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robint, I am not sure you will find an insurance to pay, and maybe not a doctor in the US. I think I have read of others with a lower weight to lose, maybe going to Mexico as someone stated. I have a bmi of 36 and have about 80lbs to lose. I had to sell it to the surgeon and I was worried my insurance may deny me. I have other health conditions, but not diabetes or high blood pressure, which seems to be the two most significant. But I did get approved and have a band date for June 7. Good luck. Janine

Good Morning Moosictcher, I am scheduled for by band on June 7. Like all the posters, I feel that the Band is a tool and will help me keep the weight off! That is our biggest challenge. Most people who have dealt with weight for 20 years, like myself as well, now 48, I just could not walk in weight watchers one more time. I do beleive that ww is a tool as well, and their diet sense is good advice that I will use in my choices of food, it just did not give me the tools to maintain my weight, only gained and gained back more. I researched the band over a year ago, but my bmi was less than it is today. I did not gain weight on purpose to etch up my bmi, I did that all on my own! I have a bmi of 36, however my insurance will cover it due to other health issues I have. I would have to look back at my dates, but I beleive my first inquiry to the surgical group I am going to may have been late January. So for Sooverit!, even if your insurance makes you go through a six month process, it took me that long anyway, with orientations, pshych eval, insurance approval and getting a date on their busy schedule. I think it is hard waiting, but I also think it makes you educate yourself more and be prepared. I read others who go and meet with a doctor and have it in a couple of weeks. That scares me a little bit, for this is a life commitment and you should be prepared. So, all that said, hang in there to both Moo and Sooverit! I too looked at the bypass, however through out the process, the people involved with my evaluation, said the band was more for me. I also know people who have had the bypass. One lady after three years now is having problems with low blood pressure, protien deficiency and may have to go into the hospital for a transfusion! Out of the three, only one looks healthy to me, the one with the less to lose. Just one more question for Moosictchr, do you live in Moosic, PA? Have a great Sunday, Janine

Les, this is the third time I started this. I am having a typing issue tonight!! I am having the band on June 7. I am 48 and my bmi is 37. My insurance did cover gastric bypass but stopped covering it this year. I was bummed, but they did not cover band anyway. I was fortunate that my husband's insurance company did, and just started with the band in July 2006. However, there was a glitch, your BMI should be at 40 or above, however if it was 35-40 you had to have other health issues. I had about 6 out of the list of 10 or so. Asthma, sleep apnea, to name a few. I went to a surgeon group in Virginia ( where I live) that three people I know went to for gastric bypass. I talked with them on the phone and at first they stated they were not sure it would be covered due to my bmi, but when I explained it all, they said go for it. The group first made me go to an orientation that all new perspective patients go. It was very good, the doctor came and spoke. I was impressed. He answered questions, showed a video, explained boths surgeries and that they were only a "tool". You still need to make lifetime changes. I was excited when I left. They gave me a folder, I had to write and essay on my life experiences with my weight and my feelings. Then I had to see a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation. They gave me a list. She was very nice. then I saw the Nurse, and was weighted, and talked to, Pictures, etc. After all that, about 2 months worth of time, they submitted my application to the insurance company. In two weeks, I was approved. Because the group is so popular, I could not get a surgery date until June. that was the biggest disapointment. But I can wait. I had been to ww many times as well! I was so embarrased the last year, going there, knowing the leader, the group of people, and all the questions, etc! I just would give up to quickly, my weight was going no where. My husband is supportive, but thin, and does not understand. but I agree with what has been said, you are doing it for yourself, so the heck with everyone if they don't understand. I have not told my kids yet, because they will worry more than any thing. I will next month. they are 18 and 21. I ahve a granddaughter, 18 months, so I need to live pass 50! Keep in touch. this web site is great. I am glad to hear from everyone. Janine

Mema, If you don't mind, how much does it cost with self pay? One of my friends is thinking about it, but I told her I did not know, guessing maybe around 20,000.? I am glad it went well with Dr. Ortiz. That group also has a website, blog. did you know that? Janine

Tina, Crishell, Julie and others, thanks! I really appreciate your comments. I am not a heavy drinker, but wine on the weekends, one or two that is it. I realize that I have to give this up for a while. coffee too, but that is ok. Just so in my future I can have it with in reason! Tina, I am familiar with GWH, for other issues, such as cancer, and plastic surgery. My x husband had oral cancer and had very serious surgery there. I also had skin cancer, first stage, not serious, on my face and went to the same plastic surgeon. I did not think to check them out for the band. Where do you live? I read of on here a person who went to Fairfax and had a good experience. But I heard an awful experience about Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, but I feel like it is different for everyone and you ahve to pray you have a good surgery experience. Crishell, did you have Dr. Batista? I only met him at the open orientation, not in person. He seems, young, and personable, which I like. He has the experience too. Three ladies at my office went there for bypass and I know 2 had the older doctor, head guy, and the other the woman, Jill? she left or is leaving I heard. The staff are very nice, Hilari answers all my questions. did you have to wait long like me? I am lucky that my insurance does not make me do the 6 month nutritian classes, that would be long, however it will be 6 months from the day I started to inquirer, well maybe a little shorter. I heard in some of the postings about different sizes of the band? I have no idea about that or the pros and cons. do you? I have it on my list to ask in May. Do they require the post op diet? I would not mind that one. Why so long for your first fill, is that normal? Sorry for all the questions, but I am excited about finding someone who went to the same place for the band. Have you been to the support group? I wanted to go Monday, but I had to come home. I am hoping to go next month. Talk to you all soon. Janine

Hi to all Virginia posters! My name is Janine, I live in the Fredericksburg area, I am scheduled for surgery on June 7 with Dr. Batista, Commonwealth Surgeons, St. Mary's Hospital. Like you Alison, I was disappointed with the date, but I have to be pleased that my insurance has approved it and I am on the way to a means! I am excited and glad to ahve this site to talk to others about their journeys. Suzanne, sounds like you are doing great. I read on a site about questions to ask, which I did not even think of. do you know if the fills are also included in the insurance approval? I guess when I go for the appointments in May with the doctor and others, I will find out. I guess I should have done that already. you should never assume. Gr8, how did your surgery go? I am thinking I may have seen you on another thread. I like talkign to everyone, but it is nice to talk with folks that are close to home. My husband is fron Norflolk. I am PA native, but have been in VA for 25 years, so I guess I am a Virginian. Lets keep in touch. I ahve not figured out how to add names to my buddy list? any suggestions? need to get to work. Janine

Hi, My name is Janine. I am scheduled to be banded on June 7. I started the process in January and February. The surgeon group I am using has a process you must go through. When my insurance approved it late March, I was hoping for at least a May date:cry . But the fact my insurance approved it and I am on the schedule, I am excited! I am a bit anxious taking the plung, but that goes away when I read the messages on the site and everyones journeys, successes and challenges! Any help you can give me would be great. I am a little concerned if I will ever get to drink wine again or coffee. if anyone can tell me if that is ok for the future, that would be great! I am not a caffene freak, only two cups or so a day, no soda. and maybe a couple glasses of wine a week. Or if we go out to dinner? Life changes, I know! the food too will be an interesting ride, but I can't remain feeling the way I do. I am happy about the site. An in home support group! Janine

NVGirl, I was not as concerned when reading the article even if they mention the band. I have not had my surgery yet, I am schedule one month from your date, June 7! I have researched so much, as I am sure you did, and the band seems to have less risks as stated that bypass surgery. I am not ignorant, I know there are always risks, but the band has the least. I would be happy to hear from you after your surgery since ours are so close. we can share our journey together. My BMI is 36, which is not 40, but I have health issues that go with it that allowed my insurance to approve it. I am so glad! I am anxious about it, for it is a big decision, but I feel if I don't do it, I will continue to be unhealthy! Keep in touch, Janine

Hi, Laurie, I can understand your pain. I am having Lapband on June 7. I have been researching it for over a year, and at first the place I emailed said my bmi was not high enough. But then a year later, as my weight and depression grew. I am 48 and had a heart scare in November that triggered me to get serious about something. I had been to weight watchers so many times since I was 21 that I really could not bare to go there again. I had been successful, but to no surprise, I gained it back. I talked to a woman who works for me who had bypass surgery. she told me about the surgeons and the doctors at St. Mary's hospital in Richmond. I started contacting them and talking to them. They were concerned at first about my bmi, 36, but after listing my health issues, that convinced them. My MD. too was not so supportive, he said it was ok, but felt all my energy investigating could be used dieting and exercising! Easy for a light weight to say! I had to see a Pshychologist, attend orientations, and meet with the nurse practioner. My surgery is scheduled for June 7. I was disappointed that I have a 2 month waite, but it is worth it. I can relate to isolating youself and not wanting to go many places.It is hard when you feel so down on yourself. I am an extrovert and this is hard for me, but I get down on myself and don't feel like wearing clothes that are tight and I feel uncomfortable. My husband is also thin, and never complains about my weight and sais he loves me any way? well he says that and then makes comments, like maybe you should not eat that jelly bean! I am a grandmother, of an 18 month old girl, she is my motivation too. Like you, I want to be around to see her grow up. I love having her, but keeping up with her is tough and I am only 48! that is not good:phanvan I hope your doctor appointment goes well. does your insurance cover the band? that is a big decision too. can't wait to hear more. Denise - losing 90lbs wow! that alone should motivate Laurie, me and others. :clap2: Janine

Hi, I am reading along to learn all I can before my surgery. I am scheduled June 7. I live in VA and the surgeon I am going to is experienced which could be the reason for the date! that is the only discouraging part now that I have been approved, is the waiting. how did your surgery go? I am a little worried about that part, but the process seems less evasive than the bypass. I do not have enought weight to qualify for that, my bmi is 36. I am 48 years old too! But I am at the highest weight I have ever been :cry . I am really looking forward to this change, but I am scared of what I will eat in the end. we all like to eat, that is why we are here. Hang in there, keep us posted on your challenges and accomplishments! I think it is great for us to learn together. the surgery is more popular than I thought. Janine

Hello bjlang68, I just started on this site myself. I am not scheduled to be banded until June 7. I am dissapointed with the far away date. I started the process after the first of the year, and I have been to many appointments. I live in Virginia but in Stafford, about 60 min south of Faifax. I am goint to Commonwealth Surgeons at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond. several people I know went there for gastric and really respected the doctors. they are very busy! I was hoping a May surgery. I am glad to hear from the postings that the recovery is not so bad. I am a little scared of having surgery and the risk, but I keep saying to myself it is as risky as when i had my tubes tied! I have not told my kids yet, I want to wait until it is closer. My husband is supportive but does not understand the weight delima of a life time! He is thin and always has been. Keep me posted on your progress, I would love to keep in touch with newly banded to see what my first month will be like and share ideas on drinks, etc. the senior folks are helpful too for the next steps! I am glad to find this. Does Fairfax have support groups? I was going to one tonight for banded people only but had to change my schedule. maybe next month. this web site will be helpful! do you have to do a post op diet? i hear people say about losing weight to prepare for the surgery. I did not have a bmi of 40, but 36. I was afraid to lose any weight until it was approved, I did not want it to effect my approval. :straight take care, Janine

Hi, My name is Janine, and I have my banding scheduled for June 7. I have been going through the application process, appointments, etc. I was a bit disappointed that I have to wait until June 7, but it will come before I know it. MoKat, I do not have a bmi of 40, but 36. I have other health issues that pushed my approval through. My insurance just added the band to this years policy, I was so excited. I could not afford it. I have tried many diets too and lost and gained it back. I am looking forward to the band, realizing that I still have to make good choices. I do have a question for Chatgirl6, what is pbing?I have read that pb stuff, but I guess being new I don't know the lingo? My one concern is coffee and having a glass of wine or two on a weekend. One issue that could happen with the band is erosion from alcohol use, but is two glasses a week bad? does anyone know this answer? I sound like and alcoholic! I am not:) I am nervous about the adjustment to food too, but I feel I need to make a change to live longer! Keep me posted on your journey Janine