First Steps...

[SweetLife611 0]

I've been researching for a couple weeks now - and really think I'd like to take the first steps to seeing if the band is something that'd work for me! I'm 24, 5'4 and 293 lbs. I've never really had any tests done - and haven't been to the doctors in a years (I'm surprisingly a really healthy person!) I was wondering if anyone has any advice on the first steps towards starting the whole process.

Do you suggest going to a PCP first? or perhaps finding a surgeon in my area (any suggestions for NorthEast PA?) to consult with? Should I contact my insurance company to see if they cover the surgery or is that something the surgeon would do? I noticed all of the pre-op tests that are required - will the surgeon or PCP let you know what you need first?

I'm pretty clueless about how to start the whole process - but really believe in all the success it has brought so many of you!

Any advice would be so appreciated.

.D

[GUNNER14227 0]

Depending if you are a male or female your BMI is probably around 45 you should be at 25. I would say you will probably qualify for the band the first thing you need to do is make an appointment with you primary doc and tell them that you are interested in learning more about the lapband. it is a bit of a process but that is just the way it goes. Good luck to you and I hope this helps

[Libbyjane1976 1]

I would make an appointment with your PCP and then I would also find a surgeon in your area and make an appointment with them. Good luck with your journey!!

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

You might also do well to call your insurance company to verify that lap band surgery is covered. If they say yes, then ask what requirements they have. Like the earlier poster, I believe physically you will qualify with not problem even with co-morbidities. But your insurance company can tell you if you will have to do a supervised diet (some require 3 or 6 months prior to approval for surgery). They can tell you whether you will need to have nutritionists visit(s) or a psych evaluation, too. THEN ask them for the names of surgeons approved by your insurance to perform the procedure. Then, take that list to your PCP and see if he/she knows any of the surgeons or knows anything about them to help you make a choice and do the referral if your insurance requires that. You insurance may require a letter of necessity from your PCP, too. One of the reasons I suggest you ask for yourself is that I've read more than one post on more than one forum where the doc's office got it wrong. If you have the information from the horse's mouth, then you are better prepared to be able to say "I know I'm covered and I know my insurance requires yada yada yada".

The whole process will go more smoothly if you are armed with this information.

Once you've picked a surgeon, call to see if they do the information seminars and if so, sign up. If not, go ahead and make your appointment for the first consultation, knowing the answers to some of your questions will make it easier to focus on the the procedure and how it should work for you.