help!! what do you think?

AshleyH23 · November 21, 2008

Hello! I have been thinking about getting the band for a while now. I have an appointment on Monday to see a dr and talk to him about it. Im 23 years old and i weight 285lbs. Im only 5'3. Diabetes runs in my family..I have heartburn and im tired often. I can barely keep up with my one year old son. I have trouble sleeping at night as well. I have had a personal trainer for over six months now and Ive only lost a few inches but not so much weight. I work out a lot and generally eat pretty well. (not all the time) I just cant seem to lose the weight.

So here are my questions.

1. do you think my insurance will cover it?

2. Do you think I should even get it?

3. Does anyone on here regret getting it done?

4. once I go to the dr on monday and decide to get it. how long the process take? Am I going to be waiting six months for the lap band?

anything will help. Im scared and nervous..but I know its something I want. can you help me?

kteggers · November 21, 2008

I'm at my 5th month of my 6 month pre surgery diet and yeah, most insurance companies make you do some sort of diet, how long depends on them.

I know most insurance require that you have a co-morbity, not just be obese. For example I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure. There are other co-morbities that are allowed, but i can't off hand remember what they are? If you are having trouble sleeping, maybe you need a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea?

I suggest you go to your general doctor first, who can then refer you to the weight center. This is what happened with me. Before I surgery I have to do the 6 month diet with a dietician, see a psychiatrist, have 2 years of weight history documentation. But again those are just my insurance requirements.

I'm having it done so I can see my two year old grow up and to be able to keep up with him as well!! Read everything on this web site, it will give you all the answers you need!

Good luck!

Shamrockgirl60 · November 21, 2008

Yes with co-morbidity your insurance should pay for it. First get everything checked out by your PCP. And get a sleep test to see if you have sleep apnea. It sounds like you may have it.

Good luck.

9pdmnm5 · November 22, 2008

So here are my questions.

1. do you think my insurance will cover it?

2. Do you think I should even get it?

3. Does anyone on here regret getting it done?

4. once I go to the dr on monday and decide to get it. how long the process take? Am I going to be waiting six months for the lap band?

anything will help. Im scared and nervous..but I know its something I want. can you help me?

Hi-ya! First, congrats on taking the first step. 1. Insurance is tricky (I hate ins.companies:cursing:) and will depend on what type of insurance you have. I would look at your booklet w/coverage info. It should give you an idea on coverage for obesity. 2. Yes, I definitely think you should get it. Esp. w/family history of diabetes. Yes! Yes! Yes! 3. I am only 7 wks. post-op and do not "regret" having it done. However, it will not be an easy road and I did wonder what I had done immediately post-op. You have to want to change your life and daily habits. 4. Length of time for surgery again depends on your lovely insurance company.

I will tell you from recent experience that my journey has been an emotional rollercoaster that I never anticipated. Not being able to eat/liquid diet does crazy things to ones body. :smile2: I never really thought of myself as having an emotional battle w/food or addiction. I'm now beginning to realize I was wrong. Most importantly the band is just a tool and it definitely isn't a miracle surgery. You will still have to work at it physically and emotionally.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions or just want to chat. Hope this helped. Good luck on your decision!:cool2: