SO, I am a 23 year old female. I am 5'8" and weigh 260 lbs. I have been heavy my whole life, and college set me over the edge. I have decided I am going to jump on the "Band" wagon, and I was wondering how everyone's process went? I have BCBS, and they require me to do three things. Meet with my doctor, get a nutrition evaluation, and a psych evaluation. I am also hoping to be banded by Dr Olson in Nashville. Anyone else have experience with him? I am a mix of emotions! Happy, scared, nervous, excited! I am probably getting ahead of myself, but I am thinking about a bikini next year ! I know it is going to be a journey, and a TOOL for weight loss. I know I have to do the things I am suppose to. How has the band worked for everyone else? Also how are your scars?

Tasha

I am not in your area but I would like to say Hello, and Good Luck sounds like you have a pretty easy process I am leaving for my nutrition appt shortly so I'm in the beginning steps I am hoping to get banded in early AUG maybe we will be bandsters together. Good luck again

I am expecting sometime in early August as well let me know how your nutrition eval went! You haven't been approved yet right?

Well Hello.

My emotions before surgery were exactly what you stated yours to be.

I was banded in Canada so no insurance company rules to go by. We have to pay out of pocket for it.

The surgery was no problem at all. Some post op pain from gas was the main issue. The surgical wounds did not hurt at all.

The only scar you will notice is one about 1 3/4 inch long where the port is put in. In time that will become skin color again and you won't see it at all im sure. The others are very small and I don't notice them.

My doc did not send my to a psych becaus ehe feels they are not required. Reason being is that they can only respond to what you tell them. Meaning people will twist the story to get a wanted outcome so why waste the funds. I am inclined to agree with him.

Doctor did his own evaluation. Nutrionist was seen before and after surgery. They also sent me home with lots of paper to read and learn from.

I was banded on Mar 29 2012 and have lost 40lbs so far. I eat pretty much anything i want just very small portions. I treat myself once per week with a treat like ice cream too.

The bikini is definitely do able for you. Just take it slow and the skin should tighten up for you.

Good Luck

My appointment is on July 5th too and I'm excited and nervous also. I have BCBS too and am hoping I have an easy time getting approved. I am also hoping to get banded in August. I'm in New York. It's hard waiting so long for the appointment. I've done a lot of research and want to get the process moving already!! Good luck to you.

Congrats on your decision to join the band wagon. I have BCBS and I had to also go through six consecutive months of medically supervised "failed" weight loss attempts. I didn't know about that until after I did everything else, then they denied my surgeon's first approval request. I was very upset as that delayed my surgery for 7 months, 6 months of doctors visits and another month of waiting to be approved. They have a policy which they can send you - think it's called something like "G15", which tells you ALL about their true requirements. Please call them and request the documentation now - plus if you miss ONE monthly visit, you have to start the six month process all over again. OK - now that is out of the way.... for me, this was the easiest, most painless surgery that I have EVER had. It was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Just remember to stay active in this forum - it has been instrumental going through the same process at the same time others are. Word of advice - act like you are banded now, during, and after the surgery. It is a tool and you will still have to make good, healthy food choices. If not, you will not lose weight as expected. At first, I was frowning upon only losing 1-2 lbs. per week - I wanted faster results. Now, I am thrilled if I lose that much per week. I have to remember all of the reasons I choose the band over the other invasive options even though they typically result in faster weight loss. Those also result in hair loss, lots of recovery time and other potential problems. No one knows that I had the surgery - it's been 4 months and people are noticing, which is AWESOME!!! It's my little secret. I love knowing that once I get to my goal weight, my lap band will help me stay there, providing I do my part. Good luck and congrats to all!!

I have Anthem BCBS and was just required to provide a list of diets/weight loss for insurance. My surgeon required metabolic testing, sleep study, blood tests, nutritional appt, physical therapist appt, nurse practitioner appt, and psychological appt before I could even MEET the surgeon.

I am also 23 and was banded in March. I am happy with my choice, although I am now in a slump dealing with mental eating issues.

I have gone from a tight 22 to a 16 since surgery and have lost about 25-30 pounds post-op. It really is the greatest gift I could have given myself!

WOW!! Thanks for all the support! I never thought I would even get a response. Your doing great Helmut! 40 lbs!! That's awesome!! I want to get moving too Neeni. It's far away but close at the same time!! Savannah my mom also had a WLS a few years ago, and since I am in school I am still under her insurance. She didn't have to do the 6 months eval so I am hoping I don't have too. When I contacted the hospital I am going to have the band placed at they told me that these three things are what I needed for insurance approval. I graduate from nursing school in May 2013 and I want to look good for graduation I am also glad you brought up family and friends....I have only told my boyfriend, and my mom. I am sure my dad will know too, but I don't think I will need to include anyone else. I don't want people to belittle me, or think anything different of me. I want it to be my secret too *SHHHH* lol

I am expecting sometime in early August as well let me know how your nutrition eval went! You haven't been approved yet right?

no I haven't been approved my nutrition class was okay I learned a lot I was relieved that my pre-op diet allows me to have one meal a day so i am researching Protein shakes this weekend I want to find one that I like since that will be a large part of my meals the first few weeks after surgery. I changed my Psych exam to an earlier date so if my Insurance approves quickly I might even have it done in July we shall see

no I haven't been approved my nutrition class was okay I learned a lot I was relieved that my pre-op diet allows me to have one meal a day so i am researching Protein shakes this weekend I want to find one that I like since that will be a large part of my meals the first few weeks after surgery. I changed my Psych exam to an earlier date so if my Insurance approves quickly I might even have it done in July we shall see <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

That's great! I hope you get it sooner maybe I need to call and say if they have a cancellation I would gladly fill the spot . I have tried Protein Shakes before to lose weight the GNC chocolate brand is AMAZING! I put a spoonful of Peanut Butter in it. It tastes like a Reese cup! What did they do at the nutrition eval? What your eating now? What will change? That sort of thing?

When I went to the nutritionist 1st I filled a sheet about me and my eating habits brought in a 4 dayfood track so she could see what I normally eat then she sat down to go over the track then you have a conference about what to expect as far foods in each stage of the process( pre- op, post- op day 1 etc)it was very informative I liked meeting people In town that are preparing for surgery( we don't have a local support Grp )I left with a huge packet to help me through that's where I found out that there were several other Psych Dr that would give me an earlier appt than 18Jul

I'm diabetic and lactose intolerate so I cant have the whey protein and I have to have low carbs I'm going to try the Atkins protein shake and boost high protein carbsmart

I'm diabetic and lactose intolerate so I cant have the whey Protein and I have to have low carbs I'm going to try the Atkins protein shake and boost high protein carbsmart

That's sounds good! I loved all the Atkins foods. I'm excited to hear it went well for you. I am getting more excited about the band! I was apprehensive at first and was still a little unsure....but I am definetley doing it. I owe it to myself to shed this weight and get off hypertensives.

I agree I'm 41 but I have the medicine cabinet of a eighty yrs old:)