Hi. My name is Stacie and I live in Ohio. I am almost 39. I have three daughters, one is 19 and the twins are 10.

I was always a pretty chunky kid and slimmed down as a teen. Of course, I thought i was a cow. I remember gaining weight again in 1994 and I have been gaining ever since. It was 1994 that I bought a size 12 pair of pants...and I am now in an 18W. Ugh. About four years ago, I lost 40 pounds, but I have since gained 50 back. I weigh 35 pounds more now that I did when I had my twins in 1997. That is sooo sad.

I am going to college to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant and I will start doing clinicals full-time in March and I will graduate in June. This is why I decided I need to get this weight thing under control. I have been doing 8 hour clinicals once a week and I am about to die. My back is killing me, my ankles are killing me and I am ready to cut my feet OFF. By the time I walk out to my car, I want to cry. How can I do that 40 hours a week?

I was first introduced to Occupational Therapy after my mom almost died from having Gastric Bypass Surgery. (seriously) After she got out of her "almost" dead state, she went to a nursing home and that is where I saw OT for the first time. They had to re-teach her everything. I saw what a great job they did with her, and I knew that is what I had to do with my life. Get people better and healthy again. BUT, how can I do that when I can hardly walk because my joints hurt too bad?

Obviously, I am NOT going the gastric bypass route. So, I am thinking the lap band may be the best direction for me. I am sure my insurance wont pay for it. They hardly cover anything. So, I am going to be a self pay...I have been doing NOTHING but research for a week and I don't know what to do. I am broke (full-time student) but, I do not want to end up with the problems like my mom has (brain damaged, and more.) Any suggestions?

That is all for my introduction, I guess.

First, congrats on the courage to do something. I know exactly what you mean about the aches and pains. I will be 45 this year, and feel better than I have in 15 years. It is nice to get up in the morning, and not hesitate to put your feet on the floor.

My Dr. was Dr. Allison Clarey, and she and her staff are great people. I don't know what your insurance is, but a lot of them are covering the surgery now.

You can call Dr. Clarey's office and ask to speak to their insurance person. They will be able to tell you right away, if your insurance covers it. They do a good job of keeping up with all of the changes.

Most doctors offer some type of informational class. You should find one that fits your schedule and attend. You will hear a lot of stories that are just like yours, and realize that their are a lot of people in your same situation. You will hear questions that you might not have thought to ask.

I have a son who is eleven. I now have the energy at the end of the day to spend time with him, and have fun. I didn't before, and it really makes a difference. I also have a daughter who is 18. I wanted to set a good example for her, by taking charge of my health.

You are trying to improve your quality of life. Not just for right now, but for the future as well. Just remember you are not alone.

Welcome!

with just 20 pounds gone, my feet don't hurt, nor do my ankles or knees hurt anymore!

It's a great decision.. although at times you will wonder why you did it...

It's ALL worth it! :confused:

Hi Newbie! Welcome to Dayton. I am a transplant from elsewhere too! I had Lapband surgery through Miami Valley Hospital and Dr. Donovan Teel's office in Nov 2007. Since then 3 of my friends have had Lapband surgery with Dr. Teel (937-208-5300). I know he does a fair amount of self-pay patients. It is a tough decision to make.