I wanted to know how long you took off of work to have the surgery. I sit at my job for 8 hours a day, but my job is extremely stressful. I'm thinking two weeks off, but not sure. I will not be able to even talk to a surgeon until this spring.

I'm currently trying to decide between the lap band or the vertical sleeve. I'm leaning more towards the sleeve because I'm concerned of long term problems with the band such as slippage, erosion, etc.

Also I'm wondering what everyone paid, and I mean self pay. My insurance will not cover any weight loss surgery because my bmi is 37 and I have to have a bmi of 40 or greater.

I took two weeks off from work at my surgeon's suggestion. I've read that lap band patients usually take one week off. I personally didn't like the idea of a foreign object in my body.

I was off work for 12 days. I had a BMI of 36 but my insurance paid because I also had 3 comorbidities: high BP, reflux, prediabetic. I'm almost 3 weeks post op and off BP meds now. I originally wanted the lap band but my Dr showed me the national complication scared me. Plus, most practices are phasing it out for the sleeve.

I had the band and I'm really glad I converted to the sleeve... I've only taken one week off for both surgeries each time.... I would suggest 2 tho.... I work in a high stress job as well and I know it's going to be tough going back when I'm still on liquids

I may try to see if insurance will pay, but I highly doubt it. I plan on borrowing from my 401k to pay for it. I really want the sleeve instead, but its pretty new so I hope I can find a local doctor to do it.

I may try to see if insurance will pay, but I highly doubt it. I plan on borrowing from my 401k to pay for it. I really want the sleeve instead, but its pretty new so I hope I can find a local doctor to do it.

If they deny your claim, you can always appeal their decision and tell them what you have tried (weight watchers, Jenny Craig, curves, etc.)

Good luck

I may try to see if insurance will pay, but I highly doubt it. I plan on borrowing from my 401k to pay for it. I really want the sleeve instead, but its pretty new so I hope I can find a local doctor to do it.

I would not consider borrowing against your 401k to pay for the surgery...you will end up paying heavy penalties for that. Just my 2 cents...

I would not consider borrowing against your 401k to pay for the surgery...you will end up paying heavy penalties for that. Just my 2 cents...

Of you borrow money off your 401 k you do not have penalties and the rate is usually much lower than commercial loans. I borrowed for home improvements and am paying 1.5% annually for 5 years. If you liquidate money out without intent to repay. The penalties are 10% and the tax burden for the what is considered extra income can be devestating

I have borrowed from my 401 k before and I love using that as an option. The payment comes directly out of my paycheck so I don't ever have to worry about forgetting to pay it or being late on it. I also don't have to worry about the interest going up on my payments either. For me its the best option, and its paid off in five years or earlier if I want to pay it off quicker.

To me it's worth it for weight loss. I'm getting close to 40 years old and starting to have health problems because of my weight. My knees ate starting to give me problems, I have no energy, I've had back surgery so losing weight would be worth it.

I return to work in three weeks. I'm self pay so it cost me $12,500 for everything and the psy was 150.00 i also get 12mo post op

I return to work in three weeks. I'm self pay so it cost me $12,500 for everything and the psy was 150.00 i also get 12mo post op

I hope I can find someone close by for that price.

I'm shocked to hear people go back to work so early.. i too sit all day and high stress job.. but no way i cannot see myself going back to normal so quickly i did have complications early on but for me dealing with work and recover at the same time was not gonna happen... taking care of myself to recover completely was my focus recovery first work second.. i took as much time as my doctor allowed for sleeve (6weeks) and then i took a leave on top of that but no pay... for a few more weeks.. my insurance did cover the sleeve but it took a long time to get approved .... i recommend the sleeve a friend of mine has lap and hasn't worked for her at all she gained weight cuz the band eventually lets you fall back to all the bad habits if you don't continue with band adjustments.. with sleeve there is no way you can cheat your stomach will not let you overeat!!!!

My Job is physically demanding and I am taking 3 weeks off. I'm worried that I schedualed too many days off.. I can just see myself being really bored and waiting to go back to work! Does anyone else have a physically demanding job? How did you do?

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I hope I can find someone close by for that price.

Olivia - Where are you?

I'm a nurse and I took 6 weeks off. I could have gone back sooner but I'm glad I didn't. This is a drastic change and your body needs time to catch up with the very low caloric intake. Best wishes

I too am a nurse and my doctor is the one who suggested 6 weeks off. It will be a nice break and Amanda is right...our bodies need time to adjust.