I know every one's process is different, depending on the surgeon, insurance requirements, etc., but I thought it might be helpful if I wrote up what mine has been like. I have United Healthcare and the only requirement is a BMI of 40 -- there's nothing in the policy about co-morbidities but I do have high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I am hoping, however, that I will be at the 40 so there is no issue, no appeal process, etc. One would think that 240+ on a 5'6" frame would be enough but I have to be at 250. Anyway, I made it today (with a little assistance) but it turns out the insurance company will receive the weight figure from my meeting with the surgeon, which is yet to take place. At that point I can switch gears from trying to keep at 250 to trying to lose weight in advance of the surgery. Here are the steps I have to go through:

1) Mandatory information session (done)

2) Meeting with Program Coordinator (did that today- love her)

3) Meeting with Psychologist

4) Dietician

5) Surgeon -- date gets set at this time (and I must be 250 at this time)

6) Dietician second visit to be given liquid diet (will be a two-week liquid diet; the shakes or whatever they are free, included).

That's it! Hoping the Psych and Dietician appointments will happen quickly so I can get into the surgeon and get in line.

thanks for sharing i just scheduled my seminar wich is required. so at least i know what to expect before hand. good luck!

I have United Healthcare. I go to a seminar tonight with the practice that will do my lapband. Then I will start with my appointments. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

good luck, i just attended the seminar last night. Even though I've done lots of research it was helpful. So my next step is to meet with nutritionist and psychologist. starting to get excited!

i have my first appointment (after the seminar) this coming Thursday. it is a 4 hr appt! i meet with the surgeon, dietician, psychologist, and the rest of the team all morning, one at a time. i expect to be exhausted and full of information afterwards, and i'll be back to share too.

Oh I kind of wish i could schedule all of mine that way... tell us how it goes!

Me, too -- wish I could schedule all in one day! Guess each facility is different and I'm sure insurance riders vary greatly as well. It's feeling like a long wait now. Good luck every one with the process -- and here's to learning all we can in the meanwhile. This site has been so great for that.

I guess after the seminar they will contact me to make an appointment for the consultation, Dietician and Psych eval. All of which can also be in the same day. I am so excited that I feel like I am in need of a nap already. LOL

I have Kaiser insurance and have my first official class on September 9 - Weight Management Class and then September 12 - Orientation. So ready to get started and finished and start a new journey. I have to attend 24 classes first, which are once a week.

I have Kaiser insurance and have my first official class on September 9 - Weight Management Class and then September 12 - Orientation. So ready to get started and finished and start a new journey. I have to attend 24 classes first' date=' which are once a week.[/quote']

I have Kaiser too, I had my first appointment with my PCP on the August 22nd and she ordered all the blood work, which all came back good. I am scheduled for a two hour class in Sept 19th that includes the Endo doctor, nutritionist and the psy doctor. Then I am scheduled on Sept 24th with the pre-baractric doctor. Guess I will learn more on Sept 19th as far as next steps. I am so excited and ready, I want to lose 65 pounds, I have a BMI of 32.

I have Kaiser too' date=' I had my first appointment with my PCP on the August 22nd and she ordered all the blood work, which all came back good. I am scheduled for a two hour class in Sept 19th that includes the Endo doctor, nutritionist and the psy doctor. Then I am scheduled on Sept 24th with the pre-baractric doctor. Guess I will learn more on Sept 19th as far as next steps. I am so excited and ready, I want to lose 65 pounds, I have a BMI of 32.[/quote']

How many of the classes have you already done to get to this point? How did you prove that you've tried other programs before? I need to lose at least 100 pounds and have a BMI of 42.

How many of the classes have you already done to get to this point? How did you prove that you've tried other programs before? I need to lose at least 100 pounds and have a BMI of 42.

My first class is Sept 19th for 2 hours. They said the psy, nutritionist and doctor will be there. I will know more then.