Hey everyone,

My name is Mark and I am 20 years old (21 in May) from New York City; very excited to be a member here I have been overweight my entire childhood and adolescenthood and have taken it upon myself as my responsibility to better my health and overall worth of self via getting the lap band and the life journey that accompanies it.

I have been researching being banded for a few years now but officially started the process in July 2012 by attending a seminar at NYU Medical Center where I met and chose my surgeon. After completing the six months diet required by insurance and some blood tests, I was finally able to get my psychological evaluation done this past Friday and now everything is going to be sent to my insurance company in hopes of approval. The nurse I've been corresponding with from insurance has been incredibly helpful and optimistic so for now I am in the waiting phase.

I am nervous about the actual surgery and recovery above everything else, having never had any type of anesthesia before.

I have a long way to go but I'm very motivated and excited to begin everything

Welcome (again) NYC. I hope for a speedy approval process for you!

Hopefully, you get your approval soon. Good luck!(:

Hi Mark,

I had my surgery at NYU and my experience there was amazing. You have a very knowlegable surgeon. I know from experience how insurances make it difficult to get the surgery, but do not lose hope...before you know it you will have your surgery and be on your way to new you

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome! @MysticalSoulss so awesome you did NYU as well!

FINALLY the psych eval was sent to my hospital and now my case is opened for approval by insurance! So nervous but excited... apparently I will find out within the week.

I just had my surgery done at NYU as well. Who isyour surgeon?

Should say in my profile --- Dr. Fielding

Congrats!! Sending good thoughts and energy your way!

Hi Mark, Welcome to Lapband talk. My name is Donna, and I also was banded in Jan 2013at NYU. R u having your surgury

y there? Fine hospital, u will do great. Don't be nervous. U r dealing with the best there

Should say in my profile --- Dr. Fielding

For some reason.. Profiles won't open on my iPhone app :-/ sorry

Thanks @Donna yes it will be at NYU.

keeps us posted

Still waiting for the call... or will it be in the mail?? So nervous but excited!

I have Aetna In ny . I called them after 2 weeks and got a verbal approval. Otherwise had to wait by mail.

I didn't get a call until they scheduled my pre op testing appointment.. I got my letter in the mail so I knew I was approved..

You can either call the office and ask or call your insurance company if you are that Ancy.. I know I was!