so i have been reading theads for several hours now ... mostly the "day of surgery " ones ... I have worked hard to get all of my requirements done and submitted and have my approval letter from bcbs IL, the self frustrating part .. i initially chose a surgeon cloe to work because it would be "convenient " ie.. pre op appts , post op appts.. fills.. instead of listening to my brain - that told me to look for the best. ( not insinuating anything about surgeon #1) After telling my bosses what i was doing - mainly because i would be asking for time off.. they did some nonchalant asking around, and strongly urged my to go to a center of bariatric excellence facility . After doing some heavy thinking , i decided to change facilities and go to the one recommended by others.. so after all of my work ... I know have to go through another "seminar", possibly another nutrition meeting ( will insurance pay for it ?) and then they are requiring a pulmonalogist appt ? ( not quite sure why b/c i do not have sleep apnea) or yea and try to get in soon to see the new surgeon ... oh and the last requirement .. a class on stress management . While i realise that all of these requirements are wonderful and i am sure that i will probably learn something new with each one , i am just frustrated that i didnt start out with this program , because my brain and my heart and my body is SO ready for banding ..... i just want to start my 2 weeks of zero carbs as part of my pre-op ... so here i go again ......:tongue2:

I know it's frustrating to have to wait these things out, but I think you're doing the wise thing, going with the "center of excellence". Hang in there!

I totally agree with Plain. I knew I had a great doctor after research (and he was recommended from other LBT members). I truly didn't appreciate the importance of not only a skilled surgeon, but the need for very qualified after care, until reading these boards. I've seen many people say they had a bad feeling about their surgeon, but didn't listen to their misgivings and now are sorry because it's often hard to change doctors after the fact. You'll never regret these few extra requirements and delay after spending more time on LBT.