Hello i've been trying for the last 5 years to get the lapband done and now we switched to high mark blue cross blue sheild im wanting to have dr shin do it he did my father an ive read dont have to do a 6 month diet or family dr. i was wanting to know what steps i need to do ive read on the internet but it really isnt any help i have to get ahold of the dr tommorow im just trying to see from where to go from here my father had the gastric done back in 2001. thanks for the help

By high mark BCBS do you mean high deducible? If so don't you have to meet you deducible in other areas before anything else can be done. I know where I live our BCBS high deducible is like $3000. I know I didnt not take that plan but stayed with the regular BCBS. Good Luck to you, I know insurance can always be a issue.

it is really a good idea to start eating less right away. this is a big lifestyle change. you need to commit to all the changes. any weight you lose b4 surgery is a big bonus!!

I know that it took a medical scare for me to really get going. I started dieting (1200 calories) as soon as I left the seminar. I lost 30 lbs. by the time I went for surgery, it felt so good.

I had to get an ok from my insurance, went to several docs(sleep study for apnea, cardiac doc, shrink,and upper GI xray & phone nutrition sessions.

at the time I started I didn't think I could ever get it all done but, I did. check with your insurance to see what they expect you to complete first. I went to the U of M as recommended by my clinic. I really like my doc and appreciate the honesty I receive from him!

if you can start some sort of exercise right away that will help. most of us started with walking. it is surprising how fast you can build your tolerance & do long walks. you will feel so good and it will help your body!

good luck and keep us informed!

i have high mark ppo it covers it an i went through diet plans an the best one how active i am from working full time an day stuff told me a 2000 calorie diet an yea ive stoped smoking for 2 weeks so far an im not for sure about the decuctible my fatther had the gastric bypass done in 2001 also an it changed his life for the better

My surgeon put us all on 1200 calories a day at the seminar...

You have to follow a strict calorie,High protein plan.. You can have the best Ins. in the World, and have a Surgeon that says no wait time, and no diet plan. That sounds Wonderful to someone on the outside looking in ! Bottom Line,,, It don't work that way ! You must get going on a plan, and stick to it.

This is a life changing surgery. Protein Shakes so you don't lose your hair, and keep your energy up,

Low calorie intake to lose weight, Exercise and the Band go hand in hand. This helps burn up those calories so you lose weight.

If you just do what you want, well you will lose some, but chances are you won't be to happy.

My nose is to the Grindstone with this Band, and it has to be that way.

Maybe you will be Lucky, and not have to workout at first ! That will all catch up in time.

I wish you Luck !

ok thanks for the help. but i just been seeing people weigh like 200 an want to lose like 30 pounds because they cant well im almost 400 pounds an been big all my life knock on wood i never had health problems with anything except my back hurts because of a car wreck an i need this to change my life an ive been keeping count of calories i was told to go on a 2000 one because how big i am an i work full time also work on a farm an if i can get this done it will change my life for the better it will be better work oppt. for me ive been trying to get in to the boilermakers but i cant because of my weight