Believe it or not, I have never posted to anything before, so I wasn't sure how to go about it. This group seems very supportive and it looks like a great place to get information about the procedure. I just found out that there was such a thing as lap banding maybe three days ago. I had looked into gastric bypass a few years ago, but for some reason, they ended up turning me away. I was certainly heavy enough. Maybe I didn't have enough health issues yet. I am now on blood pressure medicine and have arthritis. Hopefully, now they will be satisfied. I really am getting excited by the prospect of maybe being able to cross my legs again! I have so many necklaces that I might be able to wear again, say nothing of clothes. I am curious about how long it took most people from the time of deciding that this is what they wanted to then actually having the procedure. Thanks for all of your help already.:Banane19: :confused::help:

I decided to have it at the end of July and my insurance approved me the first week of October. I had surgery October 31st. Mt doctor told be to be prepared to wait a very long time to get approved but I was blessed and got approved rather quickly. I had to do a psych evaluation and see a nutritionist & walla I was approved!!! It went by really quickly.

I went to the seminar in September 2005 and was just banded last month. I was ready to sign-up that night but my hubby wasn't so sure. We finally decided to proceed with it this past August and I was approved by insurance in October. It has been a wonderful journey so far and I look forward to all the exciting possiblities the band provides me with! Good luck and if you have more questions, LBT has wonderful members and is a wealth of information!

Welcome bsimoes!

You will find what you are looking for here...but also within yourself. Good luck

Thanks to everyone who responded. It sounds like insurance is the hold up. I have an appointment with my physician tomorrow so that he can then recommend me to the lap band specialist. Many people have talked about needing other visits to support groups, nutritionists and psychologists before much happens. Of course, I want this yesterday. Here's hoping for the fast track.

Welcome. I had surgery 5 weeks to the day after I had my innitial consultation. It went very smoot. But I read all the time about struggles with the insurance companies. Hope yours goes as smooth as mine. I am glad to see you are doing your research. The band, as well as RNY and the others types of WLS, are just tools. My biggest advise to anyone starting this journey would be to make sure you are willing to make the commitment to make this work. It most definately can. The band helps us with portions, but we still have to make good food choices. Studie sshow that after 5 years, Lap-band patients and RNY patients have vertually the same success rate. Lap band usually takes longer to make goal (though I have lost mine quickly, it isn't the norm). If you have any further questions, there are so many good people here that have invaluable advise and knowledge. Feel free to ask around.