I have a bunch of questions.

I just called the surgical center 2 days ago and am waiting for a call back. I know I will have to get approval and go thru a lot of pre op stuff. What all do I go thru?

How long will it be before I will have the surgury?

I see folks talk about a 6 month pre-op diet, what is that about?

My BMI is 45. I am sure it hasn't fallen below 40 over the past 5 years. What if, during the pre op diet it gets to 39? Will I still be approved? I have BCBS insurance. I am so anxious now and I want to know everything.

I have a bunch of questions.

I just called the surgical center 2 days ago and am waiting for a call back. I know I will have to get approval and go thru a lot of pre op stuff. What all do I go thru?

How long will it be before I will have the surgury?

I see folks talk about a 6 month pre-op diet, what is that about?

My BMI is 45. I am sure it hasn't fallen below 40 over the past 5 years. What if, during the pre op diet it gets to 39? Will I still be approved? I have BCBS insurance. I am so anxious now and I want to know everything.

Hi, I have my first appointment with Dr. Fiallo in June. What surgeon do have? Did you get any of your questions answered? I am curious also about how long it will be before I can have the surgery. Any thing you can tell me would be great. Thank you and have a great day.

Hi, I have my first appointment with Dr. Fiallo in June. What surgeon do have? Did you get any of your questions answered? I am curious also about how long it will be before I can have the surgery. Any thing you can tell me would be great. Thank you and have a great day.

I have only called Southern Surgicals office, but she couldn't get anything scheduled because the computer was down. I just see folks posting about 6mths and all, so I am curious how long the process is before the surgery.

I'm no sure where your from, but on the East Coast BC/BS requires 6 months of nutrition classes unless you have proof of being with another weight loss program- like weight watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrasystem etc. You have to pass a psych test, cardiologist and pulmonary and your family Dr. Recommend it.

I have 4 more classes to go, I thought I would hate waiting the 6 months, (I do!) but it's giving me time to get my self worked into it. I started my Journey in November, for the last 3 months I've slowly given up soda, coffee, cut my snacking in half and started drinking protein shakes for breakfast. I never eat breakfast so that wasn't hard to do. I sit at a desk all day so I went from M&Ms to pretzels.

Keep in touch!

I have done weight watchers, numerous time. I think it is a good program, but when I get home from work and am hungry, it goes out the window. I feel like this will help me. What kind of proof will I need?

Your best bet is really to check your BCBS' website or call them- all of the plans are a little different. Look for a "medical policy" link on your insurance site, mine's on the very first page at the bottom. Search for "adjustable gastric band". I had to do a 6 month wait period so I started the process in October of 2010 and was banded mid-April, 2011.

Its fine if your BMI drops below 40, your starting weight is what matters.

Thank you so much! Wow, they are serious about making sure this is the right thing for us. How is it going for you so far?

Awesome so far! I hated having to wait the 6 months but looking back, I'm glad I did... by the time I got to surgery I had zero doubts and I had to meet with the staff nutritionist once a month so she really did help me learn what to expect and how my eatings habits would need to change. I had my first fill Thursday and so far I can tell the difference in how soon in a meal I feel satisfied and how long that lasts- hopefully it's not just swelling