Hi. My name is Allison and I live in western MA. I started researching the band a while ago, I want to say maybe 4 or 5 months. For me it has been a long journey in that for the most part I wasn't getting anywhere. At the time I made the decision that this is what I wanted to do I had a different insurance so I didn't need a primary care's referral, but I wanted to talk with him just the same. Unfortunately the poor man has been out for a while so I didn't have a chance to talk with him. In the meantime I signed up for a seminar which was in October. I got a call and was able to get in with the surgeon at the end of November. By this time I was very excited until I found out that there was a problem with the insurance. So, with a week left before I had to change my insurance, I did all kinds of research on the better plan, managed to talk to several people who didn't know any more than I did about the insurance they offered and managed to get very frustrated. I did however manage to get the insurance changed. Finally in January I was able to get in with my primary. This time I did need a referral though because of the different insurance. That part when through fine and now all of my appointments are going through. Wednesday morning I'm scheduled for a blood draw, an ultrasound on my gall bladder and a stress test. I have my appointment with the nutritionist coming up soon. On the 27th of this month I have an endoscopy. So even though I'm excited, I'm a little overwhelmed. But it is one step closer to what I really want.

I'm so glad this board is here. I've learned so much from so many people on here so I feel like I'm going into this more prepared than I would have if I did not have this resource.

Thank you for listening. I'm going back to do some more learning now.

Allison

Hello Allie, I'm from cental MA and new to the board also. I was banded on 1/9/08 and like you I have been learning so much.

Natalie

Welcome! You'll learn a lot reading through the posts. Getting through the medical red tape can be a hassle but it sounds like things are finally going your way. Good luck with the upcoming appointments.

Hi Allison, I'm from central MA. So far I have had my initial meeting. I met with therapist, nutritionist, and nurse practitioner. I have had all the medical tests and lost the required weight. I go back for my follow up appointment on Wednesday. I think we are in a similar place in this journey. Good luck to you and continue to post.

Hello Ailie, I too am from western mass. I have been very successful with the band so far and I'm loving it! Do I miss eating, yes! But I love losing the weight and fitting into sizes I thought I would never ever see again! I love the band! Let me know if I can be of any help!

Hi and thank you for the warm welcome. I'm getting very excited. But it is coming pretty fast now after a long wait time. :mad:

Hey Allison, welcome!! Things sound like they are really moving along for you. Before you know it, you will be banded! Keep us posted on your journey and don't be afraid to ask questions, if you have any.