Waiting List for Lapband

liasmith · 04-30-2009, 01:55 AM

I went to my obgyn today and she referred my to the bariatric department at the hospital. I was told that there is a one and a half year waiting list due to me having medicare. Is anyone else in the same situation? Does the waiting period include running tests, or would it be after the waiting period? The receptionist was rude to say the least. I have had weight issues for 7 years and lost weight during pregnancy only to gain it all back plus another 20 lbs. I'm on 2000 mg of met, but it has not helped.

MikesHAPPYwife · 05-09-2009, 11:54 AM

I do not know because I dont have medicare. i would suggest you asking the question on www.obesityhelp.com

What I did think but not sure if accurate is that with medicare you have a 6 month monitored diet & then you can be approved/denied for surgery. After that time then you can do you testing which does not take long. You may want to call Medicare & ask them. Because if you do need a 6 mon. diet you will want to start asap.

I have lapband so feel free to ask any questions you may have. Also, look under the Diet/Exercise Buddies for the WLS Diva thread.

Lauralm39 · 05-23-2009, 05:22 PM

Hello Laura Beth,

I have many questions about the Lap Band procedure. My endocrinologist recommended that I consider the lap band. I attended a seminar about it and I am really considering it since I am to the point where I am tired of being over weight. How long was the process before you actually had the surgery? I have really good insurance and it will cover 100% of the surgery after my 1,000 deductible. What steps did you have to go through before you actually went into surgery. I only want two people to know I am contemplating doing this. Is this normal? 95% of me really wants to do this since I have been over weight for 17yrs and I want to enter my 30s at a healthier weight. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

MikesHAPPYwife · 05-24-2009, 01:58 AM

How long was the process before you actually had the surgery? I called in Aug. & was scheduled to see the dr the last tues. of Sept. MY dr office actually schedules all your appts the same day so you have like like 4+ hrs of meetings but its done. During that time period I was sent paper work to complete & to have my other drs fill out. At my appt. come to find out one of my drs never faxed them the information. The coordinator put a rush on it & in 2 days they had. She sent out a request for approve to my insurance & once they received it (2 days) it only took 2 days to get approved. The dr had an opening in October but I had out of state plans for then & also in November so I needed up getting my surgery on 12/11. However, i could have gotten it w/in a mon. of my first appt. I have really good insurance and it will cover 100% of the surgery after my 1,000 deductible. Call your insurance & see if they require a 6 mon. diet. Also, ask them what they cover on fills. Usually, all fills w/in 90 days of surgery are covered & then after that the deductable. What steps did you have to go through before you actually went into surgery. Besides the various dr appts. I also had to do a 2 wk. pre-op diet. This is different with all drs. but pretty much high protien & low carbs to shrink the liver. I only want two people to know I am contemplating doing this. Is this normal? I did not want to tell others either. As time has gone on I have told more. Many people only know about gastric bypass & assume that all weightloss surgeries just knock the weight off...this doesnt. IF you want to succeed you have to do the work. (this is true with long term success with gastric as well) 95% of me really wants to do this since I have been over weight for 17yrs and I want to enter my 30s at a healthier weight. Any advice would be appreciated.I had the surgery the day before my 29th birthday. I wanted to get myself on track & HEALTHY (not to mention hot) before my 30th bday. I would also like to be able to have a child "naturally" next time around & live longer for my daughter.

With lapband I have changed my life alot. Its such a reward to see my daughter pick up my good eatting habits & know that this is making her life better as well.

I will note to you & anyone interested that this is only a tool. You have to decide to eat the correct foods, exercise, & keep up with your fills. Your fills help you get fuller faster...and thats it!!

Lauralm39 · 05-27-2009, 11:13 PM

Laura Beth,

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions and to give me insight into the lap band. My endocrinologist recommended the lap band because he said metabolically I am healthy (normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar readings, and normal cholesterol) from watching what I am eating and exercising but my weight is not budging. It has been this way for over a year.

What has been the hardest part of the lap band process? If you do not mind my asking, how much weight have you loss thus far and how long did it take you? How has it helped your PCOS symptoms?

I got official clearance from my insurance company. It is 100% covered. All I have to pay is my $150 deductible. I am amazed that it covers so much but grateful at the same time.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond and answer my questions.
Have a great day!

MikesHAPPYwife · 05-30-2009, 01:31 AM

I have lost 60 lbs since the day after thanksgiving. Thats when i started my preop diet.