I was wondring if someone could explain the process start to finish

[erinm51 3]

Hello, I contacted a weight loss surgery center in my area by phone for information on the lap band and the first thing they did was take my insurance and contact information. A few days later they contacted me and told me that my insurance does cover such surgeries and they slated me to attend an orientation. They also said they whould be sending me a link to a video that I must watch (have not yet received the link) and that all of this must be done prior to a consultation. I am ok with doing these things but I was not given any further information on the procedure or the process leading up to or what to expect during and after? I have beed reading on line and on this forum and it sounds like there are a lot a variances but I was hoping some one could explain to me the general process and timeline from orientation to surgury date and beyond.

Thanks in advance

Erin

[B-52 7,113]

That is a loaded question.....first, what type of surgery are you planning? There are a few choices, and I'm sure that the orientation will introduce you to them...

Then you need to do your research, speak with the Dr. and staff to help determine the best path for you to take....

And ask questions!!! Understand as much as you can....

Things I would be asking are Success Rates...the least and most complications...ongoing maintenance....long term effects (years later)

Then be prepared...each insurance co. has it's own set of criteria you must comply with prior to surgery....I had to do a 6 month medical supervised diet program....

There is a whole list of things you may need to do...

I have had the Lap band...I am 100% Happy and pleased....but I will be honest, I did not discuss the other options...if I have, I may have gone with the Sleeve instead...but I'm not sure....

Still I am pleased with my decision.

Edited December 22, 2013 by B-52

[2muchfun 8,928]

Erin, there are books(500 pages and more) about this subject so don't expect a lot of detailed responses. The search window is just up above if there is something you really need to know.

I'd also recommend a couple of books.

The Big Book on Lapband Surgery: Alex Brecher(the moderator/owner of the site)

Bandwagon: Jean McMillan(magazine, blog contributor here)

tmf

[erinm51 3]

Thanks for the quick replies, I am looking into the lap band but the orientation info I received said that they will be talking about multiple procedures. I will look into the books as well, thanks.

At work there are at least 4 other employees who have had the lap band and one who has had the bipass, none of these emplyees work at my same location as me so I don't see them often but they are the ones who sugested the lap band to me. I don't think that any of them had to do a six month doctor assisted diet? but I might not fall under the same catagory as any of them or I might I don't know. I will try and get a hold of one of them to find out how it worked for them with our company.

Is the orientation a standard thing?

[terrydumont46 1,954]

the first step is the orientation. it likely is a seminar with other ppl looking into wls. you will learn a bit about all the surgeries. they all have their plus and minuses. you will also learn about what your insurance company expects. they might not expect anything but all insurances are different. wish you luck on this learn and read and consult as much as possible it will do you well. and by the way i went to 2 seminars with 2 different doctors before picking the doctor i went with. i got great info from both of them but my doctor wanted a more comprehensive preop consults. i have many health issues. so felt more secure with him.

[kimk1999 450]

Good luck on starting this weight loss journey. Like the others before me, there are multiple paths. This office also had a self pay feature and you could essentially have your surgery next month.

My first step was to attend one of the free informational seminar. This particular doctor does the sleeve or the lap band. I felt comfortable with this doctor and they were considered in-network with my insurance. They also used a technique called the 'spider' to minimize the little scars (they went through my belly button instead of multiple ports).

After the seminar, I had my first visit. This was mostly with some coordinator lady, reviewed insurance requirements, expected costs, etc. I also met with the surgeon. My BMI fell within the 35-40 range, so my insurance required that I had to have a co-morbid condition (high cholesterol counted) and required a 3 month physician supervised diet. Not weight watchers, or anything of that sort, but a real doctor. Those were the 'real' qualifications. I also had to meet with a psychiatrist as well as get medical clearance from my primary. All these were separate costs from the surgery.

I really only considered the lap band. I liked the option that I can have it unfilled if there were complications or even have it completely removed. The sleeve or bypass does not offer those options. I'm not sure if it's the best way to go into WLS with a 'back up option' but hey, I'm an engineer and I'm trained to have back up options. I like that it was adjustable as you gain/lose weight. My goal is to lose enough weight that I may become pregnant, and the lap band will still allow you to get all your nutrients, so I felt this was a 'healthier' option.

Since you're early in your research, you'll find tons of info for why lap band is the best and why it's the worst. It's really just a tool. It won't make you magically lose a lot of weight. Like all surgeries, you'll find that some people had complications and didn't make it (either that day or down the road). There are tons of success stories too. There's a lot of youtube videos and much more. I struggled with even doing this path that if I could just eat less and avoid the 'bad' foods, then I'd lose weight. I came to the conclusion that I need the negative reinforcement that the lap band provides. If you eat too much, you'll definitely know it.

Hope I didn't ramble too much and helped with your questions

The WLS debate is almost like a debate that Atkins is better than Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig or some other diet. In the end, it needs to be what will work for you. Good luck on this new endeavor.

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi Erin, congratulations on taking this big step towars a healthy future. I started my process last June and was banded at the beginning of November. I had to attend a mandatory informational session and since I am in a rural area I had to wait until August for that. Then I met with the Lapband Program Coordinator at the hospital, then a psych eval and nutritionist meeting (those were on the same day) and then a meeting with the surgeon. All the while I had to keep my weight at 250 to meet the sole criteria of my insurance company: a BMI of 40 or above. Every insurance company and program is different, however -- you may have no requirements at all or a supervised diet, etc. Some insurance companies will accept a BMI of 35+ if there are co-morbidities such as high BP, sleep apnea or diabetes. You can call your insurance company and get clear on exactly what they cover.

I was very impatient about my five-month weight but it turned out to be good as I was able to learn so much about the band by reading post after post. By the time I got my surgery date I felt very confident. All along I knew this was the right thing for me. I had never considered weight loss surgery before and knew very little about the band when I started down this road. I would never consider something more drastic than a band. I like it that if anything ever goes wrong it can come out and that I have a whole stomach, no organs are cut, etc.

Six weeks on and I'm thrilled with my band. Tomorrow I go for my third fill. It's important that you understand that surgery constitutes the installation of the band but it needs to be adjusted before it is fully functioning. Up until that time it can feel like a diet. I was lucky I did not have a return of hunger after surgery for quite some time but some people do and that is okay -- the band needs to be filled properly for an individual in order for it to work and then we have to do our part not to eat slider foods, etc. It's a very manageable lifestyle and very exciting to experience the loss of cravings, addictive behavior, etc. I feel like this is the best thing I've done for myself -- so happy!

Good luck to you as you sort through all the info -- feel free to ask questions and try not to worry about people who may be complaining, etc. For some that is part of the deal, but for others it's an easy change. A positive attitude goes a very long way. Best wishes!

[bikeryder 9]

I was wondering, what city are you in. I am in the Chgo area & my surgical center is great. They have free seminars weekly to explain the different surgeries that are available.

[erinm51 3]

Hello and thank you for all the replies and info. I have my orientation on Jan 3rd

in the Tampa area. I hope I will find out then what my insurance will require, I think my bmi is 39 so I might have to meet different requirements than if it was 40 or more via my insurance documents but who knows?

Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for all the help

[kimk1999 450]

Erinm51 - sorry I'm on my phone and not sure if we've talked before... I'm in Clearwater. What surgeon did you pick?

[erinm51 3]

Hello, my orientation is with the Tampa weight loss surgery center on the 3rd. It looks like they have 4 doctors there, they said I had to go to the orientation first and then I whould have a doctor consultation. They also have multiple location I will be going to the Tampa location on Habana Ave.

[kimk1999 450]

Very nice. I think that's who my fiance's friend used. I went through Sun Coast Bariatrics, but they are in St. Pete. Dr. Tiffany Jessee and Dr. Robyn Ache are the two surgeons in this office.

Edited December 25, 2013 by kimk1999

[Jaidah000 3]

Hello All,

I am new to this forum and wanted to comment on this topic. I would suggest contacting your insurance to find out what their requirements are. When I spoke with my insurance contact person she was very nice and informed me of what their requirements were for submission to get approval for the surgery. She also told me that if medically needed skin surgery after bariatric surgery was covered too. The hospital I am with had a form with questions for the insurance I needed to fill out with my insurance reps answers which was very helpful. She also told me the time it would take for them to review the information. A lot of what you are going to go through depends on what your insurance requires.

There are lab test you will have to have as well as medical clearance from Pulmonary and Cardiac Specialist as well as a Psych Evaluation all of these your chosen hospital for the surgery will go over with you. If anything shows up that is a concern believe me they will make sure you have follow up appointments. You will also meet with their nutritionist to go over dietary things with you. Some places require you to go to support group meeting which I had to.

As most said ask questions and research the surgery yourself to make sure you have all the information needed. A lot of stories I have read or videos I have seen where the person had issues with their band or wasn't as successful as others was due to the fact they weren't following the guidelines. However, to be fair there are some who follow but for whatever reason had a issue.

Don't become overwhelmed with the test and appointments, classes, support groups etc needed to fulfill what your clinic requires because it is all set up to help you be as successful as you can be after surgery. The more informed you are the better.

I am looking forward to the support from this forum

~Be Well~

[erinm51 3]

Thank you for advice, I contacted my insurance as sugested but they really did not give me any further info other than the lap band is a covered under my plan. They told me that they will give further info to my provider and they will discuss with me. The orientation I was going to was cancelled so I will be going to a one on one orientation next week instead. I hope to get a lot more info from them.

Thanks again for all the help

[erinm51 3]

B-52 thanks for your reply, can you tell me why you might have done the sleeve instead? I will talk to the doctor about all my options as you sugested.

Thanks