New Here.

I'm looking into the Lap Band surgery and was wondering if you could help me out with some questions that I have! I was just wondering what the road to surgery looks like. What do I have to do before the actual surgery, besides dealing with the insurance and picking a surgery. Thanks so much! Amanda

1st off you have to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with. Then almost all bariatric surgeons usually have informational seminars where they discuss the types of surgeries that they proform. Usually at these seminars, the surgeon will give you a packet of all the REQUIRED test you will need to do BEFORE anything is submitted to your insurance for surgery approval. If I were you I would check with my insurance carrier 1st and see if your policy even covers WLS, some policies don't Good luck as you begin your journey!

The road to surgery is different for everyone depending on doctor and insurance.  Either way, you will have a long series of tests to get taken care of clearance for whichever choice you make including but not limited to a pyschological evaluation, nutritionist, gall bladder scan, EKG, upper endoscopy, blood work, sleep study, etc.  I even had to have a colonoscopy due to family history.  Depending on your results and any co-morbidities you may have (blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc) will determine what your risks are with the surgery.  Good luck to you and you are definitely in the right place to have your questions answered.  Picking the right surgeon you are comfortable with is also an important step.  Not all surgeons or surgeries are created equal. 

Does anyone recommend any doctors on long island near coram?

Dr. Arif Ahmad works out of St. Charles and Mather Memorial in Port Jefferson Station.  He performs both procedures, lapband and RNY BUT he is not a participating provider in ANY insurance networks so you have to have insurance that allows you to go out of network.  He accepts whatever your insurance will pay for the procedure.  But you should not choose a surgeon strictly on "geographics", you should do your research and meet with them so that you are comfortable with the surgeon who is going to work on you.  I saw 4 surgeons on Long Island, all in Suffolk County and went with Dr. Ahmad even though he was out of network for me.

I would suggest that you thoroughly research all the available weight loss surgeries and understand what each entails so you can make the best decision for you.  If you are looking for a surgery that provides restriction and not bypass, I suggest you check out the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  Stop by the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy forum if you like and talk with us 'sleevers'.  We're a friendly, caring, and fun group.  Many people do not realize this surgery even exists....it's a wonderful option.

As far as a surgeon, I would travel into the city and consult with Dr. Pomp at NYPresbyterian Medical Center....

All the best!

Hey there Amanda!

Welcome to OH!  I had lap band and love it!  Check out my info if you'd like to, add me too!  I'll answer any questions I can for you related to my process!

xo