Hi everyone!

I'm new to lapbandtalk.com and have been considering lap band surgery for some time now. It has been suggested to me by my endocrinologist quite a few times. I was scared by the idea of surgery but the more I research it the better I'm beginning to feel about the whole process. I already have a surgeon in mind and am going to a bariatric informational seminar that he is hosting on Wednesday. My endocrinologist had mentioned that it's possible that some surgeon's may make you jump through hoops before they will consider operating such as making you see a nutritionist and a psychologist. I was wondering if anyone on here had any "hoops" to jump through before their surgery and if so what did you have to do? Thanks!

Hello, I'm new here too, but I've been banded for six months. Yes, I had to jump through plenty of hoops, even though I was self-pay because my insurance wouldn't cover it. I had to see a psychologist, nutritionist, respiratory therapist, do a sleep study, and I think that's it. It was a pain in the bum, but it was so worth it!

Thank you so much for your response and best wishes on your continued success!!

Hi there

I am in Australia and did not have a LOT of hoops to jump through. The surgeon does have a minimum BMI that he likes people to be over, I am not over that BMI but I have a life long medical history of battling my weight and it was clear that my BMI was only going in the wrong direction.

I don't have to see a psychologist, but I do have to have a pre and post op session with a dietician. He basically assessed my motives for having the surgery at his consult and made a decision based on our discussions.

My surgeon also charges $4000 above the scheduled fee, this is mandatory and is used as a 'piggy bank' to cover all of your post-op care to ensure there are no excuses as to why you can't attend regular check-ups with him.

Hey there.. I was a self pay and only had to see a nutritionist one time a cardiologist one time and a physcologist one time. I went to a seminar on May 12th 2008 and was banded on June 20,2008. So really quickly! But even if I had to go through flaming hoops of fire I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!! Best thing I have ever ever ever done for myself!

As you can see from my signature line, I am still in the process of jumping through some hoops. Some of the pre-op requirements are my surgeon's and some of them are based on my health insurance policy. At first I was frustrated with the length of the process, but I am feeling good these days about all the preparation I have done. Now I am just keeping my fingers crossed that some time this month my surgeon will submit my paperwork to my insurance and I will get a approved without further delay!

Thanks so much ladies for your responses! I wish you all the best of luck on your journey's!

TSB: hehehe. "Nut Class."