Hello ...

I think I am just looking for some encouragement as I have just begun the process of deciding on Lap-Band.

I have my innitial all day appointment with a nutritionist and psychologist next Thursday. I was wondering at what point they decide if you are a candidate for the proceedure.

I am having it done @ Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA. Has anyone out there had experience with them?

I am just on the cusp on qualifying ... I am hoping that they do not turn me down. I an 58 years old and am so ready to do this and watch me be able to enjoy so many things I have been passing by because of my embarassing weight.

Any words of wisdom out there ???

I am not sure whether you are worried you will be turned down by insurance or by the surgeon.

Insurance has specific guidelines that you will need to meet.

Most surgeons will do the surgery as long as you meet the weight requirements (usually 100 lbs overweight OR a BMI above 35). There may be a rare occasion where the psych evaluation shows that you are a poor candidate but it is rare.

I am not sure whether you are worried you will be turned down by insurance or by the surgeon.

Insurance has specific guidelines that you will need to meet.

Most surgeons will do the surgery as long as you meet the weight requirements (usually 100 lbs overweight OR a BMI above 35). There may be a rare occasion where the psych evaluation shows that you are a poor candidate but it is rare.

Hi Jodi,

Thanks for answering. I am starting at about 235 lbs myself. I am about 5'4' so my BMI index is right at 40.

How much were you required to loose prior to the surgery? How long after the surgery did it take to feel like working/etc... was there much swelling?

Where did you have your surgery done ?

Thanks for your help...

Anita

Hi Jodi,

Thanks for answering. I am starting at about 235 lbs myself. I am about 5'4' so my BMI index is right at 40.

How much were you required to loose prior to the surgery? How long after the surgery did it take to feel like working/etc... was there much swelling?

Where did you have your surgery done ?

Thanks for your help...

Anita

You are starting out almost exactly where I did. (I was 5'4" and 234)

I was not required to lose a fixed amount of weight prior to surgery.

I had my surgery on a Friday and went back to work 1/2 days the following Thursday and Friday. (I work in an office). There was not much swelling for me. The worst of the pain was in the first three days. It progressively gets better and was very tolerable in about a week. The pain at the port incision was the worst. Mine is just above my belly button and it was quite sore in the beginning, tolerable in about a week and completely gone in three weeks.

I had my surgery done at Advanced Weight Loss Solutions in Reston, VA .