I didn't have lapband, but I'm sure some of our lapbanders will answer your questions. I just wanted to say welcome and good luck on your journey! kristi

I've recently made an appt for a consult to have lap band surgery, and have been trying to do as much research as I can before that appt (3/7/08) so that I can go in with informed questions.  Also, I don't want to find out a bunch of new info that day and start questioning whether or not I want to do this.  For example, I read that you should avoid carbonated drinks after surgery, and for a major Dt. Coke addict that was a bit of a shock.  But at this point there is very little I wouldn't give up to get rid of this weight, so I know it would be worth it.  Anyway, I've been reviewing messages for some time tonight, and have many questions for those of you who have had the surgery or are close.  I would love to hear from anybody who can answer one, some, or all of my Q's.  Thanks in advance!! 1.) How long did it take you to get in for a consult? 2.) Were you denied by insurance, and if so why or how did you resolve it? 3.) How long was it between your first consult and the actual surgery? (this one I've really been wondering about) 4.) Was there anything that happened after the surgery that you weren't expecting?  5.) What was the process between the first consult, and the surgery itself (like psych testing, having to go through a diet program, what/how long is the pre-op diet, etc.)? 6.) Did you lose any weight between the initial consult and your surgery, and did that affect anything about your surgery? I know this is a lot of questions, but in my control-freak mind I would like to know exactly how things may go so that I can be a bit more prepared for it.  I know that everyone is different, so I don't expect anyone to be able to guarantee how my process might work.  But to tell you how uninformed I am, I got on this board today thinking that if my first consult is on March 7th, and I qualify by the surgeon's and insurance co's guidelines, maybe I could get in for surgery by the end of March when I have a week off work.  Uuummm, that hardly seems like it's very realistic based on the length of time most people waited.  So I thought I would just ask and try to get a handle on what the norm is.   Thanks so much for reading this, and helping me on this journey.  I appreciate all your support, and am so happy to have found this site. Thanks~ *Angel

Congrats, I know it feels good to be home.  Good luck on the losers side.   Jen

The LapBand support group meeting is tonight at 6:30.  Conference room A in the Cancer pavillion at Penrose Hospital.

Hey! Welcome back. I'm with Johnell too! There's a support group meeting tomorrow, are you going? Hang in there, we can do this together.