PITTSBURGH Lap Band - Waiting Period?

eurocarlov · August 24, 2007

PITTSBURGH Lap Band - Waiting Period? Hello All-

I'm new to this board and excited to be here! I am in the Pittsburgh area... actually I live near Greensburg, about 30 miles east of the city, and I work downtown. I am interested in the lap band procedure and have tried a couple times to register for the informational seminar at AGH with Dr. Colella. No one ever answers the phone and no one calls me back. Oh well. Still trying. Not set on who I woudl want to go to either so recommendations are much appreciated.

Anyhow.. I know I would like to have this done. I've done all the research, done the diet thing as we all have and been jealous of, but very happy for, the wonderful people who have lost so much with the lap band!

My main question is this: I have a family doctor but I haven't been to him in a few years. I would ideally love to just make an appointment with a lap band surgeon and go in for a consult and just have it done.

Do i NEED to be supervised by a family doctor? Also, do all surgeons require the 6 month waiting period? I have thought about this for a long time.. and if I would have just taken the steps back then, I would have gone through the 6 months many times over! I just want to have a consult and if I decide to definitely go through with it, schedule the testing and surgery.

IS THIS POSSIBLE or do we all have to wait it out?

Thanks so much for this wonderful board!

Best... MJ

Alexandra · August 24, 2007

Hi MJ,

The requirements for a letter from a family doctor and a 6-month supervised diet are usually those of insurance carriers, not surgeons themselves. If you're going to be self-pay, you should be able to just contact a surgeon and get started.

Good luck!