Hello Everyone - my name is Lexie and I've recently made the decision to have surgery. I've struggled with my weight all of my life and I feel like I need a helping hand to maintain. So I've been doing a bit of research and I know that generally you have to prove that you have struggled with your weight. Luckily for me, I'm a bit of a packrat - so I've got medical records back to 2004 which document my weight! I've fluctuated anywhere from 282 to 227 since 2004. I also have a few comorbidities - such as high blood pressure, joint pain, acid reflux, possibly sleep apnea (going to see if insurance recommends a sleep study) - and on top of all of that, I also suffer from hypothyroidism and depression.

So the kicker, I've put on 20 pounds since March of last year - but to make it EVEN BETTER - I ran a half marathon last April! Who does that? Oh yeah, me.

Luckily for me, I have very good insurance through my employer (United Insurance and an awesome package). So far, I know my insurance covers the surgery, but we'll see if they give me a hard way to go about it. I have my first consult with the surgeon next week. Wish me luck!

I have not told a lot of people for fear of judgement. You would think since I've been running for the last 6 years, this would prove my efforts to try, but I know there are people that think surgery is the "easy way out". I have told 3 of my friends - 2 of them are supportive (they know how much I've struggled with my weight and how much I've really tried through diet and exercise to "do the right thing") - the other friend (who is also a lap bander) is trying to talk me out of it, for she feels I'm not "big enough". I am starting to regret telling her because I am starting to feel like she's judging me.

According to BMI charts I am obese - BMI is 36.9 and I have comorbidities - and I've struggled with weight issues all of my adult life.

I'll keep everyone posted on what happens...I'm so glad a friend told me about this forum!

Edited January 17, 201511 yr by lexiemustang

Welcome Lexie. Hope all goes well for you!

Thanks kyrickchick64!

Just got off the phone with the sleep center. I have my sleep study tonight. This process is moving fast!!!

I keep a private journal that no one in real life knows about. These folks have watched me struggle with diet after diet and gain after gain. I posted last night about the surgery, and I was so hurt to have 2 long time faves and 1 more recent reader tell me I just need to try harder. I just need to try again. I just need to stick with it. Seriously. These folks have been with me since 2006. They have seen my struggles! And that's what I got? I first friend I told in real life told me the same thing: "You just need to give it one more honest effort." What are all my other efforts? Dishonest? This same friend is currently starving herself to lose weight. As of now, 4 in real life friends know that I am going to the consultation. 3 are super duper supportive and 1 seems to be neutral. She successfully lost 100 lbs 10 years ago and has kept it off through diet and exercise.

Best of luck! I hope you find supportive friends, because it's what we'll need!

I keep a private journal that no one in real life knows about. These folks have watched me struggle with diet after diet and gain after gain. I posted last night about the surgery, and I was so hurt to have 2 long time faves and 1 more recent reader tell me I just need to try harder. I just need to try again. I just need to stick with it. Seriously. These folks have been with me since 2006. They have seen my struggles! And that's what I got? I first friend I told in real life told me the same thing: "You just need to give it one more honest effort." What are all my other efforts? Dishonest? This same friend is currently starving herself to lose weight. As of now, 4 in real life friends know that I am going to the consultation. 3 are super duper supportive and 1 seems to be neutral. She successfully lost 100 lbs 10 years ago and has kept it off through diet and exercise.

Best of luck! I hope you find supportive friends, because it's what we'll need!

Thank you Xine. I think I'm going to start a journal - that is EXCELLENT advice. Complete with gel pens and stickers - I'm a kid at heart.

Small update - I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea as of last week. This process is moving very quickly; my meeting with the Nutritionist and my Cardio test is tomorrow. I am actually going for the sleeve instead of the lap band...both my PCP and my bariatric surgeon thought it would be a better fit for me.

Edited February 11, 201511 yr by lexiemustang