Newby

Hi all.  I am just starting my journey.  I am 5' 10" and weight 285.5.  I am anxious to get information about my intended LAP-BAND procedure.  I have already talked to my insurance company and they will cover it under medical neccessity.  I have yet to make an appointment with my PCP to begin the process.  I am scared to tell you the truth.  I would greatly appreciate tips, input or information you may have. Thanks. 

Welcome to the board!! It is normal to be scared but if you don't try you will never know if you would be approved. Make your appoint and follow the steps needed, educate yourself, only you can decide if it's right for you. Best of luck to you!!

Hi! Welcome to the TN board. Like Juanita said - it is normal to be scared. Afterall, it is surgery. I think you should to go to a hospital seminar and get as much information as you can to learn all about the surgery and expectations and risks involved. That will be the only way you can really make a good decision for yourself. I had surgery one year ago this week and I would do it all over agian. I had the RNY (bypass) surgery and was 5'6 and 310 pounds. I had some medical problems from obesity and those have all been cleared up since surgery and it has made a drastic change in my health and life. Of course, I think most people on here will tell you that but it really is a decision you should make for yourself after weighing all options.  As far as getting started, most hospitals/surgeons require you to go to a public seminar to get a packet that you have to fill out and take on your first consult visit to the surgeons office. Most require several tests - which could include psych exams, blood work, EKG, Sleep Study and gallbladder ultrasound. Also, most insurance companies require a Dr supervised weight loss attempt. Mine was for 6 months. So you have to go to your PCP every month for that many months for weigh ins. So to start with, you need to find a surgeon/hopsital in your area and start the process with them as well as discussing it with your PCP. Yes, it is normally a LONG process to even get to the insurance approval. Good luck with whatever decision you chose on your path to weight loss.

Hi there and WELCOME! This is a great group and posting and getting to go to the support groups really educated me about the process...I just wish I did at the early stages of the process, like you are now...so you're doing good by signing up with OH so early.  Don't be scared, it's an amazing journey that I would do over again in a heartbeat.  Just be very pro-active in calling insurance companies and doctors, and finding out where things stand in the process.  If I wasn't so pro-active, I probably would still be waiting for an answer.   -Alyssa  

Welcome!! Personally, I can tell you that WLS has been the best decision I could have ever made for myself. It is completely normal to be scared! The best advice I can tell you is to educate yourself as much as possible. Secondly, find out EXACTLY what the insurance company needs to get your surgery approved. This will save you a tremendous amount of heartache and headache in the long run. Thirdly, go ahead and get involved in local support groups. This will give you lost of insight into what to expect from others experiences. Also, I would suggest going ahead and beginning a eating plan/exercise routine that is documented by your PCP. Hmm....that is all I can think of right now..but if you think of any specifics...just let us know!  Good luck! April

hi and welcome to the TN board. There is also another board for Lapbanders that might be able to help you with questions that we may not be able to answer.  I had the RNY 17 months ago and I would do it all over again.  I'm glad I was able to have the surgery.  Check out the other forum for lapbanders and see if they can guide you to finding the right surgeon for the job.   May God travel with you on this new journey. 

 Congrats!!!.............It is a big decision....but well worth the effort!!...........Leticia

Do you know what hospital/surgeon you want to go to? You may want to attend several different seminars to find the surgeon who is the right fit for you. You are going to be a life long patient of the person who does your surgery so you want to have someone you feel comfortable with. Congratulations on making this life changing decision. I too would do it again in a heartbeat!