kristenmh

Question for all of the NYU bandsters -- what pre-op tests did you have to have? I've had my routine physical bloodwoork, an EKG and a pulmonary capacity test. I've heard folks mentioning chest x-rays and sleep apnea tests -- are those required?

Congratulations Leslee! Dee, I don't have insurance approval yet -- the doctor's office won't submit that until close to my surgery. I have Oxford which has been described by the folks @ NYU as the "Cadillac" of insurance when it comes to the lap band. Having spoken with Oxford (and gotten a copy of their benefit schedule in the mail), they cover the surgery without the need for a Medical Director's review if your BMI is over 40 and the surgery is being performed by an Allergan-certified surgeon. (All the docs @ NYU are). Oxford doesn't require a 6 month doctor-supervised diet -- but looking through my information packet from NYU, it does appear that BC/BS requires that.

Welcome! I'm Kristen, also 5'2", also around 220 and live in Brooklyn. Definitely sign-up to go to the seminar @ NYU. It's a great, low-pressure environment where they give you quite a bit of information about the surgery, their practice, the long term results, insurance company requirements and obesity in general. I'm about 1/2 way through the process now -- I've been to the seminar, gotten my psych consult and been through my physical with my PCP. My next step is to meet with NYU's nutritionist, NP and do my surgical consult. (All happening on 7/7).

Thanks so much for posting this! I have to get a recommendation letter from my PCP tomorrow and this is the perfect template.

Wendy, Keep us informed on how you are doing and if you need anything in the coming weeks. (Including a safe place to be cranky!) Waiting is HELL -- but you're in the final stretch now!

Hi Lauren, Your consult is just a few days after mine! (I'm meeting with Dr. Kurian on the 7th). I'm planning on going to the support group this Wednesday night -- I figure the more of a support system I put in place around me before, during and after the surgery, the more successful I will be. Drop me a note if you want to go/meet-up beforehand. It's always intimidating walking into a room full of strangers!

Thank you! They seemed nearly identical to me as well -- which is why I was confused. If you don't mind me asking, who is your surgeon and what your experiences been like so far?