Hi everyone,

I started the LapBand process this month. I've gone to a seminar and have selected a surgeon who has sent a letter to my insurance company for pre-authorization of surgery. I have United Healthcare ChoicePlus which does exclude weight loss surgery unless there is morbid obesity. I have a BMI of 45.5 so I will be covered.

I haven't been overweight all of my life, just the last 12 years (after the birth of my first daughter). I gave birth to my second daughter 7 months ago - was like doing it all over again. She was born premature due to pre-eclampsia and is doing wonderfully now. In between births I was ill alot (gallbladder removed, hepatitis, high blood pressure, secondary infertility, chronic kidney stone disease) so I am ready to get back my old healthy self.

I want to make sure I am around to enjoy my girls and my husband for a long time.

My husband is very supportive so I am very thankful for that.

I love reading all of the posts here. Everyone is so positive and supportive of each other. I'm looking forward to conversing with you all.

I should be getting a call either this week or next from my surgeon to schedule my consultation - I can't wait!

Thanks for this great forum!

~ Kathleen

Hi Kathleen, I am thinking about Lapband and just found this site this evening. I can't wait to read what everyone has to say about their progress. I noticed that you were from Texas. So am I. How did you choose a surgeon? That is my first step and I'm not sure where to begin. Thanks for any suggestions. Annie....

Hi Annie -

It was actually kind of a fluke. I had read a bunch of stuff on the procedure but hadn't made a decision. Recently I've been going through alot procedures for my kidney stones and through visits to USMD Hospital heard about it. If you go to www.usmdhospital.com there is a seminar listed that you can attend. It is hosted by Dr. Carter who performs the surgery. He is one of the premier LapBand surgeons in the country and is very nice and easy to talk to.

You should definitely check it out!

~ Kathleen

Kathleen,

What part of TX are you in? That will make a huge difference on the surgeon you choose. I am in the DFW area and I have chosen Dr. David Provost. I couldn't get anyone here to let me know if he was a good doc, but I found this website that had 11 pages of comments from previous and current patients. I found it by doing a google search for dr david provost + dallas tx. Click on the link that say Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Dr David Provost, MD. It helped me tremendously. I have talked with his office and am currently waiting for a call from his nurse. The only draw back to him is his long waiting list. I may not have surgery until next year, but I know I'm getting one of the best surgeons in Dallas. Good luck and let us know where you are in TX.

I am in the Dallas area as well. I've started the process with Dr. Richard Carter out of Arlington. His staff is very helpful and nice. They said once the approval comes through that scheduling the surgery is pretty quick. However, I have to wait until I finish treatment on my kidney stones before I proceed.

Hi! Kathleen,,,, I'm from Oklahoma and I have been to the seminar and have an appoitment on Jan 8th for my consultations. In the meantime I'm gathering up paperwork for the approval process thru the insurance company. Some days I get very excited about having this procedure done and it changing my life,,,, others days I ask myself do I really want to go this extreme to loose weight....why can't I just quit eating? I think I will go thru with it maybe we will have the surgery around the same time since you have to wait on your kidneys stones. BEST OF LUCK!

Hello! I have been on this board since July 06 and it has been sooo helpful to me! I am finally getting "banded" on Nov. 20th. Check out my journal if you wish, I have documented in there a lot of the entire process to help those who are starting to go through it! Take care and good luck! :welcome2: :welcomeB:

Welcome!

kelly

Wannabethin,

I am from Oklahoma too. What part are you located in? And what doc have you decided to use? I used Benavides, out of Richardson. He was great, I don't have a lot of bruising, or pain, and I am healing up pretty well. I was on the treadmill walking several hours after surgery, so I think that says a lot about the doc who did it.

Kristi