HI I am having to do the whole jump through the insurance hoops right now. I have my first appt with Dr. Edwards on the 22nd. I have to have 1 6month documented physician supervised weight loss program. What a joke if this would work as a permenant fix I would be thin now and not have to have surgery:cursing: The positive that comes from lap band far out weighs the cost to the insurance. If they don't have to pay a montly doctor visit. Monthly prescriptions and hospital treatments for illness due to obesity. I just don't get it. I am glad though that they approved my first visit. Dr. Edwards is out of my network so I really thought it would be a huge struggle. Anyways......taking meridia right now and have lost 6 lbs in 2 weeks. Slow start but a start. I joined a fitness club and will doing water areobics 2 times a week and I have been walking a mile and holf on the treadmill once to twice a week. I am so ready to have my life back. Anyways it really helps reading everything in here. Thanks everyone for being so honest about things. :tongue: I will keep ya posted.