New To This Site.

[Roxannen 0]

Hi my name is Roxanne. I'm new to this site and have a few questions. I'm 37 and my BMI is 42. I'll be attending my first seminar on Sat. I've heard the process is quite lengthy and there are many hoops to jump through. But....I've also heard that if you have a BMI over 40 its not as difficult. Just wondering if there's any truth to this and any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using LapBandTalk

[hely88 883]

Welcome.

It really depends on your insurance company. I had to jump through many hoops including writing a letter why i wanted the surgery. I have seen other people approved in days. All you can really do is contact your insurance and be patient.

Best of Luck!

[sarawray 44]

it goes by pretty fast. There are steps you have to take. With each step you will be that much closer. Good luck, you are going to love your new band, its worth waiting for!!!!

[TeshaNewLife 9]

Yes it's not that bad I dont have my lap band yet but my surgery is scheduled for dec. 6th and it seemed like a long time at first but it really goes by fast and as long as u work with the doctors you'll get approved!

[Kelila50 6]

It does seem to really be determined by your insurance company unless you plan to pay for it all out of pocket. My insurance company required 6 months of documented weight loss supervision under my doctor's care. I had to attend a monthly nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change class led by registered health care providers. At first I was really disappointed that I had to wait so long, but the classes really helped. I would not have been emotionally or mentally ready to handle the lifestyle changes had I not had the education and time to "practice" the changes. I believe a lot of my post-op success will be because of these classes and my continued check-ins with my doctor. It also helped me determine my real reasons for having the surgery, and my willingness to make life-long changes.

The "hoops" I had to jump through:

Psych Eval

Blood draw for initial labs

Monthly visits to doctor's office for weigh-ins and classes (1-2 hrs each), where they asked me to:

• Increase H20 comsumption to 64 oz (half gallon) a day
  
• Stop all carbonated, caffeinated and sugary drinks
  
• Eat meals in no less than 30 mins and Chew, Chew, Chew
  
• Begin exercise 3-5 times a week for at least 20 mins
  
• Keep a food diary to be reviewed at next visit and documented
  
• Discover reasons/triggers that cause over-eating
  

Visit with surgeon to discuss surgery, desired outcomes and ask questions

Wait for insurance company to approve (about 6 wks)

Wait to be scheduled for final class about specifics on pre/post op (I am currently here)

Get scheduled for final pre-op labs and actual surgery date

[Roxannen 0]

Thank you all for all your advice. It's appreciated. I'll definitely keep my fingers crossed

[Denise4925 0]

Hi my name is Roxanne. I'm new to this site and have a few questions. I'm 37 and my BMI is 42. I'll be attending my first seminar on Sat. I've heard the process is quite lengthy and there are many hoops to jump through. But....I've also heard that if you have a BMI over 40 its not as difficult. Just wondering if there's any truth to this and any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using LapBandTalk

I'm new as well. How do u upload a picture for ur avatar & how do u post without having to respond to someone else's post?

[skuzzie 23]

Hey everyone. In Australia the process is alot easier. Im 32 and single with basic excess of $250 which only costs me $40 a month. Im having a new band put in on friday 30th november at my request. In Melbourne and i think the rest of the country we deal with the surgeons. It has cost me $3400 with includes follow up for life fills nutritionalist. And our insurance pays the rest. Im on 2 weeks of Optifast and im starving. Despesite extra vegies and Water. I think im gaining weight! I wish you well for your surgery. And remember to walk around when you can afterwards even if its just to the toilet. Let us know how you get on, im starting to get nervious cos i hate pain!!!!