Hi everyone! I'm brand new to this process and haven't done anything yet except some online research. I was wondering what the first steps would be to take? Also, I'm in the process of getting a new pcp. Should I go to an info seminar first or should I wait until I get in to see my new doctor? Thanks for the info.

I went straight to the lapband surgeon for a consult and had the surgery a couple weeks after that. I was self-pay and did not require any pre-op testing or "hoop jumping".

Everyone is so different when it comes to the choice of getting banded. Some people feel better researching for months or even years. Some feel better talking to many Dr.s and going to several seminars and support meetings.

If you plan on using insurance you have to do the steps required by them.

I have to go through the insurance. And I know that I need to do a 6 month program before being approved. So I guess I'm wondering if I should start that program asap or if I should get more info before going to my doctor?

I would start with the insurance requirements. What does the 6 month program consist of? If it is a medically supervised diet, they probably want you to have a first appointment with a PCP and then six monthly followups to see how you are doing and track your weight loss. I would have all that info when I went to see the PCP.

Since you do not have a PCP, you might want to go to a seminar and ask for a referral to a doc that the surgeons know and recommend. Then you will not pick a PCP who is anti-lap band. My insurance required a letter of medical clearance from my PCP and if he had not been supportive, that might have been difficult.

One surgeon I spoke with said if we had to do a six month weight loss program, to be sure and not lose weight because they could deny you saying you could do it on your own. Not sure if this is true or not. I did not have to do a 6 month progam, but has to show evidence of structured weight loss programs so I joined Weight Watchers and did not lose. I have tried many other programs over the years and have lost but not kept it off.

I really think they are looking for a commitment. If you can jump through all their hoops, they will take a risk on you. I can assure you, it gets long and frustrating.

I first picked a doctor who was ok with my insurance but his hospital was not. I made an appointment with his partner who practiced at the right hospital and then decided to drop his privileges there before I would have surgery. then I picked aurgeon who was ok and his hopotal was ok but his staff did not follow through with getting me approved. I fainlly have found a good surgeon who is ok with my insurance and at the right hospital and I am scheduled for April 7. I started my journey in Oct 08 and I did not have a 6 month program.

So the moral of the story is, keep in close touch with your insurance, do everything they tell you to do, and keep the faith. You will get there!:thumbup:

I started with the LapBand surgeon first.... while my insurance (and most) require a 6 month supervised diet done with your PCP, my surgeon's office also does 4-5 months worth of pre-surgery stuff-- nutritionist appointments, excercise seminars, psych evaluation. Those run concurrently while you are doing your PCP stuff.

Also, it can't hurt to go to the surgeon's seminar while you are looking for a PCP-- you may not like the surgeon and need to look some more for another one. My surgeon's office also does a lot of work WITH the insurance companies to make sure of requirements, etc. So they may be of help to you.

Good luck!