[vintagefairy]

Hi!

I was approved just now for the Lapband Surgery. I start my orientation for the program tomorrow. I am excited and ready for this new chapter.

What can I expect as far as test etc..? I am going through Kaiser.


I appreciate any information or advice.

Thanks

V.F.

-I love myself for who I am today

[Leenie]

Hi VF,

Congrats on your approval !! I had my LB 10 years ago so I am not sure as to what insurance companies want anymore, each of them are different in how many hoops they make you jump through. I do remember having to sit through a meeting with the doctor explaining the procedure, seeing a nutritionist, a psychologist and having at least 6 months of documented weight loss attempts with my doctor (shoot I had years and years lol). As far as medical testing, I had to go through your normal routine testing that anyone would have for surgery.

Please let me know how you make out tomorrow... good luck !!!!

Leenie

[vintagefairy]

Hi Leenie!

Thank you for your kind words!

So, orientation went very well. They tried to scare me from doing the Lapband but since I have done a ton of research on how to minimize the risks I feel like it's still the right thing for me. Very nervous which I am sure is normal.

They told me I have to go through a 12 week program and the surgery should be within a month of the final class. They would like me to loose 10% of my body weight by then (although she said they are not sticklers but you cannot gain any weight). I definitely plan on trying to loose that 10% because I know this band is a tool, I still have to do the work so why not start now.

I am really looking forward to this journey, which I am sure will have it's challenges but the pay off seems mighty worth it!

Thanks again!


V.F.

-I love myself for who I am today

[Leenie]

Hi VF,

I am so happy you are excited and ready to start your journey. Why would they want to scare you from the band? never mind, I think I know, but listen, if in your heart you know its right DO IT! I have a girl friend who had gastric bypass, she lost and then gained more then when she started out. She got the band and is the happiest person in the world, OMG you wouldn't even recognize her, she's loving life and loving her band. You are going to hear the good, the bad and the ugly and you should, its good to know and have these things researched before making your decision. I have the band, I go up and down with weight but its a great tool for me, so far it hasn't let me down, its doing its job. My brain on the other hand decides to choose wrong foods but with any surgery that is going to happen. The 12 week class sounds like they are going to work on your mind which is wonderful, I did not have that when I got mine. Support groups, support from family and friends is sooo important. I hope they talk about nutrition too. When do you start your classes?

10% ... now I KNOW you can do that

It will be worth it, because you are worth it.

Leenie