I am sitting here with tears in my eyes because I'm reading what everyone else is writing and thinking this could possibly work for me. This is my first step...finding you. I believe my journey is starting today. I feel hope. I've wanted to be thin all my life...but now I have a little boy (7) I can't play with because I can't get down on the floor. I don't know how I could have been so stupid to let this happen to myself. Can someone tell me what I need to do? I have BCBS. How can I find out what the surgery entails, what the procedure is prior to surgery and how long you have to wait to have it done. Is there counseling, etc.

Thank you so much for your kind words and direction in advance.

first things first go see your general doc then hell referrer you if he thinksmyou need lapband

I have an hmom bcbs theymrequire 12 mths supervised diet before they will approve me for it

CryNside

First dry your tears, you are definitely in the right place for answers. The first thing is to find a surgeon who performs the surgery. Call the surgeons office and find out about a seminar. You will meet alot of other people starting the journey and lots of information you will need. You can also check with your insurance company and see if they cover the surgery. After you attend the seminar you can make a doctors appt with the surgeon and find out all you can about the doctor. Good luck, you have already started the journey without even knowing it. Also keep reading all the post on this site, because I have learned so much from it. I will be banded on Dec 31st

and can't wait. We all want the same thing, a better healthier lifestyle. Keep reading the post.

this wed. is my last vivit with the dietition thank God but it went by pretty fast.

omg my typing stincks sorry

i have learnedm so much this year reading allthe posts so intersting and helpful

I have bcbs of california and didn't have a bit of problem getting though the system. Started with trip to general doc., then an open house for lapband, trip to surgeon and he walked me through the rest with this great packet of steps. Hang in there you are in the right place if it is meant to be it will happen.

God bless you MotoMom...this is such an awesome place and all of you are so kind. I know my journey to health and happiness started today.

Tweety63...for the first time in a long time...I don't feel alone. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Good luck and God bless you as well!

I have Empire BCBS and the whole journey was from July 2007 and my surgery was Nov. 5th. It took long,because my primary doctor took forever to write the letter. BCBS approved me in 20 hrs.!!! I didn't have to do any pre-op diet,but then again,I'm exactly 100lbs. overweight. Tomorrow is my first fill.

You can do it!! Just follow the packet they give you and stay on top of the doctors.

CryNside

First dry your tears, you are definitely in the right place for answers. The first thing is to find a surgeon who performs the surgery. Call the surgeons office and find out about a seminar. You will meet alot of other people starting the journey and lots of information you will need. You can also check with your insurance company and see if they cover the surgery. After you attend the seminar you can make a doctors appt with the surgeon and find out all you can about the doctor. Good luck, you have already started the journey without even knowing it. Also keep reading all the post on this site, because I have learned so much from it. I will be banded on Dec 31st

and can't wait. We all want the same thing, a better healthier lifestyle. Keep reading the post.

Crynside - I couldn't say it any better - I have BC CA I went directly to an approved surgeon in my book - after I called my carrier to make sure it was covered - 1st appt 5/31 - was banded on 7/17 and had tons of pre-op test cuz of my age and cuz I never go to the doc to get those nasty annual test. It's the best thing i have ever done - this site is so full of great info - keep reading and asking questions. We are here for you..

I have BCBS and they were great, once my doctors sent in their paperwork, it was only about 3 weeks till I was approved, then the fun began, at that point it was another 4-6 months of testing/dieting and scheduling for my time off work, I ended up only taking 5 days... its well worth the wait and the effort