JLynn288

Believe me.....EVERYONE thinks they know everything. You learn real fast who your true friends are. I haven't had surgery yet but I am hoping for August. But I just talked to a few people about the possiblity of getting LapBand and started getting judged and lectured. So now I have decided "IT'S NOBODIES BUSINESS". People just don't understand that we Banders get educated and have support groups and forums for all our questions and help. We don't need our friends, loved ones, or co-workers to POLICE us. Be strong. WE ALL WILL GO THROUGH SOME TYPE OF PREJUDICE OR POLICEING!!

Welcome to the forums.....I am in the process of getting all my testing done for the doctor. But I will give you as much info as I can. First what kind of insurance do you have? Check what your insurance qualifiers are before anything. Every insurance is different. Here are some qualifiers that insurance companies ask for: 3 year history of weight(showing you have been struggling with weight) BMI of ? (again depends on ins,) 3 - 6 mo. nutrietional supervised diet with weigh ins Your Gastric Doctor will have other test required:(depends on doctor) sleep study esophigus test psych heart also if you smoke or drink you have to quit at least 7 weeks prior to surgery.

Most insurance have decided to keep LapBand and Gastric because in the end it saves them tons of money. So if I were you I'd start the process now and continue on your journey. Just get the information on what your insurance requires to be approved. Some require a 6 month monitored diet others don't. Other insurance companies require 2 morbid factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.. But now that you have decided to take the leap.....go for it. I am in the process of doing all my doctors test. My insurance doesn't require the dieting. But the test that the doctor requires take time and sometimes you are at the mercy of time. I am hoping I will have my surgery in August. Good Luck!!

I have tricare prime and live in Alabama. Now for me just to be seen by the surgeon I had to get a referral from Tricare. This was based off the doctors recommendation. From there each surgeon has their standards. Lap band now has a BMI standard of I believe 34 and at least 2 co-morbities. But my doctor said that I was close at 41. So I'm sorry to hear its been hard for you to even be seen. My suggestion is to get a refferal and if that doctor doesn't want to work with you then they will help you find another. Good Luck!!

I don't have a date yet. I am still going through the series of requirements that my doctor wants done. I have a doctors appointment on the 27th and am hoping I will get some idea then. But I am staying positive and looking forward to a new and improved LIFE.

Okay....had the test done on the 17th. It was a breeze. I was rolled into the room, they had me lie on my side and put wedges on the front and back of me. They put this piece in my mouth and taped it in place. And thats all that I remember until I woke up in the recovery area. Throat is numb. But you have some gas pains in your stomache from them putting gas in you. You will have lots of burping and some tooting involved. But from what I have been told nothing compared to having a colonoscapy(?), Got up got dressed and went home. You are told to relax and do nothing for 24 hours. Hope this helps to ease your mind!!

I'll let you know....having this done tomorrow 6/17 and I too have been told different things from different people. :0)

thanks for this information. I have been preparing for my pre-op and this is great information for someone like me that is lactose intolerant sometimes.