how long is the process from when you go to the seminar?

[ReJoyce 1]

I have a bunch of questions.

I just called the surgical center 2 days ago and am waiting for a call back. I know I will have to get approval and go thru a lot of pre op stuff. What all do I go thru?

How long will it be before I will have the surgury?

I see folks talk about a 6 month pre-op diet, what is that about?

My BMI is 45. I am sure it hasn't fallen below 40 over the past 5 years. What if, during the pre op diet it gets to 39? Will I still be approved? I have BCBS insurance. I am so anxious now and I want to know everything.

[jpk 0]

I have a bunch of questions.

I just called the surgical center 2 days ago and am waiting for a call back. I know I will have to get approval and go thru a lot of pre op stuff. What all do I go thru?

How long will it be before I will have the surgury?

I see folks talk about a 6 month pre-op diet, what is that about?

My BMI is 45. I am sure it hasn't fallen below 40 over the past 5 years. What if, during the pre op diet it gets to 39? Will I still be approved? I have BCBS insurance. I am so anxious now and I want to know everything.

[jpk 0]

Hi, I have my first appointment with Dr. Fiallo in June. What surgeon do have? Did you get any of your questions answered? I am curious also about how long it will be before I can have the surgery. Any thing you can tell me would be great. Thank you and have a great day.

[ReJoyce 1]

Hi, I have my first appointment with Dr. Fiallo in June. What surgeon do have? Did you get any of your questions answered? I am curious also about how long it will be before I can have the surgery. Any thing you can tell me would be great. Thank you and have a great day.

I have only called Southern Surgicals office, but she couldn't get anything scheduled because the computer was down. I just see folks posting about 6mths and all, so I am curious how long the process is before the surgery.

[skiddles 66]

I'm no sure where your from, but on the East Coast BC/BS requires 6 months of nutrition classes unless you have proof of being with another weight loss program- like weight watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrasystem etc. You have to pass a psych test, cardiologist and pulmonary and your family Dr. Recommend it.

I have 4 more classes to go, I thought I would hate waiting the 6 months, (I do!) but it's giving me time to get my self worked into it. I started my Journey in November, for the last 3 months I've slowly given up soda, coffee, cut my snacking in half and started drinking Protein Shakes for Breakfast. I never eat breakfast so that wasn't hard to do. I sit at a desk all day so I went from M&Ms to pretzels.

Keep in touch!

[ReJoyce 1]

I have done weight watchers, numerous time. I think it is a good program, but when I get home from work and am hungry, it goes out the window. I feel like this will help me. What kind of proof will I need?

[Rachel412 116]

Your best bet is really to check your BCBS' website or call them- all of the plans are a little different. Look for a "medical policy" link on your insurance site, mine's on the very first page at the bottom. Search for "adjustable gastric band". I had to do a 6 month wait period so I started the process in October of 2010 and was banded mid-April, 2011.

Its fine if your BMI drops below 40, your starting weight is what matters.

[ReJoyce 1]

Thank you so much! Wow, they are serious about making sure this is the right thing for us. How is it going for you so far?

[Rachel412 116]

Awesome so far! I hated having to wait the 6 months but looking back, I'm glad I did... by the time I got to surgery I had zero doubts and I had to meet with the staff nutritionist once a month so she really did help me learn what to expect and how my eatings habits would need to change. I had my first fill Thursday and so far I can tell the difference in how soon in a meal I feel satisfied and how long that lasts- hopefully it's not just swelling