Hello. My name is Nicole and I have been reading here for a month or so but finally joined today. I have been working with my docs since August to get approval for lap-band surgery and have my initial consult with the surgeon on Monday. I am a military spouse living in Germany and will be driving 3 hours from home to Frankfurt to meet with Dr. Weiner. My docs (all of them - my regular care provider, my rheumatologist, my nutritionist) all gave the thumbs up and the insurance is playing along, it's now just up to the surgeon to give the ok. I'm a little anxious and a little stressed because I also have lupus and have heard this could be an issue getting approved for surgery. I'm hoping since my case is not severe and does not involve any internal organs that I might have a chance. I'm afraid to get my hopes up or to get excited because I know there's a chance it may not happen.

I did not have issues with weight growing up; it wasn't until I got married and had my son that the weight starting piling on. I am currently sitting at 290 - though, 7 years ago my highest weight was 307. I have lost 50 lbs twice in the last 4 years but work and life get in the way and it just keeps creeping back up. I work full-time for the Army as a deployment specialist and am on the go a lot of the time with a varying schedule and on an installation overseas that has limited resources as far as after hours or weekend gym access/classes as well as having support since my husband is gone all the time. As my husband's career advances, it also means many more obligatory social functions, most of which include food.

The lupus doesn't help either in that the two main symptoms I have dealt with over the years are fatigue and joint pain. Makes keeping a regular exercise routine a little more difficult, though I know the joint pain would be much less if I dropped the weight - hence why we are at this option. I have also developed hypertension because of the weight.

I'm doing this because it's threatening the ability for me to live a long life and be around for my son. He's ten. I'm happy in every other aspect of my life - I love my husband, he loves me, I love my work, I love my friends, I love living in Europe, I love how blessed I truly am. I'm also blessed to have a wonderful support system here in my military community to help me and encourage me without judgement. I just want to live a long life to be able to enjoy those things as my child grows up.

I came here because I know no matter how supportive my family and friends are, no one will understand like those who have been there, so it was important to me to find others who have.

So here I am.

Good luck! Sounds like you have been getting prepared keep it up you'll love it here in band land

Good luck, it will be interesting to see what he says.

Having an autoimmune disease is listed as a contraindication to being banded on the lapband site. If he says he can't band you because of it then ask what your other options are. You may be able to get the sleeve or a bypass.

Had my consult with the surgeon and was given the green light! Surgery is scheduled for Feb 9th! He went thru my paperwork with me and based on my history had no issues moving forward, even with the lupus concern. I will drive up on the 8th to be admitted and will come home on the 11th, barring any complications. Was also given a very extensive handbook with pre-op/post-op instructions and what to expect before, during and after surgery. He answered a lot of questions and seems to have a good bedside manner - not usually the case with European docs. I will have to do a 10 day liquid only diet prior to the procedure. I'm just grateful things are moving forward.

Had my consult with the surgeon and was given the green light! Surgery is scheduled for Feb 9th! He went thru my paperwork with me and based on my history had no issues moving forward, even with the lupus concern. I will drive up on the 8th to be admitted and will come home on the 11th, barring any complications. Was also given a very extensive handbook with pre-op/post-op instructions and what to expect before, during and after surgery. He answered a lot of questions and seems to have a good bedside manner - not usually the case with European docs. I will have to do a 10 day liquid only diet prior to the procedure. I'm just grateful things are moving forward. Yeah!! So happy it all worked out.

Yeah for you!!!! The time will fly...