While the essential decision on your way toward the LAP-BAND^® System surgery is to select and meet with the surgeon who will perform your procedure, you may also decide to speak with your primary care physician. If you have a long-term relationship with your primary doctor, he or she can provide you with some important support on your weight loss journey. Your primary care physician may also be able to help you start in a medically supervised weight loss program, which can be part of your eligibility for insurance coverage of the procedure. In addition, if needed, your doctor can write the Letter of Medical Necessity required in some cases.

To maximize your ongoing weight loss efforts, your primary care doctor can learn a great deal about the LAP-BAND^® System by visiting this Web site. This will help him or her work closely with you, both before and after the surgery, to ensure that you have a better chance of successfully losing and controlling your weight, and creating a new healthy lifestyle.

Rebecca's Story

Find out how Rebecca's dad, a doctor, helped her on her LAP-BAND^® SYSTEM journey…

Your results may vary. Click here for detailed risk information.

Here are some steps that can help you get started on your weight loss journey:

• Make sure that you have thoroughly researched the LAP-BAND^® System surgery before you see your doctor. This web site contains a lot of detailed and valuable information - mark it as a 'Favorite' on your computer. Get to know the LAP-BAND^® System procedure, what you can expect before and after surgery, and what significant weight loss will mean to your lifestyle. Read the inspiring stories of other LAP-BAND^® System patients, who may have struggled just like you. If you are well-informed about this weight loss option, you'll be better able to talk with your doctor at length about the LAP-BAND^® System and possible alternatives.
  
  
• Encourage your primary care doctor to visit this web site and learn about the LAP-BAND^® System. He or she may be unfamiliar with the procedure, diet and exercise commitments and potential results. For example, there may be up to 90% improvement or resolution in Type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, asthma, and sleep apnea.^1-4 Your doctor's support can be very encouraging and helpful, as you make progress on your weight loss journey. They can even provide you with a Letter of Medical Necessity, if you require one for insurance purposes.
  
  
• Talk to your doctor about your non-surgical weight loss options if you have not already tried them. Before surgery is a good time to get started on a medically supervised weight loss program, which may be needed for insurance coverage. That way, you're already on your way to your goals. And, keep in mind, although LAP-BAND^® System surgery is minimally invasive, you must consider that you'll need time to recover and you may face out-of-pocket expenses.
  
  
• Assess your current fitness level and eating habits honestly. Your ability to successfully alter these patterns will have a significant impact on how effective LAP-BAND^® System surgery will be for you.
  
  
• Schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor about LAP-BAND^® System surgery. Based on how long you've been seeing your physician, he or /she will be able to thoroughly assess how your weight and health have changed over that time.
  
  
• Locate a surgeon in your area who performs LAP-BAND^® System surgery. Click here to locate a LAP-BAND^® System surgeon. He or she can provide you with additional details about the surgery and what you can expect after the procedure.
  
  
• Honestly talk with your surgeon about all the things that you hope to change with the surgery - your health, your self-esteem and your lifestyle. Though LAP-BAND^® System surgery can help you lose weight, it is not appropriate for all patients. Your surgeon can recommend what is best for you, based on your medical history and your lifestyle.
  
  
• Encourage your surgeon to speak directly to your primary care doctor. He or she will be able to discuss clinical aspects of the LAP-BAND^® System procedure, as well as insurance requirements if necessary, with your physician.

References:

1. Dixon JB, Chapman L, O’Brien P. Marked improvement in asthma after Lap-Band® surgery for morbid obesity. Obes Surg. 1999;9:385-389.
2. Dixon JB, O’Brien PE. Health outcomes of severely obese type 2 diabetic subjects 1 year after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Diabetes Care. 2002;25:2:358-363.
3. Dixon JB, Schachter LM, O’Brien PE. Sleep disturbance and obesity: changes following surgically induced weight loss. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:102-106.
4. Dixon JB, O’Brien PE. Gastroesophageal reflux in obesity: the effect of Lap-Band placement. Obes Surg. 1999;9:527-531.