Completely New Band Virgin

OK, I've decided to go the band route, however I cannot figure out what the 1st step is? Do I consult with a Doctor first.....the process seems very intense, however I am very interested. I live In NJ, work in Manhattan so any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Steve:confused2::confused2:

steve - i am VERY new to this process as well. i actually just signed up for this website today. but what i did FIRST was consult my insurance company about the requirements/criteria from them. i then worked from there. my insurance company requires u to be a BMI of 40 or above OR a 35 BMI with a comorbid condition, under a doctor supervised weight loss management program for 6 months, and doctor's documentation proving i've been at a BMI of 40 for atleast 3 years. So, once I got that information, I researched weight loss doctors. I am going to my first appt tomorrow, and that is when i'll let him know I'm interested in the LAP-BAND® surgery. I've also gathered all the information from BC/BS to take to my doctor as well. then, i called the doctor i want to do my LAP-BAND® and scheduled a seminar with them. presently, that's all i have done- but that's what i did to start my process.

keep us updated!

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steve

the first step that I took was find out what the insurance requirements are. mine required 6 months of a doctor supervised diet that I did with my PCP. during that time I went to a few different seminars for LAP-BAND® surgeons trying to find the right one for me. by the time I found one that I was comfortable with my 6 months was basically up. At the end of that 6 months and before I had my initial consult with the surgeon that I picked I also completed my nutrition and psych evaluation appointments and lab work that was required by the surgeon. Doing those things early put me in a great spot when I finally went to see the surgeon because I had all of the requirements already completed, I saw the surgeon on 10/19 and was banded on 11/6!

good luck to you!

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Jessica - Kicking @ss without a fill is possible!! www.myspace.com/jetti23
Banded by Dr. Bertha - Florham Park NJ
Surgery 11/6/07 - 277
Current 11/13/08 - 189
Goal by 4/25 - Cali vacation - 225 - I DID IT 4/21
Goal by 7/8 - DR vacation - 210 - I DID IT 6/11!
Goal by 8/15 - ONEDERLAND!!!! - I DID IT 7/25!!!
Goal by 11/6 - 1 year - 177 - I didnt do it YET but im still happy and proud...I will get there