I know that many who read this site, are not yet banded, but are probably considering it. I am not banded yet. I'm currently doing 6 months of managed weight loss by an MD. I'm wondering if those who are not banded would share why they aren't banded yet. :bananapartyhat:

I'm planning to do the Atkins diet to show that I've lost some weight. (not really trying). I think that for my next Dr.'s visit, I'm going to tell them to stop wasting time consulting with me--just write down whatever they want to get me approved----I'm just doing the visits to get approved.:nervous

For me it is just the wait time getting an appt for surgery. At this time lap band surgery is not performed widely in Canada, hence the longer wait time.

I can't afford it right now. I promised my SO that we would move to another state to be near her parents, and when I brought up the possibility of staying in California longer to have the surgery on my insurance(which would only pay for part of the cost) she was crushed. So it will have to wait till probably late 2007 or 2008 when we are settled and have jobs, insurance, or the money to do it.

I'm waiting to see if the new insurance that kicks in after the first of the year will cover it (doubtful) and even then, if they'd OK me (doubtful again). So going on the assumption that I'd be self-pay, I've been weighing my options and finding ways to afford and justify the expense when the money could be going toward other things like retirement, a new furnace, a pole barn, stuff like that. * sigh *

I'm determined to make it happen though.

It has taken me nearly a year to go through all the insurance hoops. I am no FINALLY approved and will be having surgery January 9th !!! Wooo Hooo

Pinky

I'm still going through all the preliminary testing.

Already attended the 2 hour seminar, had my consultation with the surgeon to discuss the RNY surgery but opted for the lap band cause I don't have over 100 lbs to lose. (he called me a "light-weight"!, NEVER been called that before! my BMI is 40 with co-morbities) Had 1 hour appt with a nutritionist. Had a pulmonary test , chest x-ray and blood work done on Tuesday 12/26. My appt w/ psych Dr. is 1/15/07.

When all these test results are returned to my surgeon, his office will call for another appointment to discuss any questions, test results and then schedule a surgery date then.

One of the other conditions was that I must be nicotine free and stop smoking at least 2 months before he'll do surgery. (It's been 6 days and 21 hours without a cigarette for me.)

So hoping for a surgery date of Feb/March

Good Luck to all!

My insurance won't cover the surgery, so I am self pay.

I should have the rest of my $$ on January 19th!!!:clap2: I am planning on having the surgery in February. I hope between today and tomorrow to have an actual date. Plus, it took me a long time to find a doctor that I liked and could afford.

WTG Mary! I'm proud of you for quitting smoking and it will get easier. I was a smoker - TWICE! The first time I quit for 13 years! After 9-11 ordeal I started smoking again - which I had never really quit having the desire for - I smoked for about 4 years that time and its now been 1 year 5 months and 11 days since I quit. I did so you can too! Good luck!

Bigbaby - I had to go through those stupid 6 month dr visits too - I felt like they were stupid and embarrassing because half of the time I gained weight! But they are required by most insurance co. so suck it up and get them over with. I tell people who are considering the band to start the visits now so they are done and out of the way and you'll get in for surgery that much faster.

Altolomaguy,

You're obviously a GOOD--no GREAT husband and I'm sure your wife appreciates you and loves you just the way you are!!!! Extra pounds and all

Stacybee160---If your new insurance covers lap band (hopefully) why do you think it's doubtful they will approve you? Have you checked into the criteria?

Congrats Pinky!!!!!! I know you're excited. I share your joy and one hope you can share mine!!!

I have to wait until my new insurance UHC takes over in Jan then I will began my approval process after blood work is done and thats it!!!

I'm looking to be banned in last Jan early Feb

LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING 110 POUNDS LIGHTER!!!!

I was just waiting for the New Year in order to have the funds available on my medical payflex card to pay for the surgery. I am now having the surgery January 18th! 21 more days! but whose counting? lol

Stacybee160---If your new insurance covers lap band (hopefully) why do you think it's doubtful they will approve you? Have you checked into the criteria?

No, I haven't... we have NO paperwork on it yet, although supposedly it kicks in January 1st. Our HR people are a joke.

I'm doubtful that I'd be OK'd because my BMI is only 36 (although surely climbing as we speak), and I don't have any serious co-morbidities yet. I have achy joints, some mild asthma, occasional bladder issues (amazing what one birth nearly 18 years ago will do to a gal ), acid reflux, a family history of obesity and cancer, but nothing imminently dangerous yet and knowing how insurance companies do things, I just have a feeling that they wouldn't find it necessary at this point. I'll try it anyway though, if it turns out that it IS a covered benefit!