Just getting started

[staccoop3 0]

Hi I am 30 years old and 350 lbs, I am hoping to qualify for lap band surergy. If qualified as medically neccessary I will be banded at the University of Iowa Hospital. If anyone one has gone through the process here I would appreciate any feed back. I have filled out my application and they have called my insurance (BCBS of IL), they will be calling me in a couple of days for an evaluation.

Some questions:

What does the evaluation consist of?

How long typically before surgery?

After surgery, how long is recovery?

I understand that getting filled is inserting saline to the band to tighten it but, where is the port and how do they repeatidly get to it?

I am very excited and wishful that I will be approved for this, I have struggled with my weight all of my life!

[Astrasmom 1]

Hi I am 30 years old and 350 lbs, I am hoping to qualify for LAP-BAND® surergy. If qualified as medically neccessary I will be banded at the University of Iowa Hospital. If anyone one has gone through the process here I would appreciate any feed back. I have filled out my application and they have called my insurance (BCBS of IL), they will be calling me in a couple of days for an evaluation.

Some questions:

What does the evaluation consist of?

How long typically before surgery?

After surgery, how long is recovery?

I understand that getting filled is inserting saline to the band to tighten it but, where is the port and how do they repeatidly get to it?

I am very excited and wishful that I will be approved for this, I have struggled with my weight all of my life!

Congratulations. I had my surgery in NJ so I can't answer your first question about the University of Iowa but most of your answers to the other questions will be the same.

In the evaluation the doctor will take your weight and determin what your BMI is. He will also find out of your have any other issues, (High blood pressure, diabetes, ect.) this will all help to decide if you qualify for the surgery. You will then be given the guidelines that your insurance company requires you to do. It took me 6 months. I had BCBS. After my evaluation I had to go for 6 nutritional visits, 1 Phsyciatric visit, 1 gastric visit, 1 pulmonary visit, 1 cardiology visit and had to have a letter of dietary background and support from my primary doctor.

As I said it took me 6 months before I had my surgery because of my insurance. Depending on your insurance it could take anywhere from a month to 2 years.

After surgery the recovery wasn't that bad. I had surgery on a Friday and was back to work the following Tuesday. You won't be able to do any heavy lifting for 6 weeks after your surgery. Many people experience gas. I was one of the lucky ones that didn't experience much gas. That's why they say you have to walk as much as possible after your surgery to help that gas come out. Generally after about 1 1/2 - 2 weeks you should be feeling pretty much back to normal. It gets easier everyday.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your journey and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

[lindas0809 0]

Hi - I wish you luck with the process. I didn't know U of I did lapband - I thought they only did RNY. My parents live in Iowa City and I have looked into the process for my Mom - good to know.

The length of time between your initial consult and surgery will depend on your insurance and if they require a pre-approval time period- mine required a 6 month plan.

Recovery varies per person. You'll find people who work 3 or 4 days later, but I can say that I needed more time. My Dr. actually will not approve anyone to go back to work before 2 weeks- so I got a good time off.

The port placement depends on the Dr. too. Mine is on my left side about 3 inches to the left of and an inch of so below my belly button. They access it using a needle, so getting your fills is kind of like getting a shot (you hardly feel it).

Good luck at your consult appointment!