Hi everyone! I'm just getting started in my journey to get the lap band. I am going for a seminar next week and hope the get the ball rolling after that. I've thought about doing this for years, and really thought I'd do it last year. However, I decided to do what I could on my own with diet and exercise. All that got me was loosing 20 lbs. and then gaining it back, with 20 lbs. more. YIKES! At 262 lbs., I'm at the highest I've ever weighed in my life and that scares the crap out of me. I don't have any health problems yet, but I know it is a matter of time. It hit me hard how far things have come when my family and I were in Disney World this November and my knees were killing me from the walking.

I'm 37 years old (just had a bday) and am 5'2". I'd love to hear from others with similar stats to know how you are doing and how soon after the surgery did you loose enough to feel normal. I am doing a low carb/high Protein diet right now, figuring that it will help get me off the sugars and high carb foods I won't be able to eat once I have the surgery.

I have UHC insurance and called last week to make sure this was covered by my policy. It is, but the doctor has to submit predetermination paperwork. Anyone know what that entails? I plan to use Dr. Crooms in Tallahassee, as that is the only one I've found that is in my network provider. I had hoped to use Dr. Bagnato since I've read positive things about him on this forum, but unfortunately, he isn't listed in my network. I really hope I can get this covered through insurance...don't think it is possible otherwise!

Anyway, I thought I'd come out of hiding and introduce myself after lurking for so long. I'm so glad to have found this site...it has been such a huge help to me in making my decision to move forward.

Hello, Allykat. I'm also attending a seminar next week and have been researching lap-band for years. I have not, however, checked with my insurance carrier. I was going to wait to see what the seminar was like. I'm on the BCBS Federal Employees Plan in Washington, DC. I'm hoping that they will cover, but not certain.

I would love to hear about your process and I'm so looking for encouragement... I am at my absolute highest weight at 330 lbs at 5'6". I'm 46 and feeling every pound. My back hurts all the time, my knees hurt...well, actually, at the end of each day, my entire body hurts!

Hope all goes well for you and I look forward to checking in and seeing how it's all going.

Hi Allykat,

I just started this process also. I have just joined on here a few days ago and have started reading all the information, it really is alot to take in! I am 28 years old, 260 ish pounds, and 5'4'. This is the heaviest I have ever been, and I know I need a change! I think lapband is the right choice for me, but who knows how long it will take for me to save up the money since I am sure I will be a self-paying (cash) patient. Everyone seems very helpful on here, and I am looking for some great advice from people who have already been banded. Hopefully we can all go through this journey together!

Hi Allykat,

I just started this process also. I have just joined on here a few days ago and have started reading all the information, it really is alot to take in! I am 28 years old, 260 ish pounds, and 5'4'. This is the heaviest I have ever been, and I know I need a change! I think lapband is the right choice for me, but who knows how long it will take for me to save up the money since I am sure I will be a self-paying (cash) patient. Everyone seems very helpful on here, and I am looking for some great advice from people who have already been banded. Hopefully we can all go through this journey together !:smile:

Hello all! I am just beginning on my journey as well. I have attended my first info seminar, I saw my PCP on friday, so the PCP referrall is in process for my Insurance. Monday I need to call the Bariatric center to schedule an appt with the surgeon. Then it's hurry up and wait. I have heard from others on this site stating anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months from appt to surgery. I am 5'2" and 250#, and sick of it!

I well keep everyone posted as to how quickly this thing goes...

Good luck!

It is great to know there are others starting around the same time that I am. I am so excited about this and find myself doing nothing but reading more stuff on lap bands! Ssshhh! Don't tell my boss though! I was sooo not productive at work last week.