Hi,

Thought I'd get a head start on this forum. I am an AF vet -- military police (security forces) -- and always thought that my weight loss success was in my own hands. I've just recently come to the conclusion that this is one battle I can't overcome by myself, no matter how hard I try. Thus the appointment I just made to have lap band surgery.

I am also a member on other veteran's forums, and have worked around the VA (and gotten healthcare there) for several years now. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories. I checked with the VA, but at least in Colorado, they have no benefits/schedule for weight loss surgery, so I'm funding this one myself. I have been through the VA MOVE (Motivating Obese Veterans Everywhere) twice, with no success. Fun fact: my supervisor at the VA had the Lap Band procedure several years ago with great success, and referred me to my current physician, who is also a veteran and a graduate of the Air Force Academy.

I'm hoping I get my life back, so to speak, and hoping that this is a new start for me. I am married to another AF veteran -- who has just tipped the scales at 270 lbs -- but since he is on blood thinners for life, he is weary of any surgical procedure. I will see how it goes with me, and perhaps he will be open to something similar in the future.

I look forward to meeting you all and sharing this journey together.

I came to the conclusion that this was really the best time to get the surgery for a couple reasons.

1. I'm supposed to graduate college next summer, and I'd really like to be able to wear something nice and not look like **** for pictures and such. The pictures taken at my last graduation, I was too embarrassed to post because I was so heavy (even though I was proud of the accomplishment)

2. I'd like to be fertile again and have another kid before I'm 40.

3. Around the time I graduate, I'd also like to look decent in some interview suits.

And just the general desire to get out there and live again.

Really my only hesitance for the surgery was dying under anesthesia, but the Dr. told me not to worry about it, and I probably shouldn't. There's probably a greater chance I'd be in a car accident driving to the grocery store or something. *shrug*

Edited February 18, 201412 yr by Skywalker

AF vet here too, but a long time ago. Have friends that had weight loss surgery at military hospital. Spouses and retired vets were eligible. No active duty because of the recovery time. Might check there. B Best of luck.