I am on cloud 9. I started this process on 8 short weeks ago......although I've been fighting this my whole life. My beautiful sister had LapBand and was so successful. She had her share of complications (slippage, changed to VG band after 10 mos) so I knew what I was possibly in for. I found a wonderful surgeon (Dr. David Mayer in Huntington NY) with an amazing staff who took my 4000 calls without hesitation. This was a no brainer....ahh, but to get COVERAGE!

I jumped right in after my initial consult...PCP visit & letter, cardiologist (EKG & Echo), Psych Eval, Nutrition Eval, pulmonologist, sleep apnea study (yep, I have that!), endocrinolgist (I had my thyroid removed in 1999), a personal letter of my struggle, diet journals for years, PCP visits with notes....you name it, I did it, copied it, faxed it.I called Empire 4 times and asked a zillion questions. I was on hold a total of three hours (lol) but it was well worth it. My paperwork was submitted Monday 3/26, APPROVAL 3/28, and today (3/30) I was given my surgery date of 4/11! I will have surgery on Wednesday and hope to be back at work on Monday 4/16. It has been a crazy, frenetic (can you tell I'm a bit OCD??) and amazing ride. I just can't wait.

I begin my pre-op diet on Monday, although I have been eating much smaller amounts and exercsing daily and have lost 5 lbs. since my initial consult. I'm feeling really good.........so blessed.

I have a wonderful husband who albeit scared of the risks, is very supportive of my decision. I have a 5 year old love of a son who I am partially doing this for. I'm going to run on that beach with him this summer (and MAYBE even wear a bathing suit???!)

This forum has already been a haven for me. I learned so much, armed myself with such useful information. I can only hope to be as successful as so many on the boards. What a cool group, all fighting the good fight, together.

Jill in NY

LapBand 4/11/07

245/??/175

BMI 41

Dr. David Mayer, Huntington NY

That was a quick response from your insurance company. You are lucky. I did not even go there. Am paying privately. But I want to wish you the very best. I am a bit nervous, but sooo looking forward to starting this new journey in my life.

Jill, sounds like your journey is just starting. You will love being banded. Its the best thing I have ever done. Congrats.

Congratulations! That approval is such a relief, isn't it? Looks like you've had a pretty lucky go of it, only 2 months! I have my surgery exactly one week after yours - I hope to hear more from you!