So I've been creeping on this website since around May, just reading posts and comments. But now, that I've gotten approved, I decided it was time for me to share my journey!

Ok, so I'm only 19, from the New Orleans area, and my surgeon is none other than Dr. Lavin.

I started this journey in June. I have aetna so I had to go through the 3 month supervised visits with the NP & NUT. Let me just say, Dr. Lavin's staff is AMAZING! Makes you feel completely comfortable.

Anyways, I was worried I wasn't going to get approved because in August, I gained 2.4 pounds and aetna usually denies you if you have a gain. But on my last checkup I had lost 6 pounds, so that was good.

I ended up calling aetna about two weeks after all my info was sent in and they told me they had just approved me that morning...yay!

I went back in to have my consultation with Dr. Lavin and got all my paperwork to bring with me to the private hospital where I'm having the surgery done.

My surgery is scheduled for Nov. 14th! So excited! Going renew my gym membership next week also.

I'm so determined and ready for this change!

I currently weight 235 and my goal weight is 130-140, so I can have a healthy BMI.

Welcome! Almost to the Loser's Bench! This journey has been life changing. I started at 273, was 250 day of surgery and now sitting at goal at 169, size 6/8. It will be TOUGH.. but so worth it. And really fun once the lbs start coming off!

Welcome to the forum yungshi. I am old enough to be your grandma, but started out at 235 pounds, also. You will be freaking amazed at how much better you will feel after the first thirty pounds come off - even if you don't look any different.

At fifty pounds down, a pain specialist who had not seen me for several months, did not recognize me. He and his nurse did a double "time-out" before starting my procedure because he thought he had the wrong patient on the table. We call those kinds of things NSVs (non-surgical victories).

Please let us know when you can cross your legs, trim your own toenails, shoes get too big, people who knew you don't know you now, you feel good three days in a row.......stuff like that. That is one way that we encourage each other to keep on keepin' on.

If you take pictures and measurements now, it will give you a rference to see how you are doing. The scales can play horrible head games with you, especially as you exchange fat for muscle. You will notice that when you ask for advice, opinions and tact will vary. Please do not take anything personally....just take what you need and set the rest aside. I wish you good luck and good health.

Congratulations! Just like you I'm a newbie also and my surgery is set for Nov 3rd.Good luck!

Welcome to the forum yungshi. I am old enough to be your grandma, but started out at 235 pounds, also. You will be freaking amazed at how much better you will feel after the first thirty pounds come off - even if you don't look any different.

At fifty pounds down, a pain specialist who had not seen me for several months, did not recognize me. He and his nurse did a double "time-out" before starting my procedure because he thought he had the wrong patient on the table. We call those kinds of things NSVs (non-surgical victories).

Please let us know when you can cross your legs, trim your own toenails, shoes get too big, people who knew you don't know you now, you feel good three days in a row.......stuff like that. That is one way that we encourage each other to keep on keepin' on.

If you take pictures and measurements now, it will give you a rference to see how you are doing. The scales can play horrible head games with you, especially as you exchange fat for muscle. You will notice that when you ask for advice, opinions and tact will vary. Please do not take anything personally....just take what you need and set the rest aside. I wish you good luck and good health.

Thanks so much! And congratulations to you also!

Congratulations! Just like you I'm a newbie also and my surgery is set for Nov 3rd.Good luck!

Good luck to you also! You're right around the corner!!

Welcome! Almost to the Loser's Bench! This journey has been life changing. I started at 273, was 250 day of surgery and now sitting at goal at 169, size 6/8. It will be TOUGH.. but so worth it. And really fun once the lbs start coming off!

I can't wait! I'm so ready for this like change! Even though I don't look my weight, thank God he put it in all the right places lol, I FEEL it! Going up the stairs K I L L me. I feel like I'm always sleepy and sluggish.

I'm just ready!

Good luck, my surgery is the same day...on the 14th.....

Good luck, my surgery is the same day...on the 14th.....

Good luck to you also!

Welcome to the site...good luck with everything. Keep us updated on your progress.