KathyOfAlabama

Got my approval from insurance and now the last thing I have to do before they can schedule surgery is to quit smoking. I have tried to quit a thousand times. The nurse said they do a urine test for nicotine, so I can't even use gum or patches or anything. Anyone have the same issue? I welcome any suggestions!

I am actually wondering the same thing. What do people say that have been banded? I have been told I don't need it, just diet and excersice, taking the easy way out... just a lot of things I don't really want to hear and I don't know how to respond to it.

Thanks all for your suggestions and support. Shortly after posting this I had set my quit date for Jan 4. Right now I am feeling quite confident that I CAN do this! SkinnyMini.... your surgeon makes perfect sence... If I want to have this surgery to be healthy, why would I want to continue to smoke? My surgeon is a stickler on this requirement and I fully believe he will do a urine test before setting my surgery date. So, here's to a new, healthier year to all of us!

Hi CeCe! Congrats on your decision to take control! I was recently approved through Tricare for the lap band. It was not a long process at all. My PCM sent in a referal for the bariatric doctor of my choice and then they sent in the request for approval and it took just 3 days to be approved! There is some confusion at the moment as to whether or not a Tricare patient has to undergo 6 months of doctor monitored dieting, but mine went through without having to do that. I wish you the best of luck!