Beginning The Process

[SVM 0]

Hi. I Am About To Begin The Process To Get The Lap Band. I Don't Know What To Expect. I Am A Little Nervous. Any Advice?

[Lauren87 7]

Hi "SVM", I too am beginning the process. I am also a little nervous but look at these boards, so many people have had great success. I don't know if I can offer any advice--because I am new to this too but if you ever need anyone--well, I'm here!

[Snaggletooth 0]

Hi, Good luck in your journey... my advice would be to gather as much information you can find (as I'm sure you're already doing!) This site is great for info and support. Also check out Obesity Help....lots of info on surgeons and hospitals for your area.

Best wishes, Lo :welldoneclap:

[michellyoh 0]

Hi SVM and Lauren~

Welcome to you both!! This is a very exciting journey!! Mine went pretty fast, even with insurance approval. Once I decided to have the lap-band, I talked to my primary care physician (PCP) and he referred me to a local surgical team that performed the procedure. That started it all. . Here is the condensed version:

March 21st, went to seminar discussing lap-band and gastric bypass surgeries. This was VERY informative. . more than I learned online. The surgeon holding the seminar didn't try to sell one surgery over the other. . just gave an informative presentation on both. I called the next day to schedule my first appt. with the surgeon.

April 16th: 1st meeting w/ surgeon. He discussed everything I would need before I could have the surgery.

*Mental consultation

*Fitness consultation

*Nutrional consultation

*EKG

*CBC/CMP (blood work)

These appts. can all be scheduled on the same day!

As for insurance; after this appt, the patient advocate at the surgeon's office submitted all of the paperwork. 2 weeks later, I received approval!! (my insurance co. also required a 6 month diet history. since I had discussed my weight with my PCP at each visit, he provided the dates of each office visit in the last 2 years. . they accepted that).

May 8th: went for EKG, blood work, physical, and nutrition consult (already had the mental)

May 16th: Started pre-op diet (pre-op is supposed to be for 2 weeks. . started early so that I wouldn't have to wait until 2 weeks from appt date)

May 21st: Met w/ surgeon again to schedule the surgery. He reviewed all of the results from all of the testing. Scheduled surgery for May 31st.

May 31st: had surgery!! (and found out that I had lost 17 lbs while on the pre-op diet)

Today, the 4th, feeling really good (except for some excrutiating gas pains). I am able to eat about a cup of broth at a time. Drinking liquids. . just following dr.s orders until I can eat something else (with substance).

June 11th; f/u appt w/ surgeon

This is how it went for me! But I have seen people on here that have endured a much longer process! Much luck to the both of you!!!

[conniecash 0]

I was sooooo scared. It took me a year to finally do it. I am SO glad I did. It is minor surgery and the only real problem I have had is the gas pain after the surgery that lasts for about 4 or 5 days. I feel great and the band has helped me regain my control. Just Do It!!

[SVM 0]

Thank All Of You Ladies For Sharing With Me. I Do Know That My Insurance Covers At 100%. I Only Need To Pay My Deductible. My Pcp Faught W/my Insurance Company Last Year To Cover Visits To A Dietician/nutritionist. Can You Believe They Would Only Pay If I Had A Diagnosis Of Diabetes???? That Is So Insane. So Much For Preventive Care. It Is Odd That They Pay For The Band And Not A Visit To The Nutritionist, But I Am Not Going To Pass Up The Opportunity. Thanks Again Ladies! SVM

[uniqueone 0]

I agree with ConnieCash!! I didn't even have the gas pain really. I just had a LOT of swelling which for me they said was normal. I had my surgery a month ago and I feel great. I've lost 15 pounds and am not hungry all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are great web sites all over the net. Look at www.inamedhealth.com which gives information regarding Lap-Band System. Take care and Good Luck!!!!

[BalsamChick 0]

hi there... i 2 am just starting... i have a consult this thursday... i hope this will work, actually firstly i hope i am a candidate.... where do you live?

[JDUB0414 0]

Hi All,

I am also a newbie and so far have went to the first of six visits to my PCP which is required by my insurance company. My PCP has referred me to a nutritionist. My insurance will only pay for 2 visits for my lifetime!! That didnt make sense to me. Anyway, I've went to a HMR at the weight loss center at the hospital I'm having the surgery at but it's too expensive. The insurance says if I do that then I can get approved in 3 months versus 6 if I go to my PCP.

I wish all of you luck and pray that well all get approved and become bandsters one day!!!