where to start

January 13, 2008

Well I guess I have made it to this room. I turn 60 next Tues. I am new to all this and I hope some of you can help me. Do I use my primary care dr or do I just go to lap band dr.? When I talked to my primary dr. a few years ago about gastric bypass he wasn't for it because of the risks involved and he had several patients with life time ailments from the surgery.

I really want the lap band and to me it doesnt sound like the risks are that bad. (I have not gone to semiar because I cannot find one in our area)I have found 2 doctors and 1 hospital that insurance will pay 100% less deductable.

Also does it take a long time before they schedule surgery from the date you see the dr? Also how often do you go back for follow up appt.? From what I read is that you have to go on a liquid diet, for how long? I hope somone can help me out here.

I like the rest of you want to get healthy again........

Thanks ahead of time for your time.:smile:

sfeiner · January 13, 2008

Well I think you should make an apt. with one of those 2 Dr.s and gbecause every Dr is different. He should be able to dirrect you to a seminar if he requires one. If you don't havfe to go to one, you can get just as much info on hereet your answers from him

sfeiner · January 13, 2008

Oh, I made a mess of that! Hope you got the drift. Meanwhile welcome to our group! Read all the info you can from the informative forums like "how the lapband works" Good luck. Stay in touch.

January 13, 2008

Thank you for your advice. I am really struggling here. I am tired of being fat and want to get healthy.

sfeiner · January 17, 2008

Hi Bobby, How is it going for you? Did you get in any reading from the information sites on this board? Let us know what you decide.

lkgrubb · January 17, 2008

Not knowing where you live or your health conditions, I would strongly recommend you talk to Primary Doctor, if no support then go to another doctor. Best advice is to find a doctor in your area who has loads of experience and has a good pre-op, post op setup. I am 65 and tried to have this done for 5 years finally my cardiologist recommend Gastric and I oppted for lap band will have it done 1/31/2008. It took several months for pre-op work up and insurance clearance. But am so excited to be on my way.