A year ago, I was surgically prescreened for a complete resectioning of my stomach to reduce the size to a shape of an egg. I became so apprehensive over this permanent fix that I went into a panic mode and canceled the surgery (at Cedars, Los Angeles, CA). Blue Cross did not cover the Lap Band so it was not a choice for me. The obesity is causing knee problems, sleep disorder EPNA, diabetes, and a number of other symptoms I'm sure will all disappear when my weight is down.

I awoke last month and knew that I had to go forward with it and low and behold, I was informed that Blue Cross now will cover the Lap Band. Today at Friday, April 6th at 9 a.m. I meet again with the surgery team and move closer to schedule the procedure. My BMI is 45, weight is 320 lbs. and my goal is to get to 185 lbs. and to keep it. I love swimming and taking long walks on the beach and love EAS Protein shakes.

Time is now to go for it. Will report in soon.

Glad you have been able to get approval for the less invasive surgery, maybe the original bout of nerves has served you well in the lon term, they say things happen for a reason!.

You are right to be positive about the co morbs mproving as weight drops. I do have some health issues that have gone completely at least for now and some others that are simply easier to deal with because I have lost 73 pounds ( have another 140 or so to go)

Can I make one suggestion Futuretalk. I love reading this board and I enjoy readin the variety of post frompeople at all stages in the journey. Could you please use a slightly larger font ( eg one up at least) as you current seting is really tough to read. remember that a few of us are gettng older, some have medical issues such as diabetes that can affect vision, I have diabetes and MS both of which affect vision at times- I'd hate to miss out on valuable posts because they are too small to read

That is great news. Good luck with your approval and surgery. Julie

Visited with the surgery team Friday, and now have to finish the screening, visit with the social worker, diet team, and kidney guru, xray, ekg, blood screen, and insurance authorization. Then I can be scheduled. Funny now I am in a rush and impatient about getting this step over. Many steps to take and I am ready.

This is instead of going to Europe eating my way across the land for a month, a trip planned for a year. I have delayed the trip until this stage of my life is on track.

So today I walked and ran on the beach, commitment to the daily exercise routine. Felt great !

Thanks all for the responses and support since I am not telling anyone I know about my decision until after the surgery. All I get is weight loss is in my head stuff. I have lost 80 lbs. twice in the past decade only to put it right on again. So the banding is it for me. Assume I will be under the knife in a couple of weeks.