The beginning...

6/1/06

My journey into lapband surgery began sometime in May 2006. I remember doing just a little bit of research on it and taking about it at Shrinemont to Hollie Mion. Shrinemont was May 15th- 21st so I know it was at least on my mind during that time.

When I got home, I started doing more research and found Dr. Greene's AWL website. I learned that he held monthly meetings and I decided to go.

The surgery seemed like something that would work for me. I knew I didn't meet the health requirements and that self-pay might be my only option. I remember speaking to him at the end of the meeting and asking about my BMI which was 36.6 at the time. He said they wouldn't weigh me anymore and just use my current weight as the basis of my insurance submittal. I made an appointment with Wendy Colbert, his right hand.

It was much later that I learned that my insurance would not cover the surgery. I had heard somewhere that the surgery costed $24,000 in the US and about $9,000 in Mexico. I was mentally preparing myself to pay $24,000 so it was a great relief when I found out it was only $14,000, yeah right, only!!!