Hello from Washington

[ebusa 1]

Hi Everyone!

I registered on this site to get more information regarding the Lap Band procedure. Great site, really like the support out there.

My PCP has recommended me for the LapBand procedure and has referred me to a local bariatric surgeon. I have my first consultation with them in a few weeks. My insurance does cover this procedure if qualified, so I'm just anticipating what will happen at my initial consultation?

I was told it was a 45 min appt, can anyone explain what happens at the first visit?

Edited January 11, 2010 by ebusa
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[sunny day 0]

i watched a video explaining all the different procedures and how they work it went over the changes you will need to make in order to be successful . i filled out a TON of paperwork we had a question and answer period . i was given a check list of the things they need to send 2the insurance company for approval.good luck on your journey

[futurbander2007 24]

Hello from Washington to you too. My initial consultation was meeting with my PCM to get a referral to general surgery. A general health assessment and going over any comorbidities and to see if I was a canidate for the procedure. A ton of paperwork and certan things that had to be done before going to general surgery. It was 3 yrs ago and maybe things have changed but that was my initial consult. Hope this helps.

Where in Washington are you?:smile2:

[thebandedgirl 0]

I'm sure that every experience is different, but the appointment I made to go to the seminar consisted of me filling out new patient paperwork and talking to an already banded patient advocate for a while. It took about an hour :smile2:

My second appointment was with a physician's assistant, where she went over my weight struggles and medical history. I had my EKG and scheduled surgery. It took less than an hour.

[ebusa 1]

Thanks for the replies! I'm located in Snohomish/Mill Creek area.

My first consultation is with Virgina Mason in Federal way, surgeon is Jeffery Hunter. I called them this morning and should be recieiving a documenation package in the mail to fill out and bring with me to my visit.

I have co-morbilites, a family history of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. I'm taking pills for high blood pressure and high cholestrol and my bmi is 37. After lots of reading I really think this is the right procedure for me.

[SippNSotaGirl 1]

I just went to my seminar/consultation yesterday. The scheduler kicked off the seminar, followed by the dietician, then the surgeon. Our consultations were scheduled for the same day (that afternoon).

I went in to get weighed, then talked to the dietician, then waited forever for the surgeon. The surgeon FINALLY came and answered my questions and asked several of his own, pointed out where my incisions will be, and scheduled the surgery!

I still have the follow-up with the psychologist next week and a few things from my PCP that I need to work on getting. The surgeon is also sending me in for a GI (?), which he said is pretty normal for the process.

I meet again with the surgeon in a month, and I have a BCC (bariatric care coordinator) visit in two months. At that visit, we talk more specifics about the surgery since it will only be a few weeks out then.