Dollgirl

Two years and ten months after I first broached the idea of lapband surgery to my doctor and two years and five months after surgery, I am one pound BELOW my goal of 148.
Color me delighted.
Now comes the hard part- maintenance. I go see my surgeon for a slight unfill on Thursday and then I find out how the band helps with eating to maintain. Wish me luck.

OMG OMG OMG~~~!!!!!! I stepped on the scale this morning and guess what!!???!!! I weighed in the 130s for the first time since high school (20 years ago)!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! it's surreal and too good to be true. I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello. I apologize if I am acting superior which waso my intent. To answer some of your questions (not all): We have experienced very difficult times when my husband's company (high paying) down sized and eliminated his whole division. During this time, we had to use his retirement (not the best choice; but, the only one) to pay off our debt, autos, etc. When he found a job, it did not pay as much; but, it allowed him to earn a living. We live in a very rural area where jobs that pay good salaries are very hard to come by. So, yes, we fall below the $2944.00 limit.
As for college, we did not get Food stamps or medicaid during this time. We worked to pay for most of my college expenses. In addition, my grades helped me to earn scholarships (which are considered taxable income). If I go back to school, I will find a way to pay for it as I did in undergrad school (working, work study, and maybe scholarships).
Also, at this stage in life, we did not plan on raising another child. However, we saw it as our responsibility to do so. We love our grandchild dearly and did not want her to get lost in the CPS system. While I finished college, my GD's godmother, great grandparents, and aunt helped with her childcare. We are blessed to have a great family/friend support system. We also pay/paid cash for her childcare when necessary. In addition, during the school year, I work for a childcare program where I can take her with me (this is a true blessing).
Although our choices don't always seem like the best financial ones, they have been the best ones for our family. In addition, we are not big spenders which helps a lot.
I hope these answers satisified your questions. Can we now move on? Thanks.

For Bayougirlmrsc and bandedgorJess,
Being judgemental much? Please don't judge me without knowing my history. Both my husband (full-time) and I work (part-time). However, we are raising our grandchild (who has developmental and behavioal problems); therefore, one of us has to be available for her at all times. In addition, my husband has worked for 45 years and I have worked for over 25 years. Thus, we have paid into the system. At this time, my husband is working for someone who does not provide us with insurance. We have gone for 12 years without insurance and have paid our own way. (We can not afford self-provided insurance due to pre-existing health conditions). Like you, Bayougirlmrsc, I went to school full-time (graduated Summa Cum Laude, top honors), worked 2 part-time jobs, raised a child with bipolar disorder, began raising a baby, and paid taxes during this 12 year period. And yes, I have looked and am looking for employment in my field without success. Also, I am going to return to school in the spring to continue to further my education. During this time, both my husband and I will continue to work. I am very grateful to have this oppurtunity to be insured and will not waste or abuse it. If necessary, I will work out a payment plan to have to surgery. It is medically necessary for me to have this surgery. Finally, I thought this formum was a supportive one. Your responses were not supportive and were cruel. For everyone else, thanks for the support.
Cassandra

My insurance covered 100 percent of my surgery i had to pay only 200 and its being refunded! Its a good day!

For Bayougirlmrsc and bandedgorJess,
Being judgemental much? Please don't judge me without knowing my history. Both my husband (full-time) and I work (part-time). However, we are raising our grandchild (who has developmental and behavioal problems); therefore, one of us has to be available for her at all times. In addition, my husband has worked for 45 years and I have worked for over 25 years. Thus, we have paid into the system. At this time, my husband is working for someone who does not provide us with insurance. We have gone for 12 years without insurance and have paid our own way. (We can not afford self-provided insurance due to pre-existing health conditions). Like you, Bayougirlmrsc, I went to school full-time (graduated Summa Cum Laude, top honors), worked 2 part-time jobs, raised a child with bipolar disorder, began raising a baby, and paid taxes during this 12 year period. And yes, I have looked and am looking for employment in my field without success. Also, I am going to return to school in the spring to continue to further my education. During this time, both my husband and I will continue to work. I am very grateful to have this oppurtunity to be insured and will not waste or abuse it. If necessary, I will work out a payment plan to have to surgery. It is medically necessary for me to have this surgery. Finally, I thought this formum was a supportive one. Your responses were not supportive and were cruel. For everyone else, thanks for the support.
Cassandra

For Bayougirlmrsc and bandedgorJess,
Being judgemental much? Please don't judge me without knowing my history. Both my husband (full-time) and I work (part-time). However, we are raising our grandchild (who has developmental and behavioal problems); therefore, one of us has to be available for her at all times. In addition, my husband has worked for 45 years and I have worked for over 25 years. Thus, we have paid into the system. At this time, my husband is working for someone who does not provide us with insurance. We have gone for 12 years without insurance and have paid our own way. (We can not afford self-provided insurance due to pre-existing health conditions). Like you, Bayougirlmrsc, I went to school full-time (graduated Summa Cum Laude, top honors), worked 2 part-time jobs, raised a child with bipolar disorder, began raising a baby, and paid taxes during this 12 year period. And yes, I have looked and am looking for employment in my field without success. Also, I am going to return to school in the spring to continue to further my education. During this time, both my husband and I will continue to work. I am very grateful to have this oppurtunity to be insured and will not waste or abuse it. If necessary, I will work out a payment plan to have to surgery. It is medically necessary for me to have this surgery. Finally, I thought this formum was a supportive one. Your responses were not supportive and were cruel. For everyone else, thanks for the support.
Cassandra

Hi, All. I have just started my journey to having Lap Band Surgery. At 35 years of struggling with my weight, I have decided that this surgery is a good tool to help fight the battle. I look forward to getting to know and supporting others on their journey as well as developing a support system here. Thanks.