Hi,

Just today I received a letter from the surgeon's office stating that I was a candidate for lap band surgery. I'm not sure about my insurance company -- they will pay under certain circumstances, such as co-existing illness and I think I will qualify... I have hypertension, COPD and had gestational diabetes. I have so many questions - like, on an average, how long does it take between the time you're approved until the actual surgery takes place. What kind of recovery time have others experienced? I'd like to take only a few days off without telling anyone about the surgery. And my main concern is hair loss - I've read that's a possibility, has anyone experienced it?? Anyway, if anyone can offer any information to a newcomer, I would really appreciate it!!

Welcome to LapBandTalk!

I think you will find answers to some of your questions in the Insurance forum. But I can answer the "how long" question -- it completely depends!! Some docs are scheduling appointments months out, some can get you in a few weeks after approval. Some will schedule before approval because they have an idea of how long approval will take.

Hair loss happens for a lot of people at 3 months out. It stops in a few months, once the big heavy weight loss is over. Some people it doesn't stop until you get to goal. But most of the time, it's not very noticeable.