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I am 5'4" and weigh 210 so I would like to lose about 70 pounds. I am hoping to get banded in April or May but I am just getting started. I will be self pay and they said that goes fast. I will post when I know what the date is. Thanks, Cali

Sorry to respond so late...I am guessing you didnt meet with him because you are a very low-risk patient given you weight. Just a guess. Good Luck, Cali

Dear Acopas, I am just finding info out about banding so I cant give a qualified opinion...but...I would definitely say to go to a seminar given by one of the practices who does it. Keep in mind that they want your money but also they know a lot more about it than prob a lot of you other docs do! There is also a ton of bias about it (like dear old Mom's horror stories, prob abut the old version of gastric bypass) even among (usually skinny) medical professionals. Also lurk every part of this web site, it is all so helpful. Put in PCOS and thyroid as search terms and you will prob learn a lot! I see so many posts from young people like you who are so glad they got banded and older people who are also happy but wish they had done it sooner! Good Luck!!! Cali

EVERYONE! This message is for everyone who has experienced less-than-perfectly-courteous treatment by healthcare people...especially those involved in these weight loss procedures: Tell someone how you were treated! You are doing the medical practice a favor! This is a big-money specialty that should treat you like they do in the Mercedes dealership. If you dont complain they will lose businees and money...they WANT to know that you are happy there! And they WANT to know if there is anything they could improve. You are doing the practice and all subsequent patients a big favor! Cali

Well good luck and let me know how you like him and his staff. Their web site and the girl on the phone seemed good, I like the fact that he puts his complications stats right there for you.

Venus, thanks for your reply...50 pounds is great!!! And its great to hear you think its worth it to have self payed. I know everyone asks the same stuff but in how much time did you lose that?

Thanks for your reply. I was considering trying to gain a few pounds to qualify for the 40 BMI but I really think that might do me more harm than good. Also from what you said that might be counterproductive with the insurance co. My policy doesn't say anything more than the 6 months of supervised diet but unless you have uncontrollable hypertension or diabetes (I don't) you definitely have to have a 40.I am a 36 to 37 so I thought I could just do the 'diet', gain 15 pounds, and be all set. Now I see that that would not work and might just burn 6 months for nothing! I am prob going to self pay...so when will your 6 months be up? Thanks again for all the info! Cali

Sorry, I know I'm really clueless but are you referring to a diet of six months required by insurance to auth the lap band? And if so, are you supposed to succeed or fail in order to get the auth? Thanks, Cali

I'm very new...what causes the band to slip?