:unsure:Hello all, I am very new at this. Doctor and I suggested bariatric surgery at my appt on Thursday. I've had friend who have done the lap band surgery and am intrigued. However, I know nothing and don't know where to start. I know basically nothing about this. Where do I start? I am eager and willing. I need to know what lap band is, time lost from work, how much loss will there be etc..... Any other sites would be helpful also. I want to know what I can before I go the bariatric doctor. Any help would be appreciated.

i think you should frist find a doctor and then attend one of the seminars that they provide. you have to attend one before you make an appointment typically. the seminars can usually answer all questions about lap band. my doctor does all of the weight loss procedures so he compared all of them it was great. very informative. you may want to look around and ask about good doctors in your area.

I agree you want to find a doctor in your area and attend the seminar. At the same time check with your insurance and find out if it is covered? If it is not, and you are not willing to self pay, then it would be a waste of time. You can also search questions on this forum and educate yourself. There is a lot to be learned at your stage of the game. People on this forum will help you all they can...

Rockwell there are also some very good books about banding...you can check on Amazon for titles and of course probably find them locally if you don't want to order and pay shipping etc. I bought a couple and found them very helpful and informative.

First do your homework. Check your insurance to see what out of pocket expense. I will be having the surgery next month and I am both scared and excited. I researched the lap band as well as the traditional bypass. The lap band is catching on quicker in Europe than here. I decided on the band and I think I made the right decision. The weight loss curve evens for both types of surgeries at 4-5 year mark.

:unsure:Hello all, I am very new at this. Doctor and I suggested bariatric surgery at my appt on Thursday. I've had friend who have done the lap band surgery and am intrigued. However, I know nothing and don't know where to start. I know basically nothing about this. Where do I start? I am eager and willing. I need to know what lap band is, time lost from work, how much loss will there be etc..... Any other sites would be helpful also. I want to know what I can before I go the bariatric doctor. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Rockwell:

I first started doing research on WLS. Then, I contacted my insurance company to see if the procedure was a covered benefit. When it was confirmed it was covered, I then went to my PC doctor to discuss further. He supported me and wrote a report to the insurance company stating I was a good candidate.

I then started the 6-month supervised weight loss diet and I completed the psych exam. There were many many other requirements, but these were the first steps I took.

Good luck!