New, scared and nervous

 Hello everyone, 

I am very new. This Saturday I will attend a seminar. I know making this choice will benefit me in the long run. I am almost certain BCBS will approve this procedure (lap band or realize). I am extremely nervous and scared. I spoke with my cousin who said it is a simple procedure and don't be scared, that is easy said. If I am this way taking this first step, I hate to think about once it has been approved or the surgery day. I do know in the past I am very nauseous after surgery. No, my nervousness is not from anesthesia. I pray it will go away. I am a big ol baby and I definitely need support.

I've been reading a little about both bands. I know I do not want anything that is likely to slip, leak or erode. I read realize is a little more comfy with less problems eating. I also read the things I do not want is an issue with realize.

Welcome and Congrats on taking the first step. There are many that have taken this journey before you so don't worry you'll do fine.  I was definitely nervous about almost everything especially surgery day. When i got there it was going really fast and i didn't have anytime to panic or be afraid. Keep us posted on your journey and progress. Best of luck. Have a great day and happy new life!!!

 Thank you for the encouragement. I can't wait for the back and forth feelings go away if they ever.

Welcome aboard...and I'm so sorry for your loss...it's a tough time of year to lose a loved one...I lost my Dad when I was 10 a week before Christmas...

I'd suggest investigating all the procedures, not just the 2 bands...look at RNY/bypass and he VSG/vertical sleeve gastrectomy (that's one I had 12/14)...the methods have improved incredibly over the years for the bypass but I had other issues that excluded that procedure form my choices. I chose the sleeve and so happy I did...3 weeks today & I've lost 30# since surgery & 117# since my peak a little over a year ago.

Go to the seminar, ask questions and when you meet w/the doctor after the seminar...discuss the options...spend time on all of the boards here on the site...everyone is so very helpful in giving feedback & advice on the different procedures...and of course, our *special forum* here...

read, research, ask questions...we're all here to help if we can!

James

 Thank you James and sorry for your loss as well. I have been reading different boards as well as youtube. I will pay close attention to everything that is said about all the procedures at the seminar.

 

 welcome! i think it's great that you're considering the procedure. i can't give you any of my experiences yet because i won't be having my wls for a couple of weeks but i'm beyond excited. it's something that i've wanted for such a long time that i have no fear, i'm just exhilarated. i'm a little nervous, yes, and i can definitely see where you're coming from but i think if you go to a seminar and find a doctor you feel good with, you'll be a bit more comfortable going under the knife! i did tons of research when choosing my doctor and i was comforted by the statistics he offered as well as his demeanor. it really does make the whole thing less scary.

 Kristine, I wish you much success in your journey. I thought about the lap band in the past and forgot about it. 2 months ago I mentioned it to my doctor and began the research. I have researched Dr. Moazzez and Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax Va. I've read a lot of reviews from people who have used Dr. Moazzez. So far so good for this doctor. FEPBLUE has Fairfax Hospital listed as one of the facilities to have bariatric surgery. I hope I get to interact with the doctor one on one for a minute or two. 

My question is to anyone. Once you are approved, How long does it take to have a procedure? I hope I am not looking at summer or the end of the year.

The length of time btwn approval and surgery is different for everyone.  Sorry!  It depends on your insurance requirements and any requirements your surgeon has.  I had Aetna when I had my surgery.  They require at least 3 months of dr supervised weight loss prior to surgery but there was no required amount of weight to lose.  Some insurance carriers require 6 months and up to 20% of your body weight to be lost prior to scheduling surgery.  Some insurance companies don't require anything after approval and it can go pretty quickly based on the surgeon's schedule.  Sorry for the vague answer, but it's the truth.

Welcome to our board and congrats on making your decision to have WLS.  Make sure that the band is the right choice for you.  There are pros and cons to each procedure and it really is an indivisual choice based on your medical needs and your eating/drinking/exercise habits.  Do your research and ask lots of questions at the seminar.  You can find out a lot of great info on each procedure on this website (not on the forums but on the info pages).  I've seen people be extremely successful on each procedure and I've seen people be not so successful on each procedure.

Good luck to you!

 Hello MusicMaryn, 

Your answers are not vague. I appreciate any info. I viewed a few posts by FEPBLUE members. Several said they did not have a 6 month wait. I hope I am one of the lucky ones. Once I decide on which procedure, I hope the doctor can get me in quick. I do not want to be away from casting too long. If I have to wait til next yr to begin casting it will be worth it. I wont be happy but the results of a new me will be worth it. Who know's, perhaps a smaller healthier me will allow me to achieve 600 ft. I had a friend say "You will lose 100 ft". I replied, "shedding a person will be better". :) I am in my excited moment right now. Nervous is right around the corner. lol 

honestly? they set my surgery date before receiving the approval for the insurance. right now it's still considered a "tentative" date. i had to do my six months of medically supervised diet and i finished early december. on december 10th, they were willing to give me december 29th but i felt like that was too soon so i opted for mid-january. i still haven't gotten the insurance approval because they had to resubmit it with the new year but my surgeon's office told me that it usually doesn't take much longer than a week to get a response back