Hi all!!

My name is Libbe and I am 39. My oldest daughter got married 1-1-11 and my youngest turns 16 tomorrow (!!!) and I decided this is the year for ME!! I matter and I want to be around to enjoy my grandkids some day! I am 4'11 and weigh in the 230's right now. Other than my weight, my only health issue is migraines and recently some neck troubles.

Well, I started my journey in January - went to an orientation I believe it was January 9th, pondered it until late February and decided to start the process. Saw my primary care Dr on March 7th to get his referral to the program, March 14th had my psych appointment, yesterday went to the nutrition classes and have my consult with the nutritionist and physical therapy this coming Monday.

I was originally set on Lap Band and the LCSW suggested I may not be happy with those results so I started looking at RNY and VSG as they are the other two options the surgeons do. My insurance covers all of them so not a problem there. After alot of reading and research, I am going to talk to the surgeon about VSG. I am calling tomorrow to set that appointment. The program office told me today my surgeon will be Dr Hammer in Springfield, IL.

I am so encouraged by the things I have read here on this board and a few others. So I guess I'm not too far in to the process but I feel like it is moving along pretty well.

I actually work for my insurance (BCBS of IL) doing International claims and it has been interesting to read about alot of your experiences in Mexico - sounds like most have great experiences! Well, really looking forward to this journey and sharing it with you all - as well as following all of your journeys.

Welcome! You will love the support, inspiration, and information here.

I evaluated all three, as we all did I think, and for many reasons decided the sleeve is for me. The band , I feel, is not effective enough, not to mention the problems with slippage and erosion. I personally do not want to re-route my intestines so RNY is out. The sleeve seems to have everything I want- restriction of eating leaving the digestive process intact, with little dumping, leaving the process of losing the weight in my control.

Well just found out my insurance changed to 6 months of medically supervised weight loss. And here I thought I was almost half way there. Oh well, I will be ready!

Don't get discouraged. That will give you more time to read this forum and prepare for your life changing adventure.

Good luck to you and your journey. You'll love it. The sleeve ROCKS!!!

Thanks! I am trying not to - and I had been rushing to get to all these appointments and classes but now feel like I don't need to do that, I am going to only scheduled appointments 1-2 days a month so I can have some of my Monday's home to enjoy (I work a 4 day work week). Went today to the nutritionist and have to go back to her - got to work on balanced plate eating. Physical Therapy appointment also - cleared that one. Was going back to LCSW but 3 hours between appointments so will reschedule that for another week I have to make several appointments. They are all about a 45 min drive away.

I joined weight watchers tonight so I can be a little more proactive on the "medically supervised" diet part....