I got my approval letter today

I have been trying since 2005 to have weight loss surgery. I changed my insurance and got approved 3 weeks after my consult. I am going to have the lap band surgery. Please keep me in your prayers. Can anyone please tell me what to expect. I have read I feel plenty of information but getting it first hand I think is the best way. So please don't hold any thing back.      

I would like to get the lap band surgery also, but I have been turned down from my insurance once already.  Should I keep trying by getting letters from doctors I have been to.  Do you have any advice?

Which surgeon's office are you using? I used Georgetown Bariatrics, and they handled all of my insurance concerns for me.  In fact, I never contacted the insurance company at all.  The office told me exactly what they needed me to do in terms of tests and letters from my doctors.  Once I had gathered everything, I gave it to the surgeon's office, they sent it to Humana, and they called me 48 hours later to say that I was approved.  The nice thing about letting the surgeon's office handle the insurance paperwork is that they can find out exactly what the insurer requires.  Since the surgeon's office wants you to have surgery (since that's their job), they'll do everything they can to make it happen for you. Kathy

Mental preparedness is the most important thing..... Start practicing diet and exersize remember WLS is a tool..... You have about 24 months so use it ...... I had RNY but have talked to hundreds of people on WLS .... #1 regret they  didnt exersize and work harder the first year....

The nice thing about the band is that there is no time limit on losing weight with it.  Because it's adjustable, you can continue to get fills in it to meet your needs. I had lapband surgery last August and LOVE band!  My weightloss has been slow but fairly steady--4 pounds each month on average.  And the nice thing about the band is that it controls your hunger--if you use it correclty.  The most important things about the band are that you not drink with your meals, you eat protein first, and you eat only until you are physically satisifed.  You also must keep a good level of restriction.  It took me 8 fills to get to that level, and that was very frustrating, but now that I'm restricted, it takes only about 10 bites to fill me up! To get ready for your surgery, start following the rules of the band:  no caffeine, no carbonation, tiny bites, chewing until the food is mush, not drinking for 15 minutes before a meal and for an hour afterwards, drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. It's a great ride, and I wish you well.  Feel free to read my profile and e-mail me if you have specific questions. Kathy 

Thanks for all the information. I understand it is a tool and not a quick fix. I am ready for the challege. Are there any specific things that you eat all the time? I think my biggest challege is going to be no drinking while I eat. I have been working on that alot.   The insurance company wanted medically supervised weight loss documentation in my medical records. Letters from your doctor about your struggles with weight loss. Prayer and presistance goes a long weigh.  Research and pick other people brains for info. What ever you do do not give up.    

I'm so happy for you!     That you have been trying for 2 years to have this surgery shows you have the dedication and tenacity to make this surgery work for you.     I had RNY, not lap band......but I'm always here if you need a friend.    Have you looked over on the LapBand board?  They could give you lots of info on what to expect.   Take care!

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I got my surger date today. I am scheduled August 1, 2007.