Hello Forum Members!

This is my first time in the Forum, I'm currently waiting for insurance approval. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield from Illinois.

I'm 40 years old and have Sleep Apnea/High Cholesterol and Acid Reflux. I have attempted for years to loose wait and like many I end up doing the 'Yo-Yo Dieting"

My Primary Doctor recommended for me to have the "sleeve Gastrectomy". However I was told the that the Insurance would not cover the sleeve gastrectomy because is considered an investigational Procedure. So if in fact is not covered, my doctor suggested the Lap Band. Can someone tell me their experience with the Band?

Hi merrid. Welcome to the site. There are a ton of experiences on here, both good and not-so-good. BTW, there is a whole section on the gastric sleeve here. That might be a good place to start asking questions (sleeve vs. band questions). Good luck!

Hi Merrid,

I'm at the same place you are, waiting for the final approval. I'm having a band because that's all my insurance will pay for too.

I'm taking reams of notes right now about the liquid pre-op diet, what to pack for the surgery itself, and questions for the doc like, "Will I need to bring my CPAP machine to the hospital?"

Lena