Flowerfli

I have a few questions. I am halfway through my 6 month supervised diet, and my workplace is changing insurance as of July 1. I have already spoken with the new insurance company, they cover lap-band, with qualifiers. I have no "qualifying" co-morbidities, that is why I want the surgery to prevent myself from getting any. My parents have just about every illness and I want to be a better role model for my young daughter. My BMI must be over 40. At this exact moment, I am 39, but 5-6 months ago I was over 40. I am wondering if I have to be over 40 at the time they submit to insurance. Thanks for any input.

Thanks for the encouragement. I am in the middle of a divorce and seem to need the support these days. I am hoping this new insurance will be great. All of the things they require I have already done for my surgeon and during my 3.5 months waiting for my old insurance 6 month waiting. The new insurance only requires 3 months. I am keeping my fingers crossed come the begining July, my new life can begin. LAP BAND RULES!

I am halfway through my 6 month supervised diet with my PCP, required by my insurance, my question is what exactly is the insurance looking for during this period. My belief is that they want me to prove I cannot do it on my own before they will pay for the surgery, so I haven't really been putting much effort into it. Or do they want to see some weight loss to prove I will be successful WITH the lap band. So far I have lost about 15-20lbs. basically because I have given up soda...yeah me!

I am still in the approval phase of getting banded, but can't wait. For those of you who are great motivators, those of you who exercise a lot. Did you exercise much, or at all before having surgery? I currently don't exercise, only what walking I do at work and the occasional walk with the dogs, but I am so excited to get the band and partner it with a steady exercise program to obtain optimal results. I am wondering if I am getting my hopes up, or if it is really possible to make such a drastic change. Thanks for you input, and keep up the great work. You are truly an inspiration to the newbies.

I am preparing for my new life with the lap band. Does anyone know of any cookbooks created especially for those of us who have had wls? Thank you for you input.

Like Randi, I am curious, how much did you lose? how much did you exersice or tone? What results did you get with return of skin to it's "original and upright position"?

Hello fellow Richmond bandsters! I am new to the group(although not banded yet, new to the forum) I started the process in feb 2008. I have had my initial appt with Dr. Schroder, mental health eval, nutrition eval, sleep apnea test. Now just having monthly pcp visits until I reach 6 months in July-aug. Like many others I have read here, I am so excited to get banded. I can't wait! This is a great site. I am so glad I found it. Sounds like everyone here will be a great support system post-op. Also, does anyone work night shift? How do you adjust your mealtimes to accomadate? The nutritionist said I just needed to eat 3 times within 24 hours. Thanks for all of the advice.