Hey everyone! I've been researching lap band as a tool to help me to get to my weight loss goal. I'm 26 191 lbs with a BMi of 37. I have to do something and like I said I think lap band is the tool I need. Just wanted more info from people who have gone through it as what all you do and go through as you decide this is what you want to do. Didn't know what all you had to do to lead up to your surgery. Any Info will be appreciated:)

Maeg, you're going to need to be more specific. There are 500 page books written on this subject so there's a lot to know and learn. My advice is to lurk around for a few weeks and watch for subjects that interest you.

I had my surgery 11/28/11 and I wish I would have paid closer attention to what was going on here on this forum. I highly recommend you read a lot of what Jean McMillan has to offer. Look on the right side of this page under "recent magazien articles". Click on the "View All" button and you can search the archaives. Jean wrote a book about this and she is very knowledgable.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

tmf

I was just wanting more information as to how long after your first doctors appointment did it take to get your surgery? And what things did you do? Did you have to do a diet for so Long before your surgery? I guess just wanting the steps you have to go through. Thanks so much for the reply!

Hi Maeg!

I am only 11 days post op, so I'm learning as I go along too. But I did do a lot of research before i decided on the band. The first thing I did was go to a lapband information session at the hospital. You should be able to find one near you. My insurance needed me to have a certain BMI to qualify, get tests done, meet with a physical therapist, psychologist and bariatric doctor, as well as go on a 6 month medically supervised diet. I also chose to go to a bariatric surgery support group to educate myself.

Its not as overwhelming as it sounds. Go to an information session locally, call your insurance co to see what you need to do to qualify. The bariatric team at your clinic will guide you through it and give you all needed info.

You will need to check your medical policy requirements from your health insurance to get the specifics of what you will need. If you are self pay you will need to talk to your surgeon as to what he/she requires.

I had to do a 6 month (7 visits ) of a supervised diet with my family dr with the supervision of a dietician. He also had to document my exercise program.

I needed a psych clearance, dietician visit, all for my insurance to cover it.

I started last fall.. In September but I originally was doing sleeve and then changed.. That added about 6 weeks to my total time. I'm having surgery on may 29... Good luck to you

Thanks Daisy:) I really think this is my best choice as of all other diets have failed! Congrats on your surgery! How are you feeling? My insurance kicks in June 1st so I'm so excited to make the call to see if it's something they cover!

Thanks Daisy! My insurance kicks in June 1st so I can't wait to call! How are you feeling? I can't wait to start this journey and get healthy

As you read the many different stories on this forum you will grow to understand that most all have a different experience. So much depends on your weight, age, insurance, family support etc.

For me, I knew people who had gastric bypass surgery. I didn't want that much of my body taken away and I was on the low BMI with co-morbids so I decided on the band. I first went to 3 different seminars put on by different doctors. I selected one of the doctors but was unhappy with their communication skills and went with another doctor. It took me nearly a year to get insurance to cover surgery and that's a completely different and very long story.

I had to go on a 6 month supervised nutritionist assisted program. I visited with a shrink once. I was required to go to a class where they teach you how to live, eat and survive on the band. Wish I had taken it after surgery though. I didn't have to go on any diet before surgery except liquids the day before. Like all bandsters I was put on a liquid diet after surgery and then pureed foods and then soft foods for the first 30 days after surgery.

I've had 6 fills and now feel restriction and weight loss.

tmf

What are the fills? Thanks so much for the info! How was recovery

My recovery was easy and no problems. A fill is when the Dr injects your port with a saline solution to add Fluid to your band causing it to squeeze your stomach. Go to youtube.com and search for lapband fils. There is a gaggle of videos on fills, surgeries etc.

tmf

Hi Maeg. The first step is probably to attend an info session. I was able to do one online, which was convenient. Then I met with my surgeon to discuss options. Next was a slew of appointments and tests (psych, nutritionist, pulmonary, endocrinologist, cardiologist, sleep study, endoscopy, etc). I was not required to do a 6 month supervised diet like some others here. I would say read read read. I did a ton of research and I really feel like I'm going into this with my eyes open knowing what to expect (as much as possible.) My surgery is next week! Good luck.

I've been reading up for about a month now. I read my insurance doesn't make you do a diet anymore. But I'm not sure if you have to be with them for so long before they will approve you. It kicks in June 1st so I can't wait to call!

@Maeg1014,

The most information and knowledge you will receive is by reading reading and more reading. You can find so much on the lap band surgery by just googling 'lap band'. You can visit youtube.com as well. This site is the best as far as I am concerned, best for the support you are going to need before, during, and after. You may even find several lap band buddies along the way (that is always a plus). Make sure you know everything about he lap band before hand. Search seminars in your area on bariatric surgery. Start scouting for a surgeon and do background search on them!

Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress along the way

Thanks Pattygirl!! Just trying to as much information as I can. Like I said gotta all me insurance and see their requirements then I'll b on my way! So ready for this journey

Called my insurance today. It does cover lap band!

Called my insurance today. It does cover lap band!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Congrats that is good news