[hoodling]

I'm going to a seminar on Saturday to look into Lap Band. GB scares me too much and I'm not in a hurry to lose, I would just like to lose once and for all. I'm sick of this game I've been playing with myself for the past 25 years. So, on that note, I have two questions (for now):

1. Do they put you on a diet beforehand? If so, I'd love an idea of what it is we should be following?

2. Typically, how long does it take to schedule the surgery from the first seminar - just in general how long did it take you?

Thanks so much,
Rachel

[GrammyRN]

Hi, Rachel - Although my doc didn't put me on a diet, they've had me write down my food intake, exercise, etc. on a tracking sheet. I've been waiting now since October when I first started seriously considering lap band. Everyone's insurance is different, of course, and if you're not waiting for insurance approval it can go really fast. I really haven't lost much since October, but my beginning weight was from my heaviest a couple of years ago. I guess I can take credit for the little bit I HAVE taken off, even though it actually has gone up from a few months back. I am SO anxious to get my procedure done now - for awhile I really wasn't sure about taking this on. My DH has been a great support (he had GB 2 yrs ago and lost alot so he's all for this). He says I don't realize how bad I do feel which, I'm sure, is absolutely right. Just know I feel like a lumbering elephant most of the time, te-he! Good luck on your journey - this is such a super support group. Carol

[Sandi]

i think it all depends on your situation. I thought I'd be quick and here I am 12 months later...still waiting. My insurance required 12 months of doctor supervised weight loss visits before they'd approve me. I don't think I'm the norm. I think the norm is 3 - 6 months. Quicker if you are a self pay.

[Leenie]

Hoodling

1. Do they put you on a diet beforehand? If so, I'd love an idea of what it is we should be following? - Every doctor is different. Some will put you on a liquid diet...some a low fat diet...I did not have to go on a diet before surgery. I know if your BMI is higher they might want you to lose some weight before hand. The weight loss will decrease the fat in your liver helping the doctors in surgery...at least thats what I've been told.

2. Typically, how long does it take to schedule the surgery from the first seminar - just in general how long did it take you? - Again, each doctor has his own set of rules so to speak. Your doctor will tell you what he expects you to do between the seminar and his consult. Make sure you get them ALL done so it doesn't slow anything down. My doctor wanted me to see a nutritionalist...go to a support group...get medical/blood tests taken before he would even consider having a consult with me. When you have your consult he will be prepared with all this info and can talk to you about your options...so again, don't dilly dally...what ever he says to do...do it. If he thinks you are a good candidate for the surgery, he will book a date with you right then and there for your surgery (my doc did)... it was about 2 months from consult to surgery. Three months from seminar to surgery.

Hope this helps...its just my experience.

Leenie

[merryterry]

When I talked to the people at my chosen surgeon they said I didn't have to do a 6 month diet-my insurance co (bs/bc) dropped that hoop but some require it. I have almost all my paperwork ready for my first visit this Tuesday so I guess the office will be ready to submit me to the insurance co, if they have my records from my drs. in PA already. The place I'm going to specializes in bariatric surgery and my first appointment has nutritional and psych consults and tests, etc. I guess there will be other things between then and the surgery date which I hope will be in early June as soon as my school year is over.

I understand if you self pay it can happen fast-probably as soon as the surgeon has an opening because you eliminate all the insurance hoops.

But it's such a life long commitment that I'm sure the more thought that goes into it the more success you will have.

The drs. office is optimistic about my being approved by insurance-they do this all the time so it's based on experience, I imagine so I've been thinking about new clothes, new activities, how much weight I might lose between June and October when I hope to go to my niece's wedding back east.

Good luck to all of us!

[hoodling]

Thanks for your responses. I'm going to call the doctor office today to set up an appointment.

[Leenie]

Good girl and don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions...remember its your body and thats what he gets paid for.

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