Hey All, I'm new to this forum...had my first consultation last week. My insurance provider requires a 6 month "medically supervised diet" before they will provide reimbursement for the procedure. I was looking forward to 6 months of support, talk therapy and input on how to change my eating habits and the way I view food, before being banded. I am definitely a "carbaholic" and need to change my entire perception of food; however, I was surprised at the lack of pre-op resources they had to offer. I left the office with a folder that included only paperwork on the procedure, required tests and fees... nothing at all about food or how to prepare mentally for this whole thing. My next appointment is a month away. Do they expect me to keep on eating the way that I do now, and then offer support once I get banded? I guess what I want to know is "when does the work begin", because I am ready and motivated to make a change now. I am afraid that 6 months from now, when insurance is ready to kick in, I may not feel the same. What I really need is a good "brainwashing" via talk therapy so I can figure out ways to comfort, reward, sustain myself emotionally without stuffing my face with carbs. :thumbup: Please help............

I have my fist weigh in on friday 7/11 and am really excited. Like you I want to start now. My husband and I are going to try a smoothie diet to take off the mandatory pre-surgery 10 pounds our surgeon insists on.:thumbup:

I'm new here as well. I am just starting and will go the the info session in Tampa next week. My insurance requires 6 months as well and I don't know what to expect.

Is anybody else a little freaked out by this whole "port" thing???

I wish you the best of luck. I am hoping the lap band will be the thing that finally helps me kick the carb habit and get on with my life.

Hello I am also new to this site :thumbup:

I live in NJ and the hospital I hope to have my surgery in (Virtua) has a pre-op and post-op program that I belong to. I am in pre-op getting all of the necessary information together for the insurance company. I go twice a month to a support group, nutrition classes, I met with the behavioral therapist, I meet with a nurse, I paid extra for a personal trainer since there's also a gym, I am on a 1600 calorie plan based on my current weight, and they follow you one year post-op. While I paid money out of pocket for this I believe that it is truly worth it. It better prepares you for what to expect pre and post-op. They are also helping me get all of my information together for the surgeon.

I have also heard that patients who were told to lose weight prior to surgery have gone to weight watchers and began exercising. If you were told by your doctor to lose weight prior to surgery you may also want to see if your insurance covers nutritionists and perhaps they can help you get started. I would also ask your doctor at your next visit if he/she has an aftercare program with support or knows of any.

Look at the FAQs on this website Frequently Asked Questions (NEW!) - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum or http://www.lapband.com for information.

I hope that you are able to find the information that you are looking for. I am sorry that you are going through this. It's a lot to take in so do not give up.

Thank you for the encouraging words. I just found out that the center I am going to will be starting up a weekly support group for pre-op patients. I will attend the information seminar next Tuesday. I am so excited!

I am really glad to have found this forum. There is nothing like people who have walked in your shoes to provide encouragement and support. I look forward to the friends I will make through this site.