Hello everyone. I've been thinking about the lap band for several years now. I've finally decided I've got to do something before it's to late. I have an apt with my family doctor to discuss the lap band tomorrow. I'm not sure how she feels about it or if she will support me in the process, but I thought that she would be the first place to start.

How do you decide which doctor to use? We have several bariatric facilities here, but I don't have a clue which doctor or facility to use. Any suggestions on finding a doctor in my area?

As it stands right now, my insurance does not cover it but we are working on that. Either way I will have the lap band done if everything goes as planned.

I just want to say that I am so impressed with this site and the participants. I know us newbies probably ask the same questions over and over yet it seems everyone understands because they were "there" at one time also.

Thanks:smile2:

Hi Barbara! Congratulations on reaching a decision :thumbup: I mulled it over and researched for over two years before I finally had the surgery. In some ways, I wish that I had made the decision much earlier!

When it comes to picking a surgeon, do your homework! Google names of surgeons in your area, talk to people who have had the surgery (or who know people who know people who know people who have had it!) and get recommendations, check the boards here to see if there are reviews of the person. Most surgeons that I know of also have a free informational seminar you can go to.

I went to two because I was not at all comfortable with the first surgeon after I attended his informational session, even though he has almost unanimous positive reviews on several sites. I was much much more comfortable with the second office.

Good luck with the insurance! I financed mine because my insurance company didn't cover the procedure.

Hi Barbara, Congrats! Definitely seek out seminars to meet the surgeons. I also called the office of the one I considered and spoke to the staff to see how they responded to me. It took me about a year to make my decision but I am so glad I took the time to research the band and my surgeon. My surgeon is fantastic as is her staff and so far my journey is great! Good Luck and keep us updated.

It never hurts to ask you PCP if they personally know a bariatric surgeon with a good reputation. My PCP only knew one BUT he had his office check for complaints against anybody I was interested in.

Congratulations! I went with a doctor who a friend had used (Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey -- I was self-pay) and who had very good reviews on this site and an incredible amount of experience.

One book that I really found helpful before I had my surgery was this one -- Amazon.com: Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band: Everything You Need to Know Before and After Surgery to Lose Weight Successfully (9781600940026): Robert Sewell M.D., Linda Rohrbough: books -- if you're looking for a good guide on what to expect, mentally and physically, I found this to be a great resource.

I hope it goes well with your Dr!

Catherine

Thanks for all your responses. Great information and help. I feel like a deer in the headlights right now. lol I know it's a process, it just seems like everything is so jumbled up right now, which I'm sure is a normal response. I'll keep you all posted.

I met with my family doctor yesterday. I was so scared to even talk to her about it. I'm not sure why, I think I expected her to reject the whole idea, or to not be familiar with it (which is pretty niave on my part). What a surprise. She was so supportive and said she'd been through this six month counciling thing with many other patients. Whew, what a releif. So I've started that process.

I also scheduled to attend a seminar in Denver next month. I think I could learn a lot there.

Things are progressing slowly but in the right direction.

My insurance presently doesn't cover lap band or weight loss surgery, but the good thing is that my plan expires in the beginning of November and we are going to renew with one that does cover it. If all else fails, I'll self pay.

Things seem to be going well, just not fast enough. lol