I'm disgusted with how I look and feel...so I finally thought I'd look into Weight loss surgery. Just to see what is available and if If it would work for me. Looked up some local Surgeons and Hospitals on the net and some of the surgeons had free information seminars. So, I'm going to my first seminar tonight.....err.....

.I mean support group. (not really for support..I just like showing off the new bod and encouraging others) Confused....don't be

The point I'm trying to make is...... it surely seems like I just started the process....... When I thought about getting surgery, I figured I probably wouldn't qualify and the cost was probably more than I could afford....but what the heck, I'm fat and not losing my way, so what could it hurt. Probably won't do it and nutin's gonna change anyway.

So I went.... I kinda thought my interests was in the Lap Band. Ya know, the one I've already heard about. I get there and find out there is now three or even four different types of procedures and a whole lot of statistics. Great.....choices.....I didn't expect choices. I wanted sure fire easy. I had my notepad with a bunch of questions and after the surgeon spoke about each procedure, I fired away with several questions about the Band. He was very informative and heightened my interests. There was a few of his patients there that spoke about their processes and experiences and that, I felt was the most convincing. I gave the coordinator my insurance info and thought.....now we'll see what happens.

Guess what.....my insurance actually covered WLS. So I made an appointment with the surgeon for a consult. Just a consult...,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

.(I thought....I'm not sold yet) So I go to the consult and brief him on my history and goals and my interest in the Band....blah blah blah....and almost straight away he says......the band is not a good fit for you.....you'd be better off gettin the sleeve. Hmmmmm, that took the air outa my sails.....I really wanted the band. ---- OK, I'll think about it.

I did think about it....ALOT.....researched everything including the Surgeon, the Hospital, everything I could find about the Sleeve and you'll never guess.......he was right. It made better sense. It sounded radical....but after reading about so many successful outcomes, not really so bad. -( I found Bariatric Pal during this time as well which really helped me get informed the most)

I called and started the application for approval. ----- What.!!! six months, are you kidding me....talk about deflated....Oh well, I'll go along....( I probably will change my mind anyway and not get it) Zooooom.....fast forward six,,,seven...eight,,...nine months.

Even with a few insurance and tests gliches along the way....I can't believe it went that fast and I'm approved......

Ok,.....here's the big one.........I just got off the phone with the Doc's office and the surgery is scheduled..... in two weeks. Wait, wait, wait......I need MORE time. I'm gonna really do this.

Surgery day and I'm in my room recovering.....Damn....I'm still fat and now uncomfortable and haven't lost an ounce. This is gonna take forever.....Bariatric Pal is no help....all they keep sayin is "hang in there" or give it time....blah blah blah......Cmon, I had the surgery..... I should be losing tons already......I wanna see results........This is gonna take forever..... I don't want to think about a year from now.....I got on the scale today four times and it didn't change an ounce. Oh well....might as well sit back and just go with the flow.....and see what happens...... Zoooooooom (yeah, believe it.....I said zooooom. A whole year, just that quick)

A HUNDRED &TWENTY POUNDS gone forever and I look and feel fantastic. And I'm headed to the Seminar.....I mean the support group....see, I still get those confused cause I can't believe it went by that fast. Yes, I said FAST. I actually have a hard time remembering the phases along the way.....they kinda blur together. Who cares, I'm here, I'm skinny and you will be too. And you'll think the whole thing happened in a flash.

Long story.....short point.......Don't fret the wait.....Like most things in life, time flys.

Edited January 22, 201511 yr by Recycled

Oops! Double posted

Edited January 26, 201511 yr by mclorrie

My next step is meeting with my PCP for referral approval. February 9 I get EKG, EDG and chest X-ray. Hopefully will meet with surgeon that week and schedule surgery. Depends on how quick insurance approves. But could have surgery 2/23.

Dear LBS15, I was wanted to let you know I am doing the same exact steps right now with my sleeve. I have been trying to get this done since July 28, 2014, and it feels good to be almost done now. My starting weight is the same as yours as well, so I hope that we can keep in touch and maybe keep each other accountable. Please let me know. Thanks Tess

Guess I had the hiccups, sorry bout that.

Edited January 27, 201511 yr by chubbsey1

Tess, that would be great! My PCP approved surgery so just have to wait on insurance and pre op testing!

Dear LBS15,

Glad to hear you were approved by your PCP and now just waiting on insurance and pre op testing. I got all my pre ops done but waiting on the insurance and PCP approval I have one more class that they are requiring me to take on 2/9 andthen hopefully will have a date.

1

Keep me posted on any information. your pal Tess

Update! I received the call from my cardiologist yesterday. After having an chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, sleep study, and 0% calcium score! My cardiologist gave me clearance for surgery! That's one major hurdle done! All I have left is four more doctor supervised appointments, psych appointments, and one group meeting and I'll be on my way to knowing my surgery date! Getting excited!!

Edited February 8, 201511 yr by mclorrie