janporter

Thanks for responding. I am frustrated becasue this trip is taking too long. I have to have a zillion more meetings before they will schedule a surgery date. Saw the doc today and he thought I was a great candidate but is worried about the diverticulitis that I have had. Now I have to get more and more medical records. I know they want to be safe but geez!!! I look forward to conversing with you all and am very glad that I have support from people that really understand....not just say they understand. Thanks, Jan

Hi everyone!!!!! I have decided on lapband. I am very fortunate in that I have the best insurance in the US. I have been approved and the only thing that my insurance will not cover is a pharmaceutical consult and recreational consult. Everything is covered at 100% with no deductible. I have to pay $247.00 total. Even though I have had to go through 3 meetings with a dietician, an informative meeting, a psych evaluation, and the upcoming meeting with my Dr. I feel blessed that I am afforded this while others have to go through so much. I weigh 235 and am 5'2" and 55 years old. I want to get down to 135. I have serious joint issues including having had four hip surgeries including two hip replacements, and my knees are ready to fail as I speak. My left hip hurts so much that I can hardly walk and will have to be revised. The surgeons tell me that I have to lose a lot of weight and even then they are skeptical of a good outcome. I used to be an athlete and a P.E. teacher in charge of all swimming activities. I coached triathletes and participated myself. Even though I had a weight problem all my life I was able to keep some control because of my activity level. I would exercise hard about 2 hours a day. NOW....I can do nothing. I even have problems with my shoulders. So, I sit and eat, and feel horrible. I have gained so much weight. My objective is to be able to walk again. I will figure out a way to exercise because I believe in it so much. I am excited that I finally get to see the Dr. on Wednesday and hopefully will have my surgery in less than a month. I am going to need support during this. I am so afraid of losing food, my best friend. If I can get over that feeling, I think I will succeed and will then be able to have my hip revision and walk without pain again...(until my stage 4 arthritic knee gives out) Yes, I feel sorry for myself. I love that there is this group to go to. Thanks for listening, Jan