Hi I'm Sherri....32 year old SAHM of a 3yo boy. My current BMI is 48 :eek: . I've been overweight since I was a child (around 8 years old or so) and obese most of my adult life.

I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks, mostly trying to educate myself and decide if banding is the right solution for me. I'm pretty sure that it is and I'm going to a seminar on Saturday to gather the rest of the information that I need to be sure.

My DH is also obese and wants surgery. I'm afraid that his intentions are less than admirable though. He has never tried to lose weight and continues to gain at an alarming rate. I'm not sure that banding is a good fit for him, but I guess we'll see.

Our insurance has an exclusion policy for any weight related products, treatments or surgeries :tt2:. I think that is really dumb, but I can't change it.

My parents are totally on board with my decision and will co-sign a loan if need be. (my credit isn't great...bad decisions when I was young + not having any new credit=low credit score)

Anyway...I look forward to meeting lots of new friends here! Especially ones that are from my area or that are in a similar situation to mine :rolleyes2:

Hi Sherri and welcome to LBT. It sounds like you are doing your research and learning as much as possible, which is important to making an informed decision. Let us know your thoughts after you attend the seminar on Saturday.

I agree that it stinks that so many insurance policies exclude weight loss surgery. I too was in a very similiar situation as you. We decided to refinance our home to pay for my surgery. It only increased our monthly payment by a small amount and we feel it was the right decision for my health.

Best of luck to you. Feel free to ask lots of questions, that is what we are here for. We look forward to hearing more from you as you progress in your journey and getting to know you.

The seminar was today. It was awesome!! Dr Benevides and his staff were all so personable and approachable. They answered every question that I could think of!

There were 4 patients there also....2 work there now as patient advocates and 2 were there supporting family/friends. The pictures were amazing and their stories were really helpful.

Best of all....I have an appointment for my physical/consult on March 26th!!!

My next hurdle will be contacting the HR dept at DH's company and speaking to them about the exclusion clause in their insurance policy :eek:. If that goes well...great, but if it doesn't then I'll pursue financing options.

Nothing is going to deter me from my goal!!

Sherri;

Good for you. I hope that everything works out with the insurance. I was a self-pay, but think it's so worth it. I'd rather spend the money now by choice than later with some debilitating, weight-related health issue.

Good luck and hopefully we'll be welcoming you to lapband land soon!!

Sherri, that is great that everything went so will. I will keep my fingers crossed for you on the insurance issues. Keep us posted on how things are going.

Well, I just sent an e-mail to the HR person at DH's corporate office. Fingers crossed that she is willing/able to help us!!

Welcome, Sherri. I wish you the best of luck with the insurance company and with the lap band. I must say it's the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. It sounds like you are definitely ready to make this change in your life. As long as you understand that it's not a magic surgery and that you have to work at it...you will do great. Best of luck to you...I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.