Hello Everyone,

My Name is Lori I am 41/yrs I live in Sheboygan Wisconsin and Have spent the better part of the last weeks doing research and reading. First of all I have been overweight for most or all of my life I am diabetic. I lost my grandmother (whom i take after the most) at the age of 62 from a life that i seem to mirror. but I have made the decison to go forward with being banded. I am 5ft4 and weight 280lbs the calcautors says i have a BMI 48.1 . I am so Happy I found out yesterday that my insurance does cover the sugery but will not cover it by Oct 2005 so I have my appointment for a physcial with my primary doctor on Feb 3 to get the ball rolling. I was worried my husband did not know that I was doing the research and was not sure how he will take it ( He likes his women big) but guess what I just gave him the complete story of what my plans were and his words were I support you in any way you want and will help you. things seem to be going so well I am sure that it won't be all perfect. This is so important to me and I want to say that reading all the information from everyone here has been so helpful. And you have been a blessing to me. I am not sure if I should tell everyone what I am about to do or do I do the secret thing I have only told my husband and 2 close friends I haven't even told my children (Only one child at home) Please give me some input.

Thanks Everyone

GOD Bless

olollyp@yahoo.com

Congrats Lori and welcome to the board. I'm very happy to see that you've begun research and are learning all you need to know upfront. There are many other boards where others share their experience also. Being banded is a life-changing decision. Mostly, for the better, but it has it's downsides also. Please make sure you know all that you can so that you can make an informed decision.

Having said all that, I just want to make you aware that there is a moderate amount of expense related to adjustments and maintenance of your band, once you've been banded. There is also always a possibility of complications associated with the band, such as port displacement, tubing leaks, possible slippage, even erosion (1-3%) which can still cost you a moderate amount IF those situations arise. I just want you to be aware of that, before you have the surgery and your insurance no longer exists. Also, there is the possibility that if you changed insurances, the new one may exclude your band as a 'pre-existing' condition and may refuse to cover anything related.

Banding is well worth all that it may entail and is still SO much more safe than the alternatives, but there is alot to be aware of and ready for, in the event that it happens.

I wish you luck on your decision and consequent journey!!

Hi Lori... welcome to the site... you will find so much support here at LBT... I can't tell you how helful it has been to me. I'm from Oshkosh, WI and had Dr. Chua for my surgeon. This is a surgery that is very easy to keep to yourself if that is what you decide to do. I tend to be an open book so I was very comfortable sharing my decision. It's a very personal choice and there would be nothing wrong with keeping it that way if that is what you are comfortable with.

You may want to tell the surgeon that you choose about your insurance deadline. It can be a pretty lengthy process. Wishing you the very best with your journey...

Darcy