Hi, my name is Kathy, and I'm fairly new to the LAP-BAND® process, although I have been contemplating it for a few years now. I'm 46, 5'6" and 300 pounds and have been overweight or obese since 7 years old. I have tried numerous times to lose weight and was successful in the short term, only to gain it all back and more. I'm still in the early stages, but am attending an informational session tonight and have my first appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. I have Aetna insurance, which pays 100% of the cost (except if I have to stay overnight, for which I have a $4,200 deductible. My surgeon I think generally likes to keep people overnight, so I'm hoping that he will make an exception since I only live 5 miles from the hospital and have had numerous surgeries before without complications). I believe Aetna requires a minimum of 3 months of dieting, exercising, meeting with nutritionists, going to support group meetings, getting a psychological approval, etc. before setting a surgery date. I will know more after tomorrow's appointment. I am so anxious to be banded and can't wait to find out more about how long the process will take for me. I have been looking at this website for a couple of weeks and have already found it very valuable. Thank you all!

Hi Kathy, my name is Linda and I seem to be at the same stage of the lapband process as you are. I also have an appointment tomorrow with the hospital coordinator to find out all the pre-op requirements I need to do that my insurance requires. I am very excited but also very nervous about having the surgery. Doing lots of research. It would be nice to go along together through this process. What do you think? Good luck tomorrow. Hope to hear from you soon.

Linnielady

I'd love to do this journey with you. The informational session yesterday was helpful as both surgeons in the program were there to talk and answer general questions. Today, my hubby and I are headed for our initial appointment with the surgeon. I know I definitely want to have this done, but am nervous about all of the requirements. Good luck with your appointment, and let me know how things are going for you.

Hi and welcome. Your story sounds a lot like mine - I struggled with my weight since childhood. I was banded four years ago and have been maintaining a normal weight since late 2007. It's been hard work, but boy is it worth it!!! I'd be happy to help any way I can. There is a lot of information about my journey on my blog that a lot of folks have found useful (linK my signature below).