First time post!

Thank you for supporting such an informative and inspiriational message

board. I know that this the "Holy Grail" of sensitive subjects for so many

people and to see strangers opening up to help others encourages me to

keep moving forward.

I am just beginning my journey and have so much info to sift through

and too many questions. I was hoping to get some clarity on a few things.

1. If your insurance requires a 6 month physician supervised diet and

exercise program, what does that exactly mean? Does a program like

weight watchers count? Is it a prescribed program with special food?

Is it a monitored thing where you get weighed in every week at the

office?

2. Does hypothyroidism count as a comorbidity? Can that condition eliminate

you from a Lap-band program?

3. Do you have a choice where the port is placed?

Thanks again! I become more excited as I get closer to my consult date but

I also think up so many questions that take hours to research!

1. If your insurance requires a 6 month physician supervised diet and

exercise program, what does that exactly mean? Does a program like

weight watchers count? Is it a prescribed program with special food?

Is it a monitored thing where you get weighed in every week at the

office? Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. are not medically supervised. Medically supervised means you are seeing a qualified medical provider specifically for purposes of weightloss. Whether it's weekly, less or more will depend on the doctor. Your visits have to be specifically for this, and coded as such I believe. meal plans, support-based weightloss programs, etc. do not count.

2. Does hypothyroidism count as a comorbidity? Can that condition eliminate you from a Lap-band program? You should call your insurance provider and ask them if they consider it a comorbidity.

3. Do you have a choice where the port is placed? Most surgeons I've heard of will consider the patient's wishes in port placement. However, they may override if it's necessary for access.

Just a quick note--I have hypothyroidism which is controlled by meds, and it did not prevent me from having surgery OR losing weight successfully with the LapBand.