The dr talked about how he was going to do my sleeve. He actually folds my stomach over the staples to prevent any leakage (the thing they worry about the most with the sleeve). Told me from my ct scan (they took a ct 6 weeks ago while in the ER for a band herniation) that I was a perfect candidate. So I was all ready to schedule my surgery for next month. Then.....

He sent me to the insurance coordinator.

She then found out that I had cancelled my Medicare part B last year (it's for drs office visits and since I'm a vet, I go to the VA for drs appts, I felt like I wa wasting $110 a month on it if I never used it. Medicare part A covers the hospital. Then she told me that part B covers the dr's charges, bloodwork, etc. Comes to $5,000! I can either re-up my Medicare part B or come up with 50% of the money to have it done. I call Social Security and they inform me that I can't re-enroll until Jan 1st and it won't take effect till next July! A whole year!

So here I sit with a herniated band, totally unfilled. And I got on the scale today and weighed 177! I weighed 144 Dec of 2011 when I got married. I've gained 33 lbs in a year. About 10 lbs just last month. I know I can't do it on my own, I tried for 40 yrs. My husband is convinced that I should low carb it (he actually means almost NO carbs, he takes everything to the extreme) like he does. Keeps reminding me that when I was on Atkins in feb (I didn't cheat once in 4 weeks) I lost 14 lbs. Which I gained back the next month, of course. It's so easy for him to low carb it, not for me. He's very supportive of my weight loss surgery goals but thinks I could lose the weight dieting.

I cried all the way home (a 3 hrs drive). I'm so afraid if I fail again, I will become a hippo and weight 250 again. I know that 177 isn't the end of the world, but to me it is. I have 1 pair of shorts that fit me this year (out of about 18 of em) I was wearing an 8, now I tried on a 12 today and it was comfy. Double digits again.

Anyway, if you've read this all the way thru - thank you. I know I write novels when I write. You should hear me in person, I chatter alot!

So it's either come up with $2500 (almost impossible), or diet until next July when I can have the sleeve done and my bad band taken out. I guess I hafta have it out eventually. I'm sure a slipped band isn't something that can stay in forever.

And I loved my band. It made me feel "normal" for once. I didn't have to count what I was eating, I just ate what I wanted, just much less of it.

Thanks for listening...Advise?

Marci

The only advice that I could think of is that if u break down the year into months could u possibly lose 2lbs a month in a year that 24lbs what u want to lose, yes it wont be easy, but maybe try weight watchers or something that has fairly normal filling type food that u could exist on for a year, worst case scenario is don't eat more than u should, u WILL put on weight and be even more miserable. Take up some other fitness stuff that doesn't cost too much money, burn the calories u are eating and u will be ok.. the band has only helped u to lose weight it didn't do it for you , so u can do it u just have to get back your resilience and determination to not let this rule your life ! good luck ..

I'm really sorry Marci, wish I had a great plan for one.

Cazzy's plan does sound reasonable 1/2 lb per week. Can you set up some kind of payment plan with the hospital? Like paying the $110. per month, you would have to be paying for Medicare or a small home equity loan?

My thoughts and prayers for coming up with a plan are with you.

Hugs to you Marci. I know that you are sad. Trying to do it on your own doesn't work so good for us foodaholics. No advice, just best wishes to you. Karen

I'm so incredibly sorry, Marci ((hugs))

Maybe apply to Care Credit to see if they'll cover the $2500 down? It's worth a try: http://www.carecredit.com/

Or maybe personal loan from your bank or credit union?

Marci I'm so sorry that your going through this, the above comments are great! My concern is when I read that you have a herniated/slip of the band? If that is the case WHY? is your doctor leaving it in? I'm assuming that he's done an upper GI/ Ct Scan , something to show that the band has slipped. I know I wouldn't want to have to go though 2 separate surgeries But it might be better in the long run ?

GOOD LUCK, if you have to wait I sure hope the time Flies by for you~