I went to the Dr for a seminar on June 18th at which time I set up an appointment with the psycholigist in his office the next day followed by an appointment with the Dr the same day and scheduled my surgery before I left the office. I am scheduled for 7am July 28th. I have Federal BCBS which does not require any pre auth since by BMI is at 40. The surgery center has already called me with my co-pay and it looks like my cost will only be about $1000 out of pocket including the 1st yr of fills. The Dr. has a wonderful personality and all his staff, even the psychologist gives you their cell number. I think I am in wonderful hands. Will keep you informed after surgery. I started my 2wk diet today, not sure if I can handle the proetin shakes but will definitly go low fat no carb for the next 2 weeks.

Hi LucyLou!! I am from Arkansas and just got banded on June 25th. The hardest part is the liquid diet. I hated it but I lost 17 lbs within that 2 weeks. I live in Bryant and had my surgery done in Little Rock. I work for the state but the state does not pay for this surgery. Luckily my husband's insurance paid 100%. I was only out $139 for the shakes.

They did not tighten my band so I go back on July 25th for my first fill. I am told that at that time I will really start losing. Since the surgery I lost 11 more lbs. I am still hungry but I am making myself stick with all that the doctor has told me. Good luck to you and enjoy. This part of it is not easy but it is well worth it already.:cursing: