another newbie!

brttny88 · June 3, 2008

hi all! i'm new here as a registered user but i've been reading everyone's posts here for about a month now. i haven't been banded yet - actually i haven't even discussed it with my doctor. the idea of having the surgery is this really weird mix of emotions for me. i know it's a life-long journey and a tool to help me lose weight..but i've been morbidly obese for years now (and i'm three months shy of my 20th birthday)..so the idea of change is very scary. i want to be thin and healthy but i'm terrified of the process. however, i know that i won't ever do it on my own. i'll have to do something as drastic as surgery or i won't stick to it. i think it's more that i'm afraid to admit that i NEED the surgery...that i've actually let myself go that much.

the idea of going to an amusement park and riding the rides, flying on a plane without having to ask for an extension, going to the beach without feeling completely self-conscious, or just going out to dinner without having people stare at me is something that i would love to have!

so i guess what i'd like to know is: at what point do i stop researching and decide i actually know enough about it? also, even though i've done a ton of research i do still have some questions like how long did it take from the time you first discussed it with your doctor for you to be approved and scheduled for surgery? does it take months or is it a matter of a couple of weeks? days?

sorry for the long post! any help is appreciated.

also...has anyone here had the surgery in north carolina?

thanks!

brittany

wifeof46pilot · June 3, 2008

I realized I needed to do something when I saw myself in a picture my sister-in-law had taken. I couldn't believe it. I called the doctor right away. I use to look in the mirror and see what I wanted to see and not what was really there. (I would say I am not that big) but pictures don't lie. Talk to your doctor some doctor will follow you for 6 months and some will do it quicker. Look at it this way if you have to wait 6 months to be followed where will your weight be then? How much will you have gained? Call your doctor. Get the process going you will be glad you did.

TulipStar · June 3, 2008

Hi Brittany!

The first step is to probably go to a free seminar on the lapband. I went to a few and met with the doctors at each. I chose based on who I thought had the most experience/knowledge.

From that point it took me about 4 months to be banded. This included time for required testing, insurance approval (took the longest) and pre=op diet.

You are smart doing this at a young age. I was obese my entire childhood and teens. I wish that they had it available when I was your age because it would have given me some of my life back in my twenties.

Good luck!

eazes · June 3, 2008

For me the decision was easy. Well not easy but it got easy once I said I would do it. My doctor actually brought up having gastric bypass but I knew it wasn't for me. Just recently my insurance provider started covering lap bands. Once I got that bit of information I started bugging my doc to put in a referral for me. I did a search for doctors within my area that are covered and went to my first support group. As far as how fast the process goes...well that depends on the doctor and your insurance. My insurance do not ask for special specifications other than the usual ones. Every thing falls upon the doctor who has steps in place that I must accomplish before I can meet with him and finally set my surgery date. I started in mid May and currently I am just starting my psych evals (tomorrow is my first one). After my 2 psych evals I can then make my first appointment with the surgeon and then I'll have laboratory workups. As long as I do not need any special tests I can make my second appointment with the surgeon and get my surgery date. I'm assuming that I can be banded as early as mid to late July. I'm hoping it goes that way.

My advice to you is find a seminar somewhere in your area. You can go to Lapband.com and search for them. Or do a search for a doctor within your area and they can tell you everything they require as far as getting a surgery date. Don't forget to talk to your insurance provider they may have special requests before they approve you for surgery.

Sorry this post is so long but I was where you were a month ago and I know what it is like to be excited, nervous, and curious all at the same time.