KMEArnold

I have a BMI hovering around 38ish (5'6", 235 lbs). I am very interested in the lap band surgery and have done all of my homework. I do not have any significant comorbidities (thankfully) - just joint pain and possible mild sleep apnea (though not officially diagnosed). I wondered if anyone out there has had any success in getting approved through insurance with a similar situation? Do I have to gain more weight to be considered? Seems crazy, but just thought I would ask about others experience. Thanks in advance!

I have done the homework and I am convinced that this is the solution for me. I live in Chicago and I'm starting the process at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. My first appointment is with a dietitian. The woman who set up my appointment today said I can expect surgery six months from now. Six months from now seems like a long, long time to wait. I am committed, but wondering if I should be considering other doctors or places to get the surgery. How long did most people wait? How do you deal with the wait? I can just imagine being bigger by then with more to lose

Thanks everyone for sharing! It's too funny because I was just having the first official consult today and when I left the eating and not being able to drink thing has really been on my mind. I am just thinking about eating out socially and without wanting to tell everyone that I have a band - it could be a bit awkward. Not a showstopper, just a bit awkward to be eating and not drinking anything at all. Will take some adjustment. Also, curious about the long term/lifelong comment. Everything I have read is that this life long as well. Yes, no one has had it that long because it hasn't been around that long, but there is no evidence for it needing to be removed at a given point. It's just like any other implant in your body I would expect. Thanks again!

I really appreciate the honest comments from people on this board. I am committed to moving forward with this procedure and appreciate that most do not regret their decision. But I want to be prepared for the realities of living with a band. So... What would you say your biggest complaint is or what is the hardest part of life with a band? I am not looking for data to make me change my mind, just really trying to be completely prepared! Thanks!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am one of those that does the pre-work and exhaustive research and don't make a decision until I'm ready - but when I'm ready, I'm ready. I've had a lot of therapy and nutrition counseling in the past. I will keep working the program, just wanted to know that I wasn't alone

Thank you so much for your honest posts, I really appreciate it. I look forward to continuing my research and this process and sticking with the wonderful people on this board!

I am very seriously considering lap-band surgery. Based on my research and reading of posts here, I am very confused about what I can expect my stomach to look like after surgery. Not that I am planning to be bikini ready - but the idea of a permanent bump somewhere is strange to me. What does the port site look like? Is it visible as a bump on your belly? Or does it become visible as you lose weight? I am familiar with the scarring as I have had my gallbladder removed and I can live with that - but wondering about port bump and intimacy issues - I can see being very self-conscious about that. These might sound silly, but I am confused by all the different descriptions I have read from people! Would love to hear from someone. Thanks!