Hey everyone,

I am booked into be banded on 22nd May- less than 4 weeks away now and I am so excited. I am due to see my surgeon in a couple of weeks, but I have a couple of burning questions until then that I was hoping someone might be able to help with.

1. What is the insurance code for the lapband? I thought I had it written down somehwere and I can't find it.

2. My doctors said I should start Optifast 2 weeks before surgery, so I thought I would start it 6 weeks before, just to get a jump start. I am doing fine, but in the 2 weeks before surgery I have a few work lunches with clients, do you think I can eat an occassional meal? I was hoping that by starting the optifast early, that might help with this matter?

3. I am booked to go to London for work for 3 weeks approximately 6 weeks after having surgery, do you think this is ok? I am worried it will be too soon... :eek:

Thanks so much for your help. I know I'll have to check all this with my surgeon, but I won;t be seeing him for a couple of weeks and it is really stressing me out! :ohmy:

Hi Tully,

My answers to your questions are based on my experiences, but nothing beats talking to your doctor...

1) Not sure of the code - do you mean the medicare item number? I have that somewhere and am sure I'll be able to find it if that is what you mean.

2) I started Optifast 3 weeks early. I really struggled with it. I don't know if I would start it 6 weeks before, because it really is quite taxing. I ate the occassional dinner, but didn't go further than having a small piece of grilled chicken and adding pumpkin and corn to my other "allowed" vegies. If I were in your situation, I probably would eat lunches with clients, but would limit myself to a salad, no croutons, no cheese, and balsamic dressing. That should mostly fits in with what is "allowed".

3) I think you'll be fine 6 weeks after to go to London. By then you should be ready to try normal foods and 6 weeks out I was able to eat pretty much anything. I never had anything stuck or trouble with anything till after my first fill.

Good luck!

Hi Leah,

Thanks so much for your helpful answers!

I called my surgery and found out the medicare number (30511 for anyone else who is wondering) because I just wanted to double check that I am definitely all covered.

I guess if I have to eat when I am out I will stick to lean meats and veggies, It is so hard when you can smell all that yummy food! It will be worth it in the end. :drool:

Thanks again for your help. I am starting to get quite nervous about things now, but more excited than anything.

It may be best to wait till you return to oz before you have a fill