New to this

Hi,

I am still in the "pre approval" process. Last week I had my sleep study and all I have to do is to complete the remainder of my 6 month doctor supervised diet. I have been reading a little of everyone's posts on here and had a couple of concerns and or questions.  When I intially met with the surgeon he stated that I was not "big" enough for the surgery and that the insurance company is hard to approve weight loss surgery. I am currently 307 lbs.  I wanted to know if this wasactually true or not, I have Aetna as my insurance company. I was also told that having sleep apnea puts you in the catergory of being approved to have the surgery done also.  

I guess my main concern is am I wasting my time with this? I am finding myself ready for what seems like the millionth time to loose the weight and maintain it. I just wanted a little advice from everyone on the Lap Band and your experiences good or bad with it and what to expect when or if I get the surgery done.

Thank you

hi and welcome! You do need to do your research. We are all different sizes/weights here and were at the time of our surgeries.

What is your BMI? That is an important # and you can find that # on this site by entering in your weight & height.

I qualified at 252 and have read about others who began their journey in the 230's so I would not consider 300 not big enough.
So much depends on your insurance company and the plan that you have and so much depends on if you are prepared to begin a long, but rewarding, journey.

Good Luck to You!

The best thing you can do is read older threads. Like the one from about 10 hours ago

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4360860/Positive-L ap-Band-Stories-amp-Success-Post-Here/

then look at the photo parades - they appear regularly.

Look at negative as well as postiive threads.

Kate

Hi, Prettygia, I have Aetna too. If you go on their website you'll find what their criterea is for getting wls. The short of it as I understand it is BMI of 40 or BMI of 35 with comorbidity such as apnea or diabetes.

Hope that helps!

I also have Aetna, and started at 278, BMI of 48 with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic back pain, and sleep apnea.  You should check your policy and be aware of what is required. 

I don't think you are wasting your time - you want to get healthier.  I'm newly banded - 4 weeks ago, and have lost 25 lbs and I feel so much better already.  I regret not doing it sooner! 

Try not to get too discouraged and keep going!

Thanks guys!