Swan56

Oh oh me first me first... I can't wait to feel comfortable in a swimsuit - go to a waterpark - wear shorts... YIPPEE! You?

Okay, I have been struggling with whether to tell my dad I am having surgery or not. I love my dad and would love his support but I'm afraid he just doesn't understand. I mentioned to him last month that I was thinking of having surgery. I've actually been researching since August and at that point was going through the steps for insurance. He is basically against any surgery - he got a "frog" in his throat and kept clearing his throat and telling me I wouldn't be proper nutrition and it wasn't healthy and... anything really. It stems from my grandfather - his dad. When i was only 8 or 9, my grandpa went into surgery to have some "simple tests run" and ended up having a fatally allergic reaction to the dye - barium. Needless to say, that has strained my dad's confidence in medical doctors. I have told my husband, sister, mom, stepdad, and a few close friends. They're all very supportive. I told my little brother tonight and he was a little shocked. I explained my concern with telling dad and he say, "Well it's your body, just don't tell him." That would be the easiest thing to do - i think. But I also know how my dad is. Withholding information is the same as lying in his eyes and I know he'd be very upset - especially if my mom and stepdad come to town for it. I don't want to upset him or hurt our relationship. We aren't super close but we have a decent relationship. When I told him last month, he says - well let's try this. He gave me tons of vitamins and told me what he'd like for me to do (exercise each day, eat whole foods, etc). I have been doing that - but truth is, i have been doing that off and on for years. The diet I was on twice was just that - vitamins, high protien, exercise - and I did great for the first few months (lost about 30 pounds) but then I gained it all back and then some. I don't think he realizes how hard I have already tried to do this on my own. My dad has never teased or been hurtful about my weight - in fact, he never even mentions it. But I know he knows the reprocutions of the excess weight. Thoughts...?

December 27th is my tentative date as well! Now just awaiting the approval...

My hair is really thick too - but fine. I lose a lot on a normal day. My sister does my hair so I'm sure she will keep on top of it. I'll just have to have her watch for signs. I've watched some of your vlogs. Great information. I'll finish this in a personal convo.

JeweI - Thanks so much for your reply and your encouragment. It's so nice to hear stories about other's journeys and what to expect. It's a relief to hear that you were up walking and out of the hospital so quickly. Congratulations on the 56 lbs! My starting BMI is pretty close to yours. I'm 5'5" and heavier than you started at. Getting to 204 would be WONDERFUL! I know lapband is slower than gastric - part of the reason I chose it. How is your skin? And I've heard a lot about hair loss. Although judging from your picture, your hair is fine. I will definately watch some of your videos on youtube. THANKS for the link. I'm pretty excited about the changes. I know I have great will power but also know there will be moments when I will struggle. Did you tell many people you were getting banded? How are peoples reactions to you? Sorry for the 20 questions... i'm just really curious. Thanks again!

LOL YES - this is exactly what I'm talking about. People are funny.

Nope - still waiting on approval. Called BCBS today. First they said they hadn't received it. Then they found it, had received it, and said it didn't show it was in review. Although they told Dr. Spaws office earlier this week it was. I don't think they know... haha. Anyway, she said she'd send it over to be reviewed and to wait 7-14 days. BOO! hahaha. 12 pounds isn't too bad. Good luck with that! I hated that part. Seemed like it took FOREVER.

Thank you for sharing Meekie! You're an inspiration.

Aww I'm sad that so many of you had negative experiences. People in general all seem to have some sort of opinion about WLS and the ones that are opposed are REALLY opposed. Unfortunately that had to be someone you met on a professional level. Luckily the surgery center I'm working with has a psychologist that they work with. He screens most of their patients and is very much used to the idea of WLS. I knew the purpose of the screening and knew I'd come out okay. But to my surprise, I left feeling better than I thought I would. He actually told me that he thought i'd do great with the band, that i'd be one of those people he sees in a year that he doesn't even recognize (he attends some of the support group meetings). I wish more surgery centers did this. WLS is a HUGE decision for most people and it's a discouraging enough journey with all the hoops for insurance, peoples opinions, etc. We shouldn't be exposed to negativity by those that are supposed to be helping us. I'm sorry you guys had to experience that but GOOD FOR YOU FOR MOVING FORWARD!

Congratulations and hope all goes well!

Hey Oreo - congrats on losing 38 lbs. I'm new here and haven't been banded yet but i do hope you get the support you are searching for. I know there is a section to help with recipes - just look around. Good luck!

Thanks Honk and Krasc! I think the wait is about the worst part of it all. I keep going over it in my mind and it's just stressful. But i really appreciate the encouragement! Thanks!

Sorry guys - this came off all wrong. I realize that being healthier and feeling better is much more important than looking better. That is my goal - to be healthier and not be so winded doing the simple things. I've just heard people say that if you can see yourself thin it helps. I was just making an observation on the fact that I can't imagine myself thin because I haven't ever been that way. Thanks for the encouragment. Good luck on your goals as well. Hopefully my journey starts on 12/27/10 - praying for insurance approval!

Thank you Annie! And congrats on your progess. Yes, a half compliment is better than none but it's kind of a pointless start. Just makes you feel worse about not getting a full one... haha.

Hi everyone. I'm a 29 year old female (it almost feels wrong to say that... my birthday is in 13 days...) from Tennessee. I have been married for about 5 years. I have two wonderful (step) children - 9 & 12, both boys. I am a softball player (yes i still play) and consider myself a healthy fat girl (as healthy as you can be anyway). Almost sounds like an oxymoron huh? I don't have any comobidities but I do plan to lose about 120 lbs. During March-October, I am pretty much at the ballfield every day. Both my boys play baseball (travel teams) and l play softball. My family is very supportive but really has no idea what it's like to be "obese." I don't really like that word. Sounds like a weird fungal disease or something. I don't personally know anyone that has been banded. All my paperwork was submitted to the insurance company on 11/22. I'm trying to be patient but am pretty much driving myself insane. I have a tentative date set for 12/27. Yes, this requires me to be in the 2 week pre-op diet during my 30th birthday party AND Christmas but I figured if i'm going to be successful I'm going to have to hit the ground running with this thing. I've been heavy my whole life. My then stepmom started me on my first diet at 13/14. Since then it has been one rollercoaster after another - and not the fun kind! Before my sister got pregnant she was a size 4/6, my stepmom was a 2/4, and my brother is like 6'2" 185 and can't put on weight. YES IMAGINE HOW I FELT AT THE BEACH EVERY SUMMER! I've never had surgery... i'm scared, overwhelmed, excited. So many emotions. Trying to be patient but like i said, i think i'm driving myself insane...

I'm in TN too - awaiting approval by insurance. Going to have Dr. Spaw at Baptist do mine as well. Anyone have BCBS? My paperwork was submitted 11/22. Any encouragment, help, guidance... anything would be greatly appreciated.

Okay, i'm pretty new to the sight but haven't had much luck in getting feedback or positive encouragement. I think I'm driving myself insane... All my paperwork was submitted to the insurance company on Nov. 22. Everyone else that I have talked to that was submitted around that time has gotten approvals. I realize it is just over a week but I'm super anxious. I have a tentative date (12/27) pending approval but i really need it done (out of pocket reasons) this year. I don't personally know anyone who has had the band. My family isn't overweight like me. Neither are my friends. While my family and the few friends that know are super supportive of my decision, I'd like some help from someone that knows. I find myself checking this site and my insurance company website a few times a day trying to find something that would help. Maybe I'm freaking out a bit... i've NEVER had surgery and other than being overweight, i'm pretty healthy. Someone help...

Thanks Elikis. I'm pretty excited about being over to bend over, cross my legs, etc etc. All the little things that the smaller people take for granted. I'm excited about being healthier. But as far as a the self-esteem part, I'm not depressed because of my weight. I think that despite it I actually have good self-esteem. I know what you're saying though. Maybe I should just be excited about shopping at a normal store at the mall instead of Lane Bryant. Oh that'll be fun!

I've always heard that if you can imagine yourself thin, it's easier to achieve your goals. I know the whole "the mind is a powerful thing" but what if you can't imagine yourself thin? I've been heavy my whole life. My (then) stepmom started me on weight watchers at the age of 13 or 14. I can't remember being under 220 lbs since I hit puberty. Any suggestions? Some have said find a picture and put your head shot with it but I don't want to be unrealistic and end up disappointed...

Woohoo Congratulations! I haven't received word yet but my surgery center was kind enough to "pencil" me in for December 27th. Praying the approval comes through. Looks like we will be starting this journey together.

You know - I think one thing that I am most excited about (you know beyond the being healthy parts) - at least a physical part I'm happy about. I'm ready for a full compliment not a half-one. Anyone who has gotten half compliments knows exactly what I'm saying. The "oh you have a beautiful face" or the "dude your sister would be perfect if she'd lose some weight" ... Anyone else sick of them? I am a phenomenal, beautiful person despite their sideways view of me. I'm just happy that my outer body will soon match the spunk from my inner soul.

My paperwork was also sent in last week (Monday). I was told they have 30 days to respond. The insurance specialist in charge of my case at my surgery center called today to check and she was told that it was under review. She told me that this was a good sign. That my case had been assigned a case number and a case manager. She deals with this all the time and she didn't seem worried. Even penciled a surgery date in for Dec 27th. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just TRY to be patient (I know how hard that is).

Hey Cari - I, too, am going for it. My suggestion is to do as much research as you can and go ahead and start the insurance process. I know a lot of insurances require a 6-month diet. Hopefully I will be banded in a month. Sorry I'm not more help but I'm also new. Good Luck!

Hi Liz - I'm Laura. I'm 29 (holding on for the last few weeks). My surgery date is "penciled" in for Dec 27th. I actually just got all my paperwork submitted to the insurance company on Nov 22nd. Pending approval, I'll be having surgery on that date. I wanted to get something scheduled since we have to be on a primariliy liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery. I am shooting for before the end of the year so luckily my surgery center understands (my out of pocket is paid for the year). I told them I was going to invent a dance, like a rain dance to encourage them on... she suggested a "lap band dance." It's nice when your contact at your doctors office can joke with you about it. Congratulations on your miracle baby! And finding your soul mate to have her with. Are you as nervous as I am? Have you been heavy your whole life?

My insurance company required last 5 years of weights, psych test, psych eval, and doctors letter recommending me as a candidate for surgery. I guess I got off easy too - waiting for approval now. I submittted everything on Nov. 22.