rms171

I have UHC in NJ and was told by my physician there is a 6-month diet period.

Well one week in and a new fill. Thankfully no damage to the small pouch or slippage of the band. I went in on Friday and had the saline adjusted. I know a lot of the early weight is Water and junk, but seven days on eleven pounds off is not too bad of a start.

A big piece of me feels somewhat ashamed to be here, but another side knows it is time and realizes I need to be here. I was banded more than 4 years ago, but never completed the regimen of adjustments and did not keep up with my doctor. I paid for my surgery entirely out of pocket as my insurance company was unwilling to pay for it. You would think the large cash outlay would have motivated me to see this through. Well the recession coupled with a poor insurance policy meant that I had to continue to foot all the bills out of pocket, something I could not do for the last three years. I basically let several thousands of dollars just go to waste, while all the weight I had lost in the first half year or so just came back, even with a lap band reminding me each day that what I was doing was unhealthy.

Tonight, I went back to my bariatric surgeon for the first time since the fall 2008. I am starting over. No they are not taking the band out, but we are going back to square one. He was extremely supportive and spent the time walking me through what happened and how we can start the process again with an adjustment and a regimented diet prepared with the practice's dietitian. I am on a week 2 diet in preparation for the adjustment (yummy mushy food), and am going to the gym tomorrow for the first time in three years, if nothing else to start the mental preparation of succeeding in this journey, once and for all.

I am a 41 year old husband and father of three children, 14,12,8 (girl, girl, boy). I live in northern New Jersey and work in finance for a health care company (started in 2012) that appreciates and encourages good healthy habits. The new company and the emphasis on well being motivated me to take this big step and start again.

Thanks for reading this banter. For those on the road to surgery, I offer you this advice - put your health first and keep with this program. It works if you dedicate yourself to it.