I am considering Lap Band surgery. I have picked a Doctor, but not sure how to get started. I want to do much research before I go into my first appt. About me. I am 29, 245 lbs and 5'4. I never was an overweight child or young adult. Just bad eating habits from working and being single. I am now married with a 3 year old and a 6 month old. My 3 year old is starting in many activities and I feel like I can't play with him as much as I would like. I also don't want to be known as the "fat mom." Does that sound horrible?

So, after you make an appt, what to they make you do? How long before surgery? I have had 2 c-sections and a Laporoscopy to have scar tissue removed. Will that affect anything?

I need to do something. I feel hungry all the time. Not to mention, I can eat a ton!! No sweet tooth, just larger portions.

Any suggestions or info would be wonderful!

Oh, and what is the difference between Realize and Lap Band?

Hi, Welcome, You have made the right choice. I'm glad you aren't putting it off. At my age it's a little bit harder(but no excuses!) First you need to ask your doctor what to do next. Insurance is the big thing unless you are going to self pay. The insurance company dictates a lot of your next steps. Some require a waiting period, some require that you work with a nutritional person for a time period, most doctors require a psy review and of course there are all the test to make sure your body is ready.

I had two c-sections also and I had no problems, they are cutting you higher up. Past stomach problems present more of a challenge but your doctor can go over all that.

It sounds like a lot of time but from the time I decided to get banded and getting my band was only 4 months. That time went really fast with trying to work in all of the appointments and tests.

You are definitly doing the right thing. My kids are almost grown and I was at my heaviest during their teen years. God love them they never said anything about my weight but every picture, I ducked out of. Now down only 30 lbs. I love having my picture taken. I scrapbook and I'm thinking of making a book just on me!!

This is a great site to get questions answered so stay in touch. It seems like everyones experience is a little different so talk to your doctor also.

For inspiration, check out the pics on this site. It's great.

Thank you so much. I to duck out of pictures. It is just not fair to my kids, but I hate seeing myself. I did take my picture and am putting it up on the fridge and pantry trying to stay away. :smile2:

Hello Lovin

Are you self pay? Do you have insurance?

I ask because like the last poster what you do next entirely depends on whether you have insurance or not.

Some insurance or doctors require proof of weight history, proof of diet attempts (Usually 6 months) A BMI over 40 or under 40 if you have comorbities. Phsyciatric evaluation, blood tests and a seminar/consultation.

I know it sounds like alot but just make a check off list of the requirements they give you and work on one at a time... Believe me it's worth it!

I have insurance. Anthem Blue Cross. I do not know if they pay. From what I understand, most insurances do now. I will call today and find out. Nice thing is, is that whatever I pay, dh's work covers. Now, that is other things, so not sure if they will do that on something like this.

I hope my insurance is not one of the ones that makes you wait 6 months. I know it would go fast, but I am impatient. I had ACL knee surgery 4 years ago and I can tell my extra weight is starting to bother it.

Anthem BCBS usually does pay.

If you call your insurance, they will tell you if you are covered for Lap Band and they will also tell you their criteria. I work in the healthcare industry and I did some research. They do cover it (unless your employer excluded it which is highly unlikely) and what you need is letter of intent that includes your current BMI, Nutritional Consult and Psych Evaluation. It is best to see the group you have chosen to have your surgery with (make sure they are on your provider list in your network) then they will arrange for all your evaluations and submitt your letter of intent for pre approval for you.

Not covered.:smile2: Guess I should have checked that before doing research on docs.