Hello everybody! I have luckily stumbled across this forum and I'm so glad I did. It seems nearly impossible to find decent, organized information about Lap Band on the internet.

I have yet to start the whole process of actually discussing the procedure with a doctor, but I did ask my insurance (Kaiser) if it is covered. I've browsed the forums a bit and it seems that it is covered through KP.

So now I am wondering what my first steps should be in the Lap Band process. What doctor should I talk to about this procedure? After that initial discussion I'm guessing I'd be referred somewhere. I'm just trying to get the gist of the beginning of the (what seems like a long) process. I guess, basically, I just need to know who is the first person I need to talk to in order to get the ball rolling.

If you found KP covers it just from this site, unfortunately you STILL need to contact them directly. Your coverage may have an exclusion, depending on the source. All KP policies are not the same. Once you know it's covered, they can give you a list of acceptable surgeons/hospitals. From those, make your selection. The "Doctors and hospitals" section of this site has lots of posts. You can also attend a few different free seminars until you find a doc you like. From there, you'll do what the surgeon and your insurance require; it seems to be a little different for each person.

So your first step is your insurance company...are YOU covered, what are the requirements for YOUR policy ( a certain weight? BMI? Proof of 6- months or whatever of diet and exercise? nothing? they are all different) and then WHO will they pay to perform the surgery on you.

It seems daunting but will fall into place! Good luck!