What should I expect prior to surgery? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

jenrobbar951 · 05-13-2009, 05:57 PM

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer and I am new to TT. I am a 28 year old who stands at 5 foot 6, and weighs in at nearly 260lbs. Tired of my weight I have looked into having the lapband procedure done. Today I took the initiative and called my insurance for a list of surgeons in Riverside, Ca. Then I called the surgeon's office only to be told that they arent actually contracted with Blue Shield for the lapband procedure...not yet. But they are in the process of being contracted. Ok.....

I was just wondering what the usual process is to prepare for the surgery date. I have read that some people have had to do a two week liquid diet prior to surgery, some have been required to lose 20 pounds and others are put on a 6 month diet. Then there are the ones that didnt have to do any of those. I have read about Pysch evaluations and such. What am I instore for? Please, do tell. I would appreciate it so very much!!! THANKS!!!

Jen

suebry05 · 05-13-2009, 06:28 PM

I would call your insurance company again and ask them what are there requirements- that way you will know what they require up front. But many doctors will ask for you to lose a few pounds and some may not- they are all sooooo different. I myself had to lose 15 pounds and I was on a liquid diet for 2 weeks only- I also had a shrink appointment, EKG, blood work, and a chest xray prior to getting an actual surgery date. I had lapband on 12/09/08 and so far so good

good luck!!!

poet_kelly · 05-13-2009, 06:38 PM

Many insurance companies require a six month medically supervised diet prior to the surgery. Mine didn't, though. Most people have to have a psych eval prior to the surgery and most have to meet with a dietician. Many surgeons have some sort of class you have to attend before the surgery. This may be just one session or may be several sessions. Most surgeons require a special pre-op diet, usually a liquid diet. Ten days seems common, although some are longer and some shorter. A few don't require any kind of pre-op diet at all. It all depends on your insurance company and on your surgeon.

Kelly

Jeweld · 05-13-2009, 07:34 PM

See Starting my Six Months Thread it has some info. on what to expect as I had the same questions and a few people responded on that thread, just to much to type. I think it is on page six of the thread. Let me know if you find it.

Jeweld · 05-13-2009, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by FutureFitGirly
What Kaiser do you go to? The process varies from region to region. I went to Kaiser fontana for the classes and had surgery in Temecula.

In the classes you learn everything there is to know about the surgery. They go through the emotional and phsyical parts of it. They teach you about exercise and eating right. Seriously....everything you can think of. If you're like me then you already knew ALL of that stuff. I just never did any of it!! You are correct. If your doctor sends you to the orientation technically you are aproved from an insurance stand point. The surgeon could always refuse you for other reasons, but its rare. You wont need a nutrition appointment, thats included in the 6 months of classes. The pysch is done AFTER you meet with the surgeon. He sends you to his pysch Doc. Its a long process but totally worth it. I thank Kaiser for the long process because when I had my surgery I was SOOOO prepared and ready. Good Luck!

Above is some of the info. I found that Fitgirl posted in response to my questions and I found it helpful. I hope you do too.

jenrobbar951 · 05-13-2009, 08:48 PM

Thank you everyone for the advice. I will try to contact the surgeon's office again and ask what the process entails. Perhaps I can get something out of them. Right now I am waiting for them to tell me if this particular surgeon is contracted with Blue Shield for the lapband....... THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT SO FAR! THIS FORUM IS WONDERFUL!

Sophiajason · 05-14-2009, 04:21 AM

Prior to surgery one need to do some preparation that is nothing very tough one need to change eating habits. You have to depend on liquid diet which will help to loose some weight. Another most important one need to pass the emotional and physical test to get the approval.
Most important talk to your insurance company before hand.
All the best...