New and excited

tauns · April 17, 2009

I have just started this whole process of lap band. I am working on all the information I need to get to have this surgery done. I have so many questions and so much to learn. I have researched and researched and I am hoping to get to know some more "personal" research from individuals that are going to and have done this :laugh:

This year my husband started a new job. I have wanted the surgery for several years but we have never had the money to pay for it and insurance didn't cover it. This year with the new job I found out our insurance not only covers it but I will be under $500 for the entire surgery. I was and am AMAZED. I feel like it is such a HUGE blessing given to me and my family!

I have several questions and a lot more to read on here. I started to read on here and realized that I liked it here and I should up and join (that way I can also ask the questions I want to :angry: ).

Please be patient with me as I learn more and have time to research everything on here.

I am just starting this process. I have talked to my insurance and cause I am so fat I will qualify without a problem. That sickens me to no end!!!

I am going to post a few questions on this thread. I don't want people to :crying: If it is on here and I haven't found the thread, if you would post it here for me I would GREATLY appreciate it. I have tried to read and process everything and if it is out there I think that I missed a couple of these things!!:crying:

From the time you find the surgeon to the point of the surgery, how long would say the average waiting time is?

How have you told family you have decided to do this?

Right now those are the only 2 I could think that I haven't found an answer for. Thanks in advance and I look forward to continuing to learn from this site!!! :rolleyes2:

lisw55 · April 17, 2009

Hello Tauns,

I would like to welcome you and hope that you learn whatever you need to know from this forum. I'd like to suggest that you contact your insurance company to request the specific policy requirements in writing. This may take multiple calls to get, but please protect yourself up front. I know just how important that step is from personal experience. Next choose a surgeon that requires a comprehensive approach to the lapband qualification process. Nutrition classes, nurse case management, behavioralist, support groups, and exercise. There is so much to learn that will support your success. Take the time to learn from others.

Also, your question about telling others. Each person you tell has a different opinion about WLS, so I might suggest that you take it slow and only talk to others if they have a need to know until you are confident that WLS right for you.

Take care and Be good to yourself along the way. Seeking WLS can be an emotional journey. :rolleyes2: