hello, I have a million questions about lap band surgery. I'll be doing some independent study on this forums as well as discussing with a couple of doctors. I live near detroit and currently have HAP Premium insurance. I believe they require 12 months of physician recommended weight loss program.

I don't expect any answers at this point because I will probably find them when I read over the forums, but just to sort of list the questions I have currently I'll be adding them to this post.

• Recommended surgeons in the detroit area?
  
• Has anyone had issues with HAP insurance?
  
• How long is the standard waiting period before you can schedule a surgery?
  
• What is the purpose of the weight loss programs? If I attended for 12 months and lost weight, would I then become ineligible for (insurance to pay for) the surgery?
  
• What are standard recovery times and issues?
  
• What are some unexpected side effects of the surgery? short term and long term
  

Like I said, this is more of a reminder for me to read into the forums, I'm not expecting any replies to these questions.

Mike

I lost enough weight on the six months diet required by my insurance that they denied me. It took me a month to gain some of it back, then my doctor resubmitted the claim. Which was then approved, hugs and good luck.

I lost enough weight on the six months diet required by my insurance that they denied me. It took me a month to gain some of it back, then my doctor resubmitted the claim. Which was then approved, hugs and good luck.

So if someone was properly motivated by receiving the lap band surgery by any means necessary, that he or she would just have to not lose weight during the 6/12 month weight loss program. It just seems like a waste of time.

They want to see that you can change your lifestyle and adopt new, healthy habits. If you only have 50 lbs to loose, u might be skating on thin ice if u loose too much. Keep it to 1 lb a week or 5 lbs a month.

I started toward my healthier eating while on the 6 month plan. But, had plenty to lose so, I did not get denied. See a nutritionist for guidance (also, many surgeon's require this). I can't give advice on doctors in the area, but do your research, and make sure to attend your seminar before jumping on the bandwagon! Best wishes, Karen

Hey, i live in Orlando, so i don't know wassup in Detroit & i'm not familiar with HAP insurance. I'll tell u what i do know- i had to see a Nutritionist twice, a Psychiatrist twice, a sleep study, and my lap band doctor every month to see where i stood. i first started off by attending a lap band seminar... which started my whole journey. i only had to lose like 8 pounds if that to get approved; along with the approval of the nutritionist, the psyc & sleep study; which i all passed. it's sorta almost like waiting a year just because of appointments alone really- i got approved once i finished these things...

i've mentioned in my own topic about mystery left shoulder pain, turns out a lot of ppl get it after the surgery. it's weird but i've had no complications other than this (knock on wood). i had my surgery March 29th 2013. i healed up after surgery in less than a week. the gas pain was probably the worst of it honestly. after u heal, u r able 2 eat normal again, or howeva u ate before-... usually. I was able to eat normal again after a week. i got my 1st fill and felt nothing, got my 2nd fill and i feel something but just a little. I get my 3rd fill in two weeks and i have a feeling that will be the "one" for me. i'm already eating less. that was the hardest part for me. i use to eat once a day, a big meal and that would be it. NOW, i follow "the program" but i'm telling ya, without this band, i probably would not have the discipline to do so. SOooo, i eat a small meal like 3 times a day. i drink a lot of Water but NOT with my food....... don't do that ever. You'll be sick as a dog. Your new smaller pouch can only handle "small amounts" unless ure chugging down smoothies or icecream, if your gunna do that, forget it, you'll keep the weight. and clearly u have to consider everything. it's not easy but as they say; the lap band really IS a tool and i'm just now honestly getting a handle on it and it's pretty cool. i know when i weigh in, in 2 weeks that i'll have lost some more weight WITH THE HELP OF THE BAND... 4real. if u can lose weight on ure own; go 4 it. I used to be really fit until i was in an auto accident which hurt my lower back and i gained a lot of weight over a 3 year time period because i was unable to be active; this in turn made my lower back worse, etc etc- Now, i'm feeling better, my back is better (thank gawd) and i have this "tool" 2 help me shed the pounds i've basically lost control of. I feel more in control now and relieved to top it off. i don't know ure story but best wishes.

I also had a ton of weight to lose so it didn't matter what the scale did in that respect. I will say however I was told that when you start the 6 month supervised diet they go by your starting weight not the weight you end up at in the end of 6 months. At least that is how my center explained it to me. Insurance companies don't care if you lose weight or not on the 6 month diet. They just want you to do it to show you are being supervised and are making the effort of a life change.

I really think it's all in the way your Doctor documents your history...