I am just starting to research lapband surgery. However I dont know where to start the process. I have checked with my insurance and they will pay 100% after deductable if using certain dr.s and hospital which is fine. What I dont know is if I should start with my primary care dr. first then have him recomend me for the surgery. Do I just make an appointment with the lapband dr.

Also could someone tell me just about how long with the process be before the actual surgery is scheduled? From reading some of the threads it seems as if it is going to be months before anything can be done.

Also does anyone know if age is a factor. Next week I will be 60. Is that too old for this procedure?

I appreciate any information you can give me. :smile:

Lucky you... your insurance pays 100%.

Check back with your insurance company to find out if pre-auth is required. If they require you to go through your primary care doctor or if you can just go straight to one of their participating providers. Find out who all their participating providers are and check with them to find out who you feel most comfortable with.

Personally, my insurance carrier would have allowed me to start with the lap band doctor, but I actually had my pcp's office submit the preauth request on my behalf. Different insurance company's have different rules so it's important you know what your carrier wants.

One new thing: Go to the home page and scroll down to Support Groups. Under this section they have the different support groups listed and there is one section that goes by age. There is a link to people in their 60's.

If I could offer one piece of advice before choosing a WLS program, it would be to pick one that is certified as a "Center of Excellence" from the American Academy of Bariatric Surgeons. Their programs have to follow certain protocols and guidelines developed by the AABS and their outcome statistics are better than the national average. You typically get alot of support and education pre and post op. My center for example requires an educational seminar, surgeon consultation, nutrition consult, psych consult, PT consult, pre-op teaching class, and then a final surgeon pre-op visit. This is in addition to any medical workup or specialist consultations needed. I go for my class next week and then I will be banded the following week. Sorry this is so long- Best Wishes in your endeavors!!

A lady at the pre-admit tesing was 71. I don't think you are too old. Just realize it is life style change. I eat soo.. Much less now.

I agree about finding a "Center of Excllence". That is what I used. I couldn't be happier.

Good Luck!