I am a newbee!!

My name is Tina and I live in Maryland. I am self paying for my lap band surgery. I used tobe 312 pounds and i lost about 40 pounds-- it took me 18 months to do it though--- I am 40 years old and i own my own business. I am now about 272 pounds but i wear a size 18 clothes-- ( beleive it or not--I had a tummy tuck in september thinking that my tummy was my only problem-- only to turn my self into a big girl with a flat stomach!!-- I have a large upper body and my thighs need some work. I realize today that no matter what size clothes i wear being 272 pounds is not healthy. So i deceided to have surgery. In the last month i have had my psych exam clearance, my cardiologis clearance, a meeting with a nutritionist and my pcp ordered all my labs and gave me a referral letter. I meet with the doctor on Wednesday for tthe first time-- I also have a sleep study planned for 5-30-06-- Can anyone give me any feedback on what to expect from my doctors visit. What is the process like from here on out. How soon should i be able to expect surgery. I do not want to go the whole summer this big!!!!!!!! NOT A NOTHER ONE!!! You all have been so helpful to each other i was hoping you could help me. Thank you Tina

Hi Tina, Self pay can get in as soon as they have all their testing done. Those of us with insurance coverage have to jump through more hoops and they keep on raising them. I should know I jumped through all the hoops had my surgery and then they refused to pay because one of my test (sleep study) was done by another insurance company about two years before my surgery. Luckly the insurance company who paid for the surgery also paid off my c-pap machine. Some one fell asleep at the wheel for that one by the evening of that day everything was paid for. Now I am 2 yrs + down 135 lbs will graduate is December with an AA in massage therapy Good Luck Karen Duncan 325-190-wishing for 175 maybe after tummy tuck

THanks Karen-- I am so grateful for this site. NO ONE understands my dilemna--- all of my girlfriends are average sizes-- from a size 4 to a size 10/12- and they are hard to talk to about this. In the past I have asked many of them to pull my coat tail when they se me gaining weight or getting off of my diet- because i know i can not do it alone. This site gives me a forum where i can express the way i am feeling and not feel ashamed about it. I should have never expected anyone who has never been over weight to even understand the whole concept of watching what you eat when they dont have to.

Welcome Tina All doctors are different, but I had my psych evaluation, dietician appt, surgeon consult, and complete physical in May of last year. In June of last year I had a sleep study (then went back for a second sleep study when they discovered I had apneac episodes). I also had a gall bladder sonogram and a nuclear stress test to get cardiac clearance for RNY surgery. I really pushed to get everything done and I had my surgery on July 28, 2005...now I'm 119lbs lighter and couldn't be happier Just be diligent, read the paperwork given to you by your surgeon and do everything asked of you and you may be approved much quicker than you think. Mine was approved over the phone in less than 30 minutes. Within 2 weeks I had a letter in my hand backing up the verbal approval. HTH Take Care, Terry

Is it mandatory to have a sleep study? Is the sleep study requested by the health plan and/or the doctor doing your surgery? I live in Maryland, and I am looking into WLS and finding out all the steps you have to go through to start the process. A friend of my just had her WLS in April 2006. She said she went to a seminar in December and made her decision about WLS from that point. Anyone know about this Seminar that is held in Maryland?

Hi Marcie, I don't think it is mandatory. Mine was ordered because my PCP wanted to make sure that I was approved for the surgery and thought it would be a good idea. I didn't have an symptoms of sleep apnea at all...and lo and behold I did have it. Seminars are usually conducted by the surgeon's office. I guess a good starting point would be to determine what surgeon you want to use and then contact that office to find out when the next seminar would be and what is required of you. Good luck to you as you start your journey Take Care, Terry

Although i am selfpay-the bariatric program at sinai hospital is requiring the same stuff as if insurance was paying for it - and the sleep study is one of them.

I can feel your joy beeming through the computer!! Thanks Terry

Tina Hi, First congratulations on your decision to a more healthy lifestyle. You are are in GREAT hands with Dr. Li and the Sinai Bariatric Program. They will provide you with all the tools you need to be succesful. So, if you do your part the sky is the limit! I had Dr. Gandsas but I'm sure Dr. Li's protocol is similar. My first appointment went over my package, the surgery, risks, etc. You probably meet with nutritionist, etc. I'm sure a lot has changed sine my surgery but that is an overview. You can always email or call the office if you are feeling anxious and ask. They are great. As for the pre-op procedures, I'm of the mind the more the better. I wanted to make sure I was in the best physical shape I could be in under going surgery. We are all already at risk being morbidly obese. Best wishes on your journey. Lisa

Thanks lisa--- the staff that i have met so far has been wonderful.