:Hello all my friends, or hope to be new friends and support group....My name is Sheila B, most folks at work call me Ms. B....I am just in the initial stages of possibly getting the lap band, had my first appt. yesteday with the surgeon, left the office sort of feeling let down, as he told me he didn't think I was quite ready for such a surgery, his reasoning was I was consumed with feeling like I was going to starve to death with having the procedure done...I tried to assure him that I just had a lot of questions, anyway, he did send me on to see the nurse, we had a good talk, have more paper work and other medical diagnosis to get from other doctors, plus my insurance wants me to have a psych eval along with a nutrisionist eval...so today will get on the stick and get this going.  Yes, I am a little weary about the lap band, asked him one question which he did not have an answer, that question being what happens in 30yrs with the band still in tact?  I am 57, and in thirty years will be 87?  He said the lap band has only been around 18yrs so there are no reports on the long long term.   I guess I just need to take one day at a time, and not worry about something I have no control over in the long long term....I just want to be healthy again, I want to do this for me, not for anyone else.
I am getting negative jabs from my girlfriend, and mother.  My mom had gastric bypass 10yrs ago, and never has followed what the doctor told her, plus there were no support groups, which I doubt she would have gone to...me I will do what ever necessary to succeed. My girlfriend is afraid I will be successful and look great, she weighs about 50 to 60 lbs more than I do and is in denial that she can loose 150lbs by herself...I do support her and wish her well.  Anyway, I have ranted on long enough, I am very pleased to have found this site, and hope to get support from everyone who has had this surgery done.  Let me hear from you. 

  I will be thinking of you. I go next month.  Success is yours!!!!

Hi!  I am required to do 3 weeks liquid proteins...only 3 days left.  Surgery on Monday 27th.  2-4 ounces every 2-4 hours.  I had a hard time sticking to it the first week, however, the second week went better and this week is just boring.  After surgury, I have to do 4 weeks of liquids before starting on softies. I think this has really been a struggle in self-control and plus I'm afraid if I don't follow instructions...something may go wrong.  I am so looking forward to Monday to start the next step.  Band-time is 12.00.  Keep posting so I can keep in touch.

I dont like to say this but doubtful.  I work with Insurance and an exclusion is just that.  It is not covered no matter how medically necessary.  It is sort of like car ins. if you dont buy full coverage you cant get it later when you need it.  Sounds stupid I know but that really is how it is.  On a positive note it is open enrollment time for most employers.  I would see if there is another coverage you can opt. for 2009.  Good luck I hope you get it.
Heather

I am new to this, I have healthscope insurance and weightloss surgery is an exclusion, has anyone had any success in getting approval for surgery when it is an exclusion on your insurance?