little questionable.

I was told I had to be not smoking for 6 months or they wouldn't do the surgery. At the beginning it was mentioned that a nicotine test would be given to determine that I was not a smoker but that has not happened. So, I have not smoked in 6 months and my surgery is scheduled for September 7. No more has been said about the nicotine test so I don't know if that was a bluff or what. I know that quitting is the best thing to do, especially since I am starting a new healthy lifestyle. But, I must say, I miss it terribly. It was hard to quit after having smoked for 30 years but I did it and know that it is what is best. You are so right though, it's really a tough habit to break. And I am hoping and praying that I have the willpower to not pick it up again after I get banded.

You definitely need to check with your surgeons office on what the exact requirements are. I have UnitedHealthCare and didn't have to lose any weight prior. I did have to do 6 months of weight management plus dietitian and pysch eval. Every insurance has different requirements. Another idea would be to call your insurance customer service and see if they can tell you all the requirements or even your human resources insurance/benefits coordinator. Good Luck!

I have united health care. I'm just so amazed at how quickly I was approved.

I guess I thought I wouldn't need much because it's laparoscopic outpatient surgery. I was just planning on wearing comfy waisted clothes (a dress is a great idea), slip on shoes (or flip flops), and taking a cushy pillow for the ride home. Now I'm wondering if I'm going to be unprepared. If for some reason I need to stay longer, I figure my hubby can always bring any needed items. I will have things ready at home though. I've already got my baby spoon and measuring stuff.

I just found out today that I was approved (didn't even know they were turning it in yet)! I will be banded on Sept 7. Start my liquid pre-op diet August 24. I'm so excited!!

I just found out this morning that my surgery date is September 7!! I didn't even know they were turning it in to insurance as I still have one more weight management visit with my primary care doc. They called me from the surgeons office this morning and said that they turned it in yesterday and got the approval this morning and when would I like to have the surgery! Wow!! I am just in shock that it went so easy for me. I'm actually glad I didn't know it was being turned in to insurance as I would have been a nervous wreck wondering about approval. I start my all liquid diet on Aug. 24th. Woot Woot!