Can someone walk me through the steps?

Hello all, I'm new here and have a lot of questions. This site was recommended to me by a friend that recently had Lap Band surgery. I have my first consultation tomorrow. Can someone give me a breakdown of the process? How long does it usually take from consult to surgery? Thank you and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better!

Hello and Welcome to the board. It is kind of difficult to give you a breakdown because each journey is different. It all depends on the surgeon, the insurance and you and how fast you are able to get all your pre op appointments done. I recomend you take some time and read through some profiles and get an idea of how it all works. I want to wish you luck as you start your journey and we are here for you as you go along. LisaMarie

Best wishes as you start this new journey. Your best bet is to call your insurance company or look through the insurance booklet and find out what their requirments are. It varies so much from one insurance company to another. A great many demand 6 months of consecutive visits to the PCP to record weight loss and exercise regimen. (Very Strict) I filled up this time with all the testing, labs and Dr. appts. that are required. You probably will have to attend a few education and support groups as well. Oh yes...I researched and then some and also asked questions right here. If you smoke, your surgeon might ask you to stop. Mine would not operate on a smoker. Good Luck in doing all your homework.

Hi Kathleen...well, it seem like a lot but you will have to: Blood work stress test/EKG sono of gall blatter etc sleep test pulmonary test endosocpy And it truely depends on your ins. some do say 6 month check in's with your PCP. before you can get approved. It seems like a lot, but once you get rolling before you know it your done. My date is April 24. Good luck to you Tricia

Congratulations to you......I agree with LisaMarie everyones journey is different and you should read, read, read the profiles on the board, you will learn alot form the people here.... Wishing you the best throughout your journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle.... Christine

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the help! I just got back from my consult and I'm overwhelmed. Positively of course, but overwhelmed nonetheless. I got a checklist from the Dr. of things I need to do. So far I need to see a Nutritionist, a Pychologist, get a letter from my PCP and a sleep study (which I was really hoping I wouldn't have to do). Doesn't look like I need the 6 months of consecutive PCP visits thank goodness! My decision hasn't been made yet. I'm terrified quite frankly. Again, I appreciate your support.

I totally agree on the scary part. it truely is. But I keep looking at the before and after pics and that reminds me what I am doing all this hard work for. I have 2 different kinds of days the past 7 weeks. Nervous days and excited days....well tomorrow it will be 2 weeks until my surgery date and today I just had a new kind of day...freaked out!! I know this is a huge lifestyle change and I want it, but damn does it scare me. I have 2 little kids, a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old. I just take it one day at a time. If you ever seen the movie What about Bob, think of that everyday, everymoment, Baby Steps. Before you know it, you will be done with all the tests. There is a brand new sleep study place in Bellmore, I went there and its close to home and brand new. Just opened in December 06. (I believe thats the right date). If you need the number just let me know [email protected] Tricia

Thanks.. They're sending me to the sleep study place in Syosset, guess cause that's where the office is closest to. I just can't decide if I want open RNY vs. Lap RNY! Soooo hard!