RaeZur

Hi Linda! I am in Norfolk VA, hoping to banded by the end of summer, granted everything goes well with psych eval and insurance! Drop me a line anytime! Rachel

Thank you both for your responses. I plan on dieting and starting an exercise regiment as soon as I get my first weight in. I am right on the edge of having insurance cover it...it really sucks how insurance makes you jump through hoops to be able to get the surgery even if you have a documented record of having dramatic weight loss and gain. I am concerned with the appearance of my stretch marks once the weight is gone...I have never had children, but do have large amounts of stretch marks on my sides and lower abdomen from weigh fluctuation my entire life. I don't expect to wear a bikini...but I don't want to look hideous naked. I am trying to avoid plastic surgery at all costs.

I do have a recent rude comment at work, by a severely obese man. I told him that I was considering the lap-band surgery, and his reply was well good, you will look great and then you can find a mate. What he doesn't know is that I keep my personal life just that, personal, because my job consists of 50+ white male, southern baptist, republicans who already look down on me because I am heavily tattooed. They would really freak if they knew that I was a liberal lesbian as well. LOL. Anyhow, I just smiled, what I really wanted to say was "my fat a** has no problem getting dates thank you."

Yeah, I am about over the pretty face comment, that really ticks me off. Why single my face out, why not tell me that I am a beautiful person. People don't think...seriously. Next time I meet someone who tells me that, I am going to tell them about themsleves, no holds barred.

Congrats to you all!! I am still pre-op waiting on my first consultation. Seeing the successes of everyone on this site is really getting me amped fro my new life! Stay strong and may the force be with you!

Thanks! That explains a lot!

I have BCBS Federal Basic, I was told that a BMI or 40 or greater or 35 or greater with two co-morbid conditions are the only requirements, no supervised diet..the only other criteria are the ones set forth by the NIH (which include the psych Eval.)...I called them last week...Looks like I will only be paying $100 per surgeon in copays and $150 per day at the hospital up to $750 and of course the normal copays for all of the pre-op and post-op doctor visits...which is way less than paying for diabetes or heart disease later in life!! Hoping to get my approval in JUNE, wish me luck!

Is this similar to "Dumping"?

I have not gotten banded yet, but I would like to know when is it safe post-op to begin working out? Is it safe to start out with walking or an eliptical? Of course I wouldn't interested in weight lifting right away... Also, any secerts to getting that skin to retract ASAP! That is my biggest worry, I have 90+ lbs to lose!

I guess I was a bit confused about the evaluation and what they are looking for in a candidate. I was worried because I was like "do they want happy fat people or what?" haha. I mean I don't want to lie and tell them that I absolutely love my life all of the time. In reality, being large has not been a problem for me because I actively ignore it but other times when I am shopping, I am reminded of my size and how hard it is to find clothes that I like. Or getting in a roller coaster ride and worrying if the restraint is going to fit...that stuff I tend to laugh off..but it is really not cool. I am depressed. I just tend to use laughter or jokes as a way of hiding it. It took me a long time to admit to myself that my weight causes a lot of insecurities in my daily life. So, I guess I am wondering what type of person is the right person for the surgery... My surgeon explained in the seminar that "we just want to make sure that you aren't nuts". I am hoping all it boils down to is that you are aware of the choice that you are making, that you are making it for the right reasons, and that you know it isn't a quick fix. That "looking" healthy includes actively eating healthy and living healthy by staying active.

I have not been banded yet, however I do realize that hunger is a head game...I am not actually hungry most of the time when I have cravings...I am to the point where I realize that I need to take control of my eating habits before I get too unhealthy.. I have always been active, love the gym, just eat the wrong things..(chocolate and ice cream are my weaknesses!) so I plan on using the band as a tool. I think that I will be successful in doing this as can you! I don't see the band or Gastric Bypass as quick fixes..which I think a lot of people preceive these things to be... You HAVE to want the change, you can't expect the tools that are out there to do it for you. They must be used in combination with changes to grant you success! Hang in there and realize that you have made a very profound decision in your life to make a change for the better! It's time for you to take control! Don't get discouraged..fight the head game!

Wow..you have relieved me Susi thank you so much!

I am really concerned with the Psych Eval, being overweight I have basically been depressed my entire life. In 2008 I acutally started seeing a therapist for about a month and a half. What really brought this on was a break-up that involved a child. I started having panic attacks which I later learned was part of the grieving process. I am since then healthy and free of anxiety and attacks but still suffer from bouts of depression..and I am currently unmedicated. (previously I was on Cymbalta for about 6 months in 2009) I am concerned that this may hinder me from being a candidate for the surgery..I mean are they looking for people that are happy all the time or what? It's kinda hard to be happy when you are carrying 80+ lbs extra. Please help!

I am a newbie from VA as well, went ot my first seminar yesterday, have decided on the LAP-BAND versus gastric. BMI: 41 I wonder how did this happen..but it's been a struggle my whole life..I am scared and excited!! Everyone cross your fingers that I get approved!