Hi everyone! I have been lurking for a while. I finally went to a seminar on Saturday. I have been working today on getting my information together.

A little about me. I am 47 a pet sitter....no there isn't that much money in it but I love it, life time successful dieter. Just 2 years ago I lost 75 lbs doing a program that was diet exercise nutrition and psychological through a local hospital. Kept most of it off until I decided to date perhaps the most miserable person in the world. I would leave his house and stop at the nearest fast food drive up every single time I was around him. Ugh why I didn't just break up long before the 9 month mark I have no clue.

I am going to self pay for my surgery. It will run about 18000 although I am going to see if they will let me skip the nutritional info because I could teach a class, of course it would be a do as I say not as I do. I will be charging 15000 on a Care Credit CC, For the first 2 years it is free of interest if you keep up the payments. Funny thing is I heard about it from a medical spa because I told them I couldn't afford Botox!

I have been filling out a huge medical history. It even asks about grandparents and siblings. It makes me seem to come from a healthy family and actually my health is really pretty good. I am fat enough to get the surgery done without co-morbidities though. Only my sister and I suffer from weight problems.

I am actually looking forward to getting into the doctor and starting my 2 week liquid diet before surgery. I have not even gone on my first appt yet. I should be approved quicker because I don't have to wait on insurance. The doctor who does the surgery here in Springfield said he had performed about 250 of them although he has done probably the same number of bypasses too. I liked Dr. Edwards he seems to have a good bedside manner.

I am looking forward to this journey. You have all been an inspiration already....as the photos have been my favorite lurk area. I am excited except I have never had any surgery and it freaks me out a bit but it will be a good thing.:thumbup:

Hi and welcome to LBT! I was self-pay as well and amazed at how fast the process went. From the time I went to my seminar to getting my surgery was about 3 weeks.

Let us know when you get your date and how things are going.

Hi and welcome! I was self pay too. My process also went quickly, though mine took two months. I am so glad I made the decision to have the surgery! I am losing weight slowly and was frustrated at first because it took me a while to get the restriction I needed but I am glad I stuck with it because I'm doing great now. Good luck on your journey and don't be afraid to ask any questions you have - we are all here for you!

Thanks ya'll. I sent off all my forms this morning. Hopefully my doctor will get all my records to them this week. I am hoping to get in within the next 6 weeks. Odd thing about this surgeon is everyone pays out of pocket and gets reimbursed from insurance basically.....I think. Oh maybe I am talking stuff I don't know. Doesn't matter my fat woman insurance doesn't cover anything...well I do get $5 off my mammogram.

I will keep everyone posted. This has been such a great experience already for me because I have had lots of support and that means the world to me.

Thanks for the support and information. My fingers are crossed that I get to see the surgeon for the first time within two weeks.

Another self-pay here!

Hi - Welcome MaidMarion

I'm in Springfield too. Self pay- and so far very worth it! I love doc Edwards! I've had my band almost a year and I feel successful! Glad to see you here on LBT. Keep us posted on your journey. Kimberly