tai68

Thrilled to add my name to the list...all set for 6/30/08!!!

I'm kind of the reverse on this...I told pretty much everyone when I first began to research and go through orientation, doctor appts., etc. I think I felt compelled to "alert" everyone that I was ready for a change - and nothing was going to stop me. Now that I have been approved by insurance...and have an actual surgery date set for 6/30 - I'm afraid to tell everyone that it's a go. I guess now the reality has set in...and there's no turning back (well, that's not necessarily true, but still). I know I will have the support I need, but the end truth of it all is that it is entirely up to me. I understand the embarrassment. But there is no shame in taking control...share it with those you trust and know that those are the ones that will support you when you need it most.

Thank you for this - It is exactly what I need to read!!! I'm good to go on 6/30...and am hoping that 7 weeks will give me enough recovery time to enjoy 10 days in Europe...it'll be challenging to say the least. I hope that I have as smooth a transition as you have described!! Thanks for sharing!

I am not quite sure how I feel...I started to research the lap band about 6-8 weeks ago. Then attended an orientation through the N.E.W. Program, followed by meeting with my primary care physician - who was totally supportive and wrote a referral letter that obviously did the trick...after less than 2 weeks of waiting, I received the call today that I have been approved by my insurance!!! JUNE 30th is the big day!! I have between now and 6/12 to get all my pre-op done and figure out how I am going to finance the fees that aren't covered by insurance (approx $3500) and then I go on the 2 week pre-surgery diet. I'm overwhelmed. I thought for some reason, I would be denied the first go around. I geared up for receiving a "no" response followed by a list of reasons. And while I am thrilled, a bit of fear has set in. My biggest concern is that I am traveling to the U.K. at the end of August - which only allows me 7 weeks to recover. I'm just hoping that is enough time to figure out what the heck I am doing...because I want to enjoy my time in Europe. I'm fairly sure all will be fine, but it's definitely a thought in the back of my head!!! And I don't want to put it off either...turning 40 in August, this is the best birthday gift I could possibly give to myself!!! So, I move forward. Preparing for life changes!! And am THRILLED beyond belief!!!! (and scared as heck!!)

I'm nervous about going in tomorrow to meet with the surgeon, psych, nutritionist and scheduler...to "qualify" my BMI needs to be 40, and at 5'4" that means a weight of 233. According to my scale, I am 229. How ironic is it that I am faced with needing to gain 4 pounds overnight?!?! I've spent the last few days eating high carb & high sodium with hopes of Water retention...and as it is, my weight tends to fluctuate 2-5 lbs any given day!! I am mostly a patient person - and I have a tenacious personality. However, the thought of not being approved from the get go through my insurance is something that is causing mild anxiety. I think that once I made the decision that this is what I want to do, I didn't think beyond at all the obstacles that may deter me. I know that if it is really something that I want, then I will fight for it. I guess it's the thought of my b-day in August...and how I would love to be 6-8 weeks out before turning the big FOUR OH!!! Tomorrow will bring whatever is meant to be. Just needed to get these nervous thoughts out there...thanks!! ~Tai in So Cal

Greetings, I am turning 40 in a few months and finally decided that I don't want to live the 2nd half (+more I hope) of my life having to undergo the constant struggle of losing and gaining weight. I have a consult/evaluation appt this Wed through the New Program in Long Beach/Newport Beach. I know over a dozen girlfriends who had the gastric bypass, but I am hopeful that the lap band is the right decision for me. I am 5'4" with a BMI of 39.4...am told that I need a BMI of 40 to qualify - so oddly enough I have spent the last few days not worrying so much about the food I am eating. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that 2 lbs might keep me from qualifying for this surgery. Glad that I found this forum...am looking forward to reading more stories from real people who are willing to share their experiences. Thanks ~ Tai