CharCo

Everyone who needs this surgery should be able to get it! Good luck to you! I had to self pay because my employer has all weight related health services excluded from their coverage. How stupid!! They would have to treat me for comorbids, so not paying to prevent them is just outrageous. So far - best money I've ever spent.

Best of luck everyone! I'm 21 days out and I'm so very happy with my decision!

Congrats!! Good luck on your journey!

Awesome! That's great to hear - I know some of my perceptions come from my own warped work situation. I need to find a new job - I just don't have the confidence to do it yet. I know I shouldn't base my self confidence on the size of my pants!

I was in a fog my first few days - gotta love the liquid narcotics. I think that helped me not think about food for the first few days! Hang in there, it will get better! Congratulations!

I'm blogging too. I've enjoyed reading them so much!!! It's very cool to find a community of people who support each other like this. Imagine what a great world this would be if everyone was this positive and supportive of other peoples' struggles.

Yes, I do think people treat you differently. I lost alot of weight several years ago and people just paid more attention to me - the guys at the security desk in my office always went of their way to say hello and ask me how my day was going...now, they pretty much ignore me. I'm sure as I continue on my journey I will notice it again - it will be fun to observe. I also think obese people are treated differently in the workplace. I don't think I could go out today and get the same job that I'd be able to get as a thin and fit person. I'm a CPA and work as a manager in a big public company. I have the credentials, but I don't have the look. Look around at any big company - how many obese people do you see in the jobs that start with "Chief" - not many! Not because we aren't qualified, but because people are just not able to see us for who we are. Sad, but true. I've even recently said "When I lose all this weight, I'm going to get a new job..." I actually believe the cost of my surgery will be outweighed by my increased future earning potential.

I took 3 days of vacation - went in on the 3rd day - and just had to go home. I felt better on day 4 and was able to work all day. I told them that I spent my vacation days being sick - stomach problems No one even thought twice about it. 2 weeks since my surgery - I'm glad that I didn't tell. I work closely with senior management and I just don't want them to look down on me. They are all very nice, but very fit people. One thing I found out in this process is that my company has a self funded insurance program through Aetna, and our HR department sees EVERY claim. All weight related services are specifically excluded from our insurance - so I didn't even attempt to try for approval. But, I know that has it been covered, my HR department would have known all about it. Unfortunately, our HR manager is as professional as a 2 year old, so it would have been no secret.

I'll be very happy if I lose as much as you have by 6 months! Thanks for sharing.

You look great! I took a whole bunch of photos before. I knew I would want them. I've only been banded for 2 weeks, but I can see a difference already. I'm going to wear the same outfit and take photos every 10lbs. Maybe someday I'll get the courage to post them here! Congrats on your success!

I love reading things like this! I'm very happy for you!!!

What a great victory! I'm looking forward to it too!

I'm 32 - banded 6/28/10. Glad I did it!!!!

I had surgery on Monday and was back to work on Wednesday. Probably should have taken 1 more day After a week I was back to feeling 100%. I work a desk job - so there isn't a ton of moving. I'm loving my band!!!

I was banded yesterday - 6/28. A year from now I will have lost 85 pounds!! When I hit my goal weight, I will need to buy all new clothes. I have about 50 pairs of pants, in all sizes from 10 to 20! At 145lbs, I'll be an 8! An 8! I haven't been an 8 since I was 17 years old. I'm also looking forward to where I'll be in 6 months time - I'll be looking forward to my company holiday party for the first time EVER! Go June Bugs! Good luck to everyone!:ohmy:

Looks like the 28th is going to be the big day for alot of people. I had my pre-op appointment today - I'm beyond excited. I really can't believe it's going to happen! I pulled out a pair of jeans I bought when I was on a crash diet a few years ago...still have the tags on them. I'm so excited to wear them. I know it will be a long journey and wearing those pants is a long way off, but I have so much hope for the future! I know that I'm doing this for my health, but I can't pretend not to be excited about the vanity part of it! Cheers and good healing everyone!

I'm not telling anyone at work - I put in for vacation time. I thought of all kinds of lies to tell - but at the end of the day - I couldn't do it. I would hate to get caught in a lie (I'm a terrible liar), so this is just easier. They've all watched me gain and lose a million pounds - so I don't really need them talking about this. I'm someone who usually over-shares, so this is really a challenge for me. I imagine the day will come when I'm ready to tell the world - it's just not today. I wish I worked with people who weren't judgmental and mean, but that's who they are!

Thanks for the encouraging words - I'm getting banded on June 28th and I know it isn't going to be easy! I'm so happy I made this choice!

I've never blogged in the past, but after reading several amazing WLS stories, I've decided to jump on the band wagon. I'm mostly doing it for myself, so that I can have a diary of this journey and because I think it will help keep me on track. I'm getting my band on June 28th! I'm so ready. My Anniversary Band