Hello VST community!

I've been stalking you for a while and thought it was time for me to actually start participating. I'm a self-pay patient currently in the process of choosing a surgeon and a procedure. I'm about 99% sold on the sleeve. I actually learned about it on Lap Band Talk after seeing so many people revising to the sleeve due to complications or failure to lose adequate weight. My mother had lapband 2 years ago and is still morbidly obese, but she had to have a complete unfill to fight cancer the past 18 months. While I've been to a number or seminars through the years, I'm going to one on Thursday to check out a particular surgeon. Fingers crossed that I just love them and can afford them.

Anyhow, I want to lose weight to be an active and involved parent and a healthier person. I don't aspire to be a super model or ever wear a bikini.... just to live to see my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Welcome aboard. You said you are self pay. Going to Mexico?

Welcome to the group

Good luck and welcome!!

Good luck! All will be well , after my first seminar i was a true lap band convert to vsg. And my surgeon is amazing. You will be ok, just go with your instincts

No, no plans to go to Mexico. I got approved for $11,000 worth of care credit and get back another $10,000-ish between my husband and my school returns and tax return. That's the only way I can finance myself. I'm broke as a joke and that's the reason I've put it off this long. But I just decided that ya know, we usually invest this tax return and school return money into vacation and yeah, it's selfish to keep it for my surgery and not do a family vacation. BUT I think it's far more selfish to die young and leave my children mother-less. Besides, future family vacations will be so much more fun with a mom who can actually walk all over Disney World without stopping to sit every five minutes.

If my timeline plays out, I should be 1 year post-op, graduate with my RN, and have my 10 year anniversary all at the same time in 2014. I'm going on a BIG vacation that year. lol

You can do it love! I admire your strength and congrats on all of the new blessings in your life

Your story sounds a lot like mine. I have worked hard to save up the money to pay for this surgery. Insurance won't pay. I am having surgery Dec 3rd, God willing!!! I can't wait to take a vacation to Disney. The thought of keeping up with my 9 year old twins without my feet killing me is a dream. A dream that is soon to come true. Best of luck on your journey.

tjohnston, maybe we can meet up in Disney one day!

I went to seminar last night, got my care-credit upped last night, and set my appointment for next Friday for all pre-op testing. This is moving along quite fast and I'm EXCITED!!!!!