iwantoffthissite

Hello all! I am just beginning my lap band journey. I have been researching the procedure for about a year, and have finally decided it might be the right fit for me. I have been struggling with my weight since I was about 8 years old (I am now 22) and am just no longer willing to accept living my life in misery. I have tried just about every diet there is, and have been the most successful on weight watchers. That said, every time I lose weight on weight watchers (or on any diet) I end up gaining it back within a year. I cannot seem to keep weight off for any period of time. Its so frustrating! I think the lap-band procedure can help me with this. Right now, I have a BMI of 40.5. I believe that based on this BMI, my insurance will cover the surgery. I have carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. Does anyone else have this insurance? I am interested to find out more about everyone's exerieces before, during and after the surgery. How hard is the lifestyle to stick to? What kinds of things are you supposed to be eating on a daily basis? I have heard I cannot eat coconut anymore after surgery, why? Also, what were your friends and family's reactions surgery? I have had people tell me they think its "the easy way out," but to me, it doesn't seem very easy at all. It just seems like a way to help, and even safegaurd your hard work at weight loss. Thoughts? Finally, does anyone live near Annapolis, MD who would be willing to talk more with me about the surgery? Anyone had surgery at GBMC in Baltimore? That's where I plan to have mine done. I am going in for an information session in 2 weeks and cant wait. Hope to hear back from you soon! Best, Brooke

brandy, thank you so much for the help and advice! I was jus curious b/c I am right in the line to qualify and dont want to have to pay out of pocket! Thanks a lot! Brooke

I am about to see a doctor about getting lap-banded, and have been doing some research on theri procedures. It says you have to do 3 doctor-monitored dieting visits, which i am assuming means maybe a 3 week or so pre-op diet. My question is this: if i do a pre-op diet, will that weight be subtracted from my BMI they submit to my insurance company? My insurance covers a BMI of 40 or higher, and mine is right at 40.5. So, if they submit the number after i do the medical diet, it might not qualify. I know this sounds dumb, but does anyone know if they submit the request beofre or after the medical diet? thanks!