Howdy all!!!

I am in talks with my doctor to have LapBand procedure done. He said it would be wise to schedule and appointment with a psychologist and a nutritionist as of now so when I meet whatever surgeon I decide at the end, we have a case built up. I would like to speed the process up, so I do have a couple of questions and in advance I thank youuys for any input you have have.

I live in New York City, anyone who has HIP would recommend a nutritionist and psych? Also is it true that the psychologists don't take insurance when evaluating someone for surgery? Finally, if you do know of any, would you happen to know if they work evenings and/or weekends?

Again thanks guys! lol I'm so stoked at the prospect of losing weight and getting my surgery.

My sister had regular gastric surgery done and wow... she looks like a different person.

Hi, You've decided to take a giant step in your life and all the information and support you can gather around you will be helpful. I am in an HMO organization and have had to go through almost a whole year of prep before being presented for LapBand surgery. In small groups we met 4 times with a nutritionist and have been given a whole binder of info about the effects of the surgery, the necessary diet, the necessary supplements, and more. I was irked at first that I would have to wait over a year for the surgery, but now I am so glad that I have learned all this stuff, I think it will be much more successful than if not. It was also necessary for us to see the psychologist, physical therapist, nutritionist, and physician regularly throughout this prep period. Remember the surgery is not a magic cure, it will take some hard work and adjustments on your part to make it successful... please educate yourself well about the procedure and the necessary diet adjustments you will have to go through. Also look at the differences between lapband and regular gastric bypass so you are sure you are getting what will work best for you. Best of luck to you. Linda P.

Hi, You've decided to take a giant step in your life and all the information and support you can gather around you will be helpful. I am in an HMO organization and have had to go through almost a whole year of prep before being presented for LapBand surgery. In small groups we met 4 times with a nutritionist and have been given a whole binder of info about the effects of the surgery, the necessary diet, the necessary supplements, and more. I was irked at first that I would have to wait over a year for the surgery, but now I am so glad that I have learned all this stuff, I think it will be much more successful than if not. It was also necessary for us to see the psychologist, physical therapist, nutritionist, and physician regularly throughout this prep period. Remember the surgery is not a magic cure, it will take some hard work and adjustments on your part to make it successful... please educate yourself well about the procedure and the necessary diet adjustments you will have to go through. Also look at the differences between lapband and regular gastric bypass so you are sure you are getting what will work best for you. Best of luck to you. Linda P.

Thank You Linda! all good vibes I can get the better. My sister had the regular gastric done and I was a first hand witness of the difficulties of keeping up with the diet and with her help I am doing a lot of research and prepping before going to the next steps. Again thank you for your response and all others welcome.