Greetings! I have been on here for a few months now researching the lapband. I have found out so much good information and inspiring stories. I have been contemplating the surgery for some time now but I am terrified of anesthesia. I have never had surgery before. I am at a point where I need this. My weight has gotten out of control and I need some help. It's affecting me in every way. I'm ready to make a change.

Now that I have insurance what is my first step? I have bcbs... Can I go straight to a weight loss doctor? Do I find a pcp? I'm ready to get this show on the road ! Also, I am in Houston and need a great surgeon...how long is the surgery? Do they stick a tube down your throat? Will I be under for a long time? Any insight would be appreciated..

Typically, your anesthesiologist will talk with you prior to surgery. It was very reassuring for me when I had a hysterectomy. After talking with him, I was given something to relax me in my IV and then, he placed a mask over my nose and mouth with the anesthesia. I quickly went to sleep following that. When I say quickly, I mean a quick ten count or less. Hope this helps...

I have HIP and I need to get a referral to see specials so I had to speak with my PCP first to get the referral for a bariatric surgeon. Once I get the referral in the mail I have to call the surgeon to schedule attendance in his seminar, after the seminar he does a consultation and then the ball will start rolling. You have to find out if bcbs covers lapband and what their requirements are. They may not need you to get a referral from a PCP. Some insurances requires a BMI of 40 or 35 with a obesity related condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. they may want you to have a supervised diet for 6 months with a dietician or 3 months with a bariatric surgeon but you have to see what they require then you'll know how to get your ball rolling! Good luck!

The first thing you should do is call your insurance company and see what's covered, how much if not all is covered, what their requirements are if they do cover it, ask if you need a referral from your pcp, etc. then go from there. Each insurance policy has their own 'rules'.

As far as the surgery itself...I haven't had mine yet (I will on Friday!!), but at my pre op appointment my surgeon told me the procedure itself only takes about 45 minutes. You'll have a breathing tube, but you'll be sleeping so you won't even know I've had surgery before, but I still have fears of being put under... after every single one though I always ask myself what I was worried about. Once on the OR table, they give you the the anesthesia, they usually ask you to count backwards, or say the abc's and before you even finish you're sound asleep. Then you wake up in recovery, and usually you go home the same day (I have heard of some insurance companies requiring an overnight stay though).

Good luck to you!

I have BCBS and don't have a PCP I just went to the first seminar and then right to the weight loss doctor. They did my 6 month diet also.

Well I called and I meet the requirements. I can make my appt with a bariatric surgeon. I have to be on a 3 month supervised diet, get a psych eval and I'm ready to go. I can't wait. Looking for a doctor to make me an appt for consultation. There's one thing...my deductible is $5K.. Whoa!!! But I don't care. I broke down and mentioned the surgery to my friend she was kind of discouraging saying every one she knows gained weight back. If his is a tool for me. I have read so many encouraging stories on here.

5k??holy cow! I suppose you can get a medical loan if you don't have the money up front. GE Care credit is a good company if you need to go that route but your surgeon's team would probably be able to get you help financing if you needed it.