Newbie from Lehigh Acres, Florida

[Lehigh Barbie 0]

Hello All

I am 5'3" about 230. BMI 40.7 :phanvan

I am only now being to research my options and have made an appt with Dr. Jawad in Ocala, Fl. for the 21st.

I am hoping for the Lap Band procedure in lieu of the others. I am insured with United Health Care which will pay for the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary. :clap2:

I'm a bundle of nerves, not sure what to expect etc., but know that I need to do something. Any advise would be greatly appreiated.

[Lehigh Barbie 0]

Wow - I thought I'd attach a pic. but I didn't realized it would come out so big. This is from Christmas 2005, sorry I don't have anything more recent, but I try to stay from in-front of the camera.

[JenWillwin 0]

Hi Barbie!

Congratulations on your first step to lap band if that is what you choose to do! If you are going to the initial meeting, it is very informative. You will be able to be among people like yourself who have the same feelings as you. What to expect is this:You will be in a seating area and will be able to see before and after pictures of people on the tv screen and the photo albums they pass around. I did not get to meet Dr. Jawad the first time around but Kevin, his nurse practioner spoke to us on behalf of Dr. Jawad and explaines both procedures. You are encouraged to ask any questions that you would like. Then they will call you individually and you can get weighed and ask Kevin any more questions personally. Odalys will go around and answer your questions about insurance. I have United Healthcare too and even Odalys will tell you they are the easiest company when it comes to this surgery. They sent UHC my paperwork on Feb 21st and by April 2nd I got my approval and my surgery date is this Wednesday!!! I got to meet Dr. Jawad on my pre-op last week. He seems easy going and will answer your questions without sugar coating the answers. He is a master at what he does and I am sure my surgery will go great. If this is what you choose to do, just know you have a team of people there that are really helpful! Good Luck!