TurtleMan

I've been heavy most of my adult life.  I got married in 1996, weighing in at 215lbs, and I have gained roughly 10 pounds a year since then.  I have sleep apnea - treated - I'm a Registered Sleep Disorders Technologist - high blood pressure, arthritis (severe in left knee), and had lower back surgery in 1995 for severe degenerative bone/sciatic issues.  I've been walking around feeling like I'm 80yo for far too long.  I can't keep up with my growing sons (9 & 6) any longer, and they are at the age where they get teased about having a fat dad.  Big Daddy clothing is stylish in some ways, but also brings negative attention in certain situations.  I have been fighting with our benefits lady at my primary employer for three years about making the LapBand a covered benefit without success - probably because she weighs 80lbs soaking wet.  So this past October, I broke down and took supplemental insurance from my part-time Federal employer which covered my surgery without any questions or crazy qualifications.  I was just banded on March 8th, and am anxious about the long road ahead.