"I don't ever want surgery..."

[elfnow 277]

Oh sure, I said it once, 12 years ago, when the best option was the RnY and I just squick a little at the idea of that much plumbing rearrangement. Lap-band was still "experimental" then, according to my insurance.

My sister-in-law said something similar back in June when I said I was planning to have surgery "at some point in the next year".

Last time she saw me was the wedding, in late July 2013. I was in a wheelchair because of a broken leg and the nicest pants I owned were size 26/28 black yoga pants from Lane Bryant.

In October, the pictures of my daughter's first birthday party showed me in all 390 lbs of "at least I can walk now" glory. She asked if I'd had surgery yet, and I said no.

And then the pictures I just posted for Easter / Ari's 18-mo .... I'm in a size 20 dress from Lane Bryant, looking gorgeous!! I have awesome hair, a cute waist coming back.... And suddenly I get a message "how much weight have you lost since surgery?!?!"

I explained that since starting the pre-surgery liver-shrinking diet.... I've lost about 75 pounds. "More like 77". But about 95 now overall.

"Wait when did you start the diet?"

"January 27. About 80 days ago. Yeah, it's about a pound a day. That's not really typical, I said, because it's harder to lose pounds closer to your goal weight. I just started so big that the "way out there" pounds come off easier...."

The next day, "ARRRRGGHHH WHY DOESNT MY INSURANCE COVER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERYYYY"

[BeagleLover 1,020]

Sorry to hear that. On the positive side, you are well on your way to living a longer and healthier life!

[JacobsMommy 27]

At least you are losing! Celebrate that and keep up the awesome work.

Oh sure, I said it once, 12 years ago, when the best option was the RnY and I just squick a little at the idea of that much plumbing rearrangement. Lap-band was still "experimental" then, according to my insurance.

My sister-in-law said something similar back in June when I said I was planning to have surgery "at some point in the next year".

Last time she saw me was the wedding, in late July 2013. I was in a wheelchair because of a broken leg and the nicest pants I owned were size 26/28 black yoga pants from Lane Bryant.

In October, the pictures of my daughter's first birthday party showed me in all 390 lbs of "at least I can walk now" glory. She asked if I'd had surgery yet, and I said no.

And then the pictures I just posted for Easter / Ari's 18-mo .... I'm in a size 20 dress from Lane Bryant, looking gorgeous!! I have awesome hair, a cute waist coming back.... And suddenly I get a message "how much weight have you lost since surgery?!?!"

I explained that since starting the pre-surgery liver-shrinking diet.... I've lost about 75 pounds. "More like 77". But about 95 now overall.

"Wait when did you start the diet?"

"January 27. About 80 days ago. Yeah, it's about a pound a day. That's not really typical, I said, because it's harder to lose pounds closer to your goal weight. I just started so big that the "way out there" pounds come off easier...."

The next day, "ARRRRGGHHH WHY DOESNT MY INSURANCE COVER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERYYYY"

[able2cope 193]

So sorry to hear that, it must have been such a disappointment for you. As the others said, you are now well on your way to being healthier. I know its not easy, but you have done so well so far.

[greensleeve 457]

That is so disappointing! If I were you I would look into seeing if you can get an exception.

If not, keep losing and then look into changing insurance next year.

[sophie'sChoice 269]

What an honor to be such a good role model to your sis n law that she wants to follow in your footsteps! I'm sorry her insurance is not WLS friendly.

[onlybroomegirl 250]

Oh sure, I said it once, 12 years ago, when the best option was the RnY and I just squick a little at the idea of that much plumbing rearrangement. Lap-band was still "experimental" then, according to my insurance. My sister-in-law said something similar back in June when I said I was planning to have surgery "at some point in the next year". Last time she saw me was the wedding, in late July 2013. I was in a wheelchair because of a broken leg and the nicest pants I owned were size 26/28 black yoga pants from Lane Bryant. In October, the pictures of my daughter's first birthday party showed me in all 390 lbs of "at least I can walk now" glory. She asked if I'd had surgery yet, and I said no. And then the pictures I just posted for Easter / Ari's 18-mo .... I'm in a size 20 dress from Lane Bryant, looking gorgeous!! I have awesome hair, a cute waist coming back.... And suddenly I get a message "how much weight have you lost since surgery?!?!" I explained that since starting the pre-surgery liver-shrinking diet.... I've lost about 75 pounds. "More like 77". But about 95 now overall. "Wait when did you start the diet?" "January 27. About 80 days ago. Yeah, it's about a pound a day. That's not really typical, I said, because it's harder to lose pounds closer to your goal weight. I just started so big that the "way out there" pounds come off easier...." The next day, "ARRRRGGHHH WHY DOESNT MY INSURANCE COVER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERYYYY"

I think she's saying her sister-in-law's insurance doesn't cover WLS. Great job Elfnow!!

[elfnow 277]

Yes sorry for the confusion... I didn't have insurance, we paid out of pocket. My sister-in-law is chagrined to find her insurance doesn't cover WLS of any type. She weighs less than I do now, but we're about the same size.... Actually I'm one size smaller (not that it matters much) but I think realizing that I went from 3 sizes bigger to 1 size smaller in less than 6 months has her gears turning.