....so about me. I've been overweight as long as I can remember, and I'm 41 years old. I work for a major airline, and my hubby of 21 years works for Mary Kay. No kids but tons of travel and we have furry babies too!

I always said no to surgery even as I watched others at work go through the process. I am very interested now that I've read about the sleeve, and I'm scheduled for Dr. Nicholson's seminar on Wednesday, October 28. I'm one to investigate things to death, but when I decide on something, I'm ready to move.

I've spent the last week really checking this out as best I can, and I'm excited for the seminar. I have United Healthcare Choice Plus, and all I know so far is that they do cover the surgery. I forgot to ask if they require the six month diet. I was doing WW from January through August, so maybe that will qualify.

Anyone use Dr. Nicholson and have advise, suggestions, etc? I'm so ready for a difference in my already blessed life. I want weight to stop being a source of limitation.

Perfect! I'll be home then too!

But, I'm all depressed and frustrated right now after talking to my main doctor last night. He's suggested surgery in the past, even when I've lost quite a bit on my own. He's a great doctor (one of Dallas' best), but he told me last night that I've done so well on my own, and surgery isn't the answer. He said I would fail with surgery for the same reasons (behavioral) that I haven't acheived success alone.

I was so surprised by his comments as I fully expected him to support the decision. Sure, I know that 90 percent of this battle will be me and my habits, but I just feel like status quo isn't working, and I can honestly say that I've given it my all on many occasions. I just can't get to the goal line!!

Incredibly frustrated right now!!

Perfect! I'll be home then too!

But, I'm all depressed and frustrated right now after talking to my main doctor last night. He's suggested surgery in the past, even when I've lost quite a bit on my own. He's a great doctor (one of Dallas' best), but he told me last night that I've done so well on my own, and surgery isn't the answer. He said I would fail with surgery for the same reasons (behavioral) that I haven't acheived success alone.

I was so surprised by his comments as I fully expected him to support the decision. Sure, I know that 90 percent of this battle will be me and my habits, but I just feel like status quo isn't working, and I can honestly say that I've given it my all on many occasions. I just can't get to the goal line!!

Incredibly frustrated right now!!

That is incredibly frustrating. I can tell you that this surgery completely changed my "behavioral" issues with eating. Do I treat myself occasionally? You bet I do, but I don't overindulge. I don't volume eat anymore because I simply can't do it, and believe it or not, my mind has completely "flipped" on how it thinks about food. I don't stand in front of the fridge, and think about what I can put in my mouth that will make me feel better. I rarely have head hunger, and have been able to completely change my relationship with food.

I'm really saddened for you, and hope that you get your surgery.

That is incredibly frustrating. I can tell you that this surgery completely changed my "behavioral" issues with eating. Do I treat myself occasionally? You bet I do, but I don't overindulge. I don't volume eat anymore because I simply can't do it, and believe it or not, my mind has completely "flipped" on how it thinks about food. I don't stand in front of the fridge, and think about what I can put in my mouth that will make me feel better. I rarely have head hunger, and have been able to completely change my relationship with food.

I'm really saddened for you, and hope that you get your surgery.

THANKS SO MUCH! I feel like this is exactly the way I would feel after the successes (and yes challenges) of losing the weight and having control over my intake. Volume has always been my weakness. I don't drink soft drinks, I don't crave sweets, but whatever I sit down with, I will eat too much. Way too much. I know there is no miracle for this thing, but being able to control how much goes in with one more tool besides my (apparently weak) head and willpower will help.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the surgeon's office on my insurance. It's killing me to wait, but I do think I'm going to try to find a therapist that specializes in weight issues in the mean time.

Be sure to keep us updated. Pardon me but I have not read this entire thread. Do you need your doctors refferal for surgery or can you self refer?

In my humble opinion your other doctor is wrong. I think you are a great canidate. I didn't eat a bunch of B.S. either. I just overate when I sat down to eat. I ate a lot of carbs. I never drank non diet soda or gorged on cake. Sweets made me sick feeling.

The sleeve was exactly what I needed to help me learn portion control. You learn very quickly what is right and wrong for portion size. I still push it sometimes. Just one bite reminds me why I can't overeat. Usually when I am pushing it I know I need to put the fork down and I choose not to. The consequences of choosing to take one more bite is stomach cramps. Trust me that extra bite will no longer be worth the immediate consequences and your entire view on food changes.

Hey Everyone! I'm from San Antonio, getting sleeved in January. . .wanted the band first, but went to a seminar and had my mind changed pretty fast. . . hubbie wasn't up to the band, but told me he would support me with the sleeve. . . i'm so excited! I can wait for January. . . I see my doctors for nutrition, psych, and inital visit on the 20th of this month! Yup, I'm on my road toward my journey!

I would love to be a part of this, not sure whether I want to see you all before or after my big day? Probably will be a nervous wreck on the 28th! I will be getting sleeved on 12/29, so I will be in the area. Ya'll can all come see me in Plano if you end up going with the 29th or 30th! Doesn't that sound like where you want to have a girl's lunch? I can always make the next one!

For those that were interested in getting together in December, we've decided we'll be there the Monday, December 28th through Jan 3rd. We'll all have to get together once it gets closer and try to plan a little get together. We can just do lunch or coffee, but I would love to meet y'all ! ! !

I'm in. I am having another knee surgery on Dec 16th (the other knee) so I will be off work and hobbling around. Shouldn't be on crutches at that point, just walking gingerly. Lets try to work out the details as we get closer. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! :crying: