gottobeme

I straight out asked my surgeon which one he would recommend, and he wouldn't say one over the other. I did get the feeling he would have recommended bypass but stopped short of it. My insurance will cover most of the banding but nothing for bypass so that was a deciding point for me. I also feel I need the follow up required with the band to help me stay on track long term.

I was just approved by insurance last week and have scheduled surgery for 4/13 (yes, I know it's a Friday). Yea! I've been wondering what others have done pre-op as part of their doctors and/or insurance requirements. I feel very fortunate that docs with DeanCare decided they needed to build a "program" when they decided to offer WLS. Since August I have had monthly "group" appointments that are a combination support group as well as 1 on 1 with the doctor, attended support group meetings, had a psyc eval, met with a nutritionist and attended informational meetings offered by the department. As part of my personal pre-op plan I have been on a modified very low calorie diet, a combination of protein shakes, bars and healthy foods. I have lost 63 lbs so far (+/- 3 lbs lately), my top weight was 270. The only drawback I see for myself is the lack of banders in my area. This site has been wonderful for me. I have not yet met anyone who has a band, only bypass patients. My insurance will only consider covering the band, and I feel more comfortable with a foreign object in my body rather than re-routing my insides so I guess it's a win-win for me.

Hi! I am pre-op and looking for a mentor. I was recently submitted to insurance and am waiting for the result. The program I am going through is very thorough so I can be pretty sure I will be approved. I have lost 62 lbs in 6 months working with Dean Weight Management Program (I have Dean Health ins in South Central WI). My weight loss has slowed significantly recently. I love the staff that I work with and have attended a couple of WLS support groups there. The drawback of the support groups is the lack of LB patients. Most have had RNY, for several reasons I have chosen the Lap Band. The fact that my insurance will cover most of it and none of a bypass also "weighed heavily" on my decision. I hope to find someone willing to give me pre-op and post-op advice as well as what to expect long term, i.e. getting to the sweet spot, plateaus, the need for long term support. With the internet I don't think I need someone who lives in my area, just someone willing to give advice and help me stay positive!

Thanks 1shauna1. I will update you when I hear from insurance.