VIRGO_GIRL824

Well, you have to have a BMI of 40 or higher or 35-39 with at least 2 comorbities. Obviously have to get medical clearence, psychological clearence, etc... You have to attened health and wellness classes, suppport grups, etc...Yes they do keep statistics on all patients, and i guess this white light thing is a way to do that. But this is not a study program. This particular group of surgeons have been practicing WLS for a long time and they are a "center of excellence". Not that there is anything wrong with a "study program" but I would be too scared to to be part of a "clinical trial" or something. I just think it's good that they have a criteria set up. I mean obviously you have to meet your insurance guidelines, but for those who are self pay, they can't just come in because they are overweight (not obese) and pay a doctor to have this surgery... they have to meet the same criteria as the and go through the same process as the rest of us.

No, no clinical study...Here to get the LB or GB you have to be "accepted" into the program, which I think is great, because these are not surgeons that will operate on just anyone who has the money or insurance that will cover it. You pay a program fee of $495 which coveres your visits with the surgeon, co-pays and all pre-op testing. They also have this white light scan which was optional, but now is mandatory... I think it is a way to measure your progress.

No I don't have to pay for them... it is free (well included in my program fee which covers all pre-op stuff) But yes, my surgeon is requiring that we do it.... don't know if I will share, because I think i will be nude... and I KNOW ya'll don't wanna see all that!!!!! LOL If it is like an outline or something, then i will... that is why I'm asking so i know what to expect!!!

I know! Some people just don't think before they open their big mouths. They don't understand that this is a total lifestyle change. The Band is just a tool to help the process. You can get the band and still eat bread potatoes, mac & cheese and sweets, and you are not gonna get the best results possible. It still requires a lot of discipline!

Don't let negativity get to you! I am probably a couple of months away from surgery, and a co-worker of mine keep hounding me to join weight watchers with her. I finally told her about getting the LB and she told me I was taking the easy way out and I would get more satisfaction from loosing it myself on my own. My feeling were hurt at first, but then I told her that the band is no gaurentee. I still will have to work to loose every pound. The LB is a TOOL to help me loose, just like weight watchers is a TOOL which is helping her loose.

I think getting a 2nd opinion would be a very good idea. I was undecided when I saw my surgeon for the first time. I want to loose 150 lbs. He told me based on "averages" that I probably would not loose that much but he could see me in the 150- 180 range (I am 5'7" & 280 now and would like to be 130). Then he told me that is just national averages, if i am determined I could make my goal, it's not impossible. He also said I am a good candidate for either (except that I smoke, so he did discourage me for the bypass because of a chance of ulcers). Good luck to you, and just make sure which ever route you decide is a decision you are 100% comfortable. If you are scard of the GB and all the rerouting of your insides, and malabsorption, then tell the Dr. that. With Lap Band there is so much follow up with having to get fills and all that. Which one will work better with your lifestyle? I am not saying one is better than the other. I truely believe that noone knows you better than yoursself. Are you going to adhere to the strict post op diet? Will you be likely to cheat? If so you may want to think about GB, I'm sure one good bout of dumping syndrom would keep you from cheating again... but on the flip side if you are determined and KNOW without a doubt you can Follow the LB diet, and that is what you really want, then push for it! Either way you will have a useful TOOL to help you achieve your goals. A good doctor will not push you to do something you are not comfortable with.

I have no idea when my surgery will happen. I am goiing through all the test and stuff. My last prelimenary appoint is May 5th.... HOpefully shortly there after I'll get a surgery date!

My name is Rachael. I am 28 and have struggled with my weight since my teens. I balloned up during the last eight years. I am an emotional eater and I have been in a horrible marriage, which made things worse. i have finally gotten myself out of the situation and things are changing in my life. I have a beautiful 4 year old son, and I want to be healthy and be around for him for a long time. Right now I have GERD, Obstructive sleep Apnea, PCOS and high cholesterol, thankfully no diabetes or Hypertension---YET! I was just approved for the LapBand program that my insurance covers yesterday! Right now I am totally stoked, but nervous and a little scared too... I am really afraid to be put to sleep. I am ready to do this and nothing is going to stop me from being successful, but I believe moral support is vital, so i look forward to being inspired by many of you and I hope one day i can inspire someone as well. I want to know anything and everything to do with your experiences, good and/or bad! I can't wait to hear back from you all! Best wishes, Rachael