Hey everyone! I have been reading about everyone on here for the past few days. I have been considering getting banded for some time but am unsure about how to even get started on the process. I am pretty sure that our insurance will cover it. I am a doctor phobic so it is difficult for me to think of just how many doctors I will have to see to even get started. I guess I am just looking for a quick run down of what to do and what to expect?

First off, call your insurance company to confirm coverage, and what you need to qualify. Most require a BMI of 40 or over or a BMI of 30-39 with 1 or 2 comorbidities. Many also have a long laundry list of hoops that need to be jumped through before they will cover the surgery. Various tests and nutrition classes.

Then see your primary care doctor for a referral if one is needed. If you can self-refer make an appointment with a surgeon.

Many surgeons offer free information seminars to help you wade through the process.

You'll go to an informational session first. Other people will be there, the Surgeon or staff will present the different WLS options, and if they are good (in my opinion) will explain every possible danger as well as the great things that can come of the surgery. After that appointment they will contact the insurance company and get you information on exactly what you will pay out of pocket and they will also let you know what the insurance requires you to do. (You can also contact the insurance company and find out the same stuff)

If you are interested in pursuing further, you'll have an appointment with the dr to go over your health. From that point the Doctor will order up a bunch of visits. A Psyche Eval, a Chest xray, blood work, a barium swallow to get pictures of your stomach and esophogus, and any other appointments that are needed based on your health.

2 weeks prior to surgery you'll have a pre-op appointment where you'll get information, your doctor will ask you to go on some sort of pre op diet. I see some people who say they have to go on a liquid diet. We were only told to lose a little weight before the surgery, so we went on the atkins diet for the week.

If you don't like the doctor and you want a band you have to get over that, because after banding you'll have to go to appointments for fills. I haven't had a fill yet, but my surgeon is adamant with us about coming in once a month for the first 12 months for the best success.

I hope this helps and I hope you find all the answers you need to make your decision!

Start a Dr supervised diet make sure the list 6 visit over 6 months as diet not matter what other text they run . This sounds so long but it really goes by fast. Most ons. Refuire this. No pressureon this diet since failing it is how you get approved. Go figure. Lol

Dr David Davtyan gives free consultation on weight loss surgery, give him a call (310-652-1777).

Dr David Davtyan is a cancer and bariatric surgeon.

He saved hundreds of lives, Dr Davtyan offers the best aftercare in the Los Angeles area; see the testimonial from one of his patients:

"...Now 6 months later, I am well on my way to my goal weight. I have lost 60 lbs. All of my diabetes is gone along with high cholesterol, fatty liver and high blood pressure. I can run up and down the stairs and walk for miles with no heavy breathing. I am almost ready to shop in "regular" stores. I don't buy "old lady" clothes anymore. I sleep in my own bed and don't wake up every few hours. But not only have I lost weight, I still go out with my friends and eat what I like. I just eat a lot less of it. I don't have to "sacrifice" anything. My body lets me know when I have had enough and I listen. I have my life back. And I owe it all to Dr. Davtyan and his fantastic staff of caring personnel. I am not a "patient". I am a member of their growing family. If you are looking for a way to get your life back, call Dr Davtyan. I have seen a miracle."

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