I've been debating and debating and debating about this and hope for some help. I am jumping through hoops with my insurance and Doctors here and come to find out that even with my insurance with my deductible and 20 % of 26,000.00 I am going to spend just about as much as I would with Dr. Ortiz and here I'm going to have to be on a diet for at least 6 months. So, I've been checking into having done in Mexico. My husband has been very helpful usually, been married for 24 years and all for this and said I could use savings that we've been saving for him a big garage. That was sweet, here's the problem. He made the comment today that, well, If you don't think you can loose it on your own you'll just have to take that chance of having it done and dying that so many. I was floored and in tears. I wasn't scared at all until he made that comment. I started thinking I have 2 kids, 21, and 19, and my first grandbaby. If I did die it would be my fault, but guys, I've tried every diet in this world. I can't loose it. I'm 41, 5'7" and weigh 258 pounds. My life is horrible. I sit on the sidelines and watch. He's not overweight at all he has no idea.

The other question is what happens if say I get home and God forbid, something goes wrong, I've heard the Doctors here won't touch you if you have problems. Does anyone who's been through this have any help.

Please, I'm desperate.

Thank you in advance,

Sherri

Dr. Ortiz performed my banding and my unbanding. His facilities are top notch and he and Dr. Martinez provided me with excellent quality care. I live in Los Angeles so I was never more than 2 hours away in the event of an emergency. Even so, if I had the opportunity to have the surgery performed locally I would have done it. It's just EASIER and more convenient. I think the 6 month pre-diet may turn out to be a good thing. If you can lose some, ANY weight beforehand you have a better chance at being successful in the long term in my opinion. Some discipline and a lot of effort are required to lose weight with the band. For many people the weight loss is not automatic with a band. It comes with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. If you are not, or have never experienced success on any kind of diet, your success with the band will probably be limited. IN MY OPINION. Your mileage may vary.

Unfortunately the band does not prevent or eliminate compulsion towards food. Good luck with whatever you decide. We're rooting for you!

-Ana Maria

Thank you all for you help. It's been such a rough road and yes I think my husband knows that as long as I'm fat no one even glances my way and I think maybe he was thinking all crazy and that maybe, just maybe I might get a look from someone else or something. Crazy is what it is, I mean he gets up every day, puts on his tight jeans, nice clothes, sprays his cologne and yes, he looks nice and I know how many looks he gets but I wouldn't want to take that from him because I know it makes a person feel good, so why would he not want me to feel good. We live in Kentucky or very close to Tennessee, (Nashville) if that helps anyone with Doctor locations. I have never been so consumed with anything in my life. I promise you I'm one of those people who eat very little, I know well how can you be fat, well, I can't do a whole lot because of the fat and all of the disc problems but really I don't and a few days ago we went to K.F.C. and my husband ordered us both buffet because we had never tried it. I was never so embarrassed in my life as to walk up to that buffet and try to get food on my plate as I was sure EVERYONE was saying, "Oh my God, she really needs the buffet", that is why mentally, I've got to get rid of this it is controlling my life.

Thank you all,

You all are godsends,

Sherri

...Thank you all for you help. It's been such a rough road and yes I think my husband knows that as long as I'm fat no one even glances my way and I think maybe he was thinking all crazy and that maybe, just maybe I might get a look from someone else or something. Crazy is what it is, I mean he gets up every day, puts on his tight jeans, nice clothes, sprays his cologne and yes, he looks nice and I know how many looks he gets but I wouldn't want to take that from him because I know it makes a person feel good, so why would he not want me to feel good.

You might have something there. He mignt not even be aware of it though. Men, in general, are simple creatures that don't analyze feelings as much as women. (Sorry guys, this is just stereotypical jabbering here). Kind of a male protective of his turf kind of thing. It keeps you safe from the predators.

You may have to pay 20 % with your insurance, but have you checked if there is an out of pocket total? Most companies have a maximum your required to pay out of pocket. If your 20% reaches that amount, you don't pay anymore.

Absolutely....put yourself first. For several years, I shrugged off weight-loss surgery because I was scared of dying. But I've come to realize that life as a morbidly-obese person is no life at all.

The thought of dying by making this decision crossed my mind as well. It was also very clear NOT making this decision was going to kill me. My blood pressure was elevated, my diabetes was out of control, I was developing diabetic neuropathy in my feet and hands, etc. It made sense to take a leap of faith and get the band. Goodness knows when it's your time it isn't going to matter if you're on the table getting banded, in the shower singing your favorite song or on the highway on your way to work.

While I'm only three weeks out, I still say this is the BEST thing I've ever done for myself.