step 1... a long way to go...

[sandi1972 1]

Hi everyone. I am very new also, I woke up two weeks ago and thought enough is enough. I started researching the lap band. I have a cousin, an aunt, a best friend, her mom, and her sister who all had gastric bypass, then her husband had the same proceedure, the same doctor, and died from complications. I was completely against it and knew I would never go that route. I've tried it all, from weight watchers to the prescription weight loss drugs without success. I was disappointed with myself, I felt like a failure. I have always been heavy and in my heart I know I cannot do it by myself. The last two weeks reading your posts gave me the strength to know it's ok to really ask for help. I have scheduled my seminar for Friday. I am very excited. I was a little disappointed when I heard of the 6 month waiting period (I work in my children's middle school) I thought I would just have it done through the summer while I was off, wham bam back to work. I am worried because my husband's company switched insurance companies back in October so hopefully that won't cause a glitch. Thank you for all your advise and support. What a blessing to have the site and each other!

[twinmommie 0]

I have just completed my six month requirement last week. It went by faster than i thought it would. Now I am just waiting for insurance approval. Hoping that doesn't take too long. Good luck in your lapband journey :tongue_smilie:

[Utahgirl 0]

I wanted to let you know that I am in the same situation as yourself. I will be undergoing the lap band surgery in July and I am excixted and nervous about the life-long change. I have always struggled with obesity and I am finally happy to have something that will change my life completely.

[ImaDucky 0]

Hi! Twinmommie,

I just finished my 6 mo. diet requirement as well. It is good to find someone at the same stage as myself. Hope to talk more! Good Luck Too!

[ImaDucky 0]

Congrats Sandy and your decision! I feel the same way. Life long battle and just can't defeat the enemy (fat) by myself. Look forward to hearing from you during our process.

Do you happen to know how to post a ticker? I am failing miserably..lol!!! I may have to start a new thread (Ticker's for dummies...hahha) No kiddin' I would appreciate any help you could give me.

Thanks,

[georgia girl 35]

Hi everyone. I am very new also, I woke up two weeks ago and thought enough is enough. I started researching the lap band. I have a cousin, an aunt, a best friend, her mom, and her sister who all had gastric bypass, then her husband had the same proceedure, the same doctor, and died from complications. I was completely against it and knew I would never go that route. I've tried it all, from weight watchers to the prescription weight loss drugs without success. I was disappointed with myself, I felt like a failure. I have always been heavy and in my heart I know I cannot do it by myself. The last two weeks reading your posts gave me the strength to know it's ok to really ask for help. I have scheduled my seminar for Friday. I am very excited. I was a little disappointed when I heard of the 6 month waiting period (I work in my children's middle school) I thought I would just have it done through the summer while I was off, wham bam back to work. I am worried because my husband's company switched insurance companies back in October so hopefully that won't cause a glitch. Thank you for all your advise and support. What a blessing to have the site and each other!

Hi Sandi and welcome to LBT! Like you, I think I've tried every diet out there and I've no luck with keeping the weight off with any of them. I was banded 9-20-07 and I am very pleased with my results so far. This is the best decision I could have made for my health. I absolutely love my band!

Good luck with your seminar and I wish you the best. Keep us posted on your progress and let me know if you have any questions. I'm no expert, but I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

[slikchik10 85]

Hey there. Glad you're making the step toward the band. Just to let you know, I am a teacher at a middle school and I know how we are planners and chained to our school schedules. BUT...I also went through the pre-op hoops and didn't do my surgery for 6 mos. after I made the decision to go for surgery. I did it over spring break and haven't looked back.

As for what to do during the 6 mos. before surgery...read all you can about things on this board prior to your surgery. That was the best habit I began and I really haven't had many surprises in all phases of my band experience.

Next, if you know which surgeon you'll be working with, find out if there is a support group attached to his practice. I began attending the group prior to surgery talking with folks about their own experiences.

Also, use the pre-op experience to begin changing eating patterns/habits. I started eating on smaller plates, not drinking with meals, etc. to better prepare myself for the changes that HAVE to happen after surgery.

So, sorry for my sermon, but really, the time frame will be worth it. I remember getting this same advice in the beginning and thought it was bunk! :tongue_smilie: But seriously....chin up, it'll happen.

Annette

[BabyNicole 0]

Welcome! Did you contact your insurance company b/c not all require the 6 month diet? :biggrin2:

[kozlosap 0]

Ducky - click on someone's ticker maker logo and it will take you to the site. After you have designed your ticker, it will give you a page with the code. copy the code with your edit feature and paste it into your sig line on lapbandtalk. Hope this helps!

[wsw27 0]

I'm new to this group too. I have learned so much by reading the posts here and on other sites. Best to call your insurance company and make sure WLS is covered. I have learned that some employers do not cover WLS. Get insurance requirements--in writing so you can read them for yourself rather than rely on what someone tells you over the phone. Some insurers only require 3 months medically supervised diet, others require 6 months. Some companies will accept a five year medical history of obesity and numerous attempts at weight loss--as documented by dr. My insurance co requires 6 month diet. Having to go on the diet did put me in the right mind set, however, and I did lose some weight. I started to think that I could achieve my goal without surgery, but then I was sidelined with an injury last fall and I started to re-visit the idea of the lap band and concluded that it was best solution for me.

I am pulling together records from all of my doctors--

weight at each visit, etc. in addition to records from the Dr that supervised the diet. I am also getting a usage report from my gym, which will show the date and time I went into the gym each day. Hopefully, all of this documentation will be enough. I see the surgeon in four weeks. I can't wait. The office will review all of my paperwork and submit for approval. I'm told that most insurance companies require 30 days to review the paperwork.

I know how anxious you must feel, I want to do this already and get started with the rest of my life. But best to take the time to meet all of the insurance requirements beforehand. It is much harder to get approval after earlier denial(s) and appeals. Good luck to you.

[sandi1972 1]

I appreciate all the advise and help! I figure the more I know now, I'm only ahead right! Knowledge is a valuable tool!

[101007 0]

Hello she is right some insurance do not take 6 months, you could have answer from insurance within 30 days of submitting, I got my answer quick, so quick I was called that day and said start your liquid diet surgery in 2 weeks. I know I was a lucky one. Good Luck, start practicing on that liquid diet, Hang in there!!!

[ImaDucky 0]

Hey Koz,

Thanks for the help on the ticker!