A little about me =)

May 25, 2005

Hi! I'm new to this whole experience. It all started when my mom sent me an offensive email saying she thought I needed to get the gastric bypass surgery. As hurt as I was, I looked into it, and the statistics scared me so much, I just quit looking into it and started watching more infomercials looking for the miracle diet. Not so successful, so again, I started looking at the surgery and came across the Lap Band procedure. I'm 21, and live in Victoria, Texas. I'm SERIOUSLY considering having this surgery. I've tossed around the idea of going to Mexico to have it done becuase they seem so experienced, but then the trouble of finding a doctor to do the fills here seems like a lot. Plus, my dad seems really skeptical about me having the surgery in Mexico. His insurance is United Health Care PPO (i think), and my mom's is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, and I think if I'm in school, they will cover it, but I'm not so sure yet. I'm working on getting back in school so I can get the ball rolling. I'm sick of being this wallflower I've become. Thanks for listening, well...reading, I suppose, and I am looking forward to getting to know you guys!

coyotegirl · May 25, 2005

Hi Mistic, Welcome to LBT. You came to the right place for advice and support.

I didn't have my surgery in Mexico but lots of wonderful people here have and have had great success!

Do lots of research and search the threads here at LBT. Good Luck!!!!!

Alexandra · May 25, 2005

Hi Mistic,

Welcome to LBT!! Before exploring Mexico, do what you can to see if you are qualified for it medically. Do you know your BMI? United is generally good about covering the band for qualified individuals, as long as the contract allows it, so don't run for the border until you've thoroughly explored your stateside options. Having access to care is crucial so if getting to Mexico frequently isn't convenient, you definitely want to try to stay local.

Good luck and keep asking questions!

paula · May 25, 2005

Hi Mistic! And WELCOME to LBT!

Debbydo · May 25, 2005

Mistic,

Welcome to the board. You'll fing load of support here and hopefully understand you are not alone. You are too young to find yourself in the walflower position. It hurts.

Good luck to you

Iluvharleys · May 25, 2005

Hi Mistic! Welcome to LBT! Take some time and browse through all the threads here, you'll find lots of valuable information.

Mita · May 25, 2005

Hi Mystic Welcome to LBT you will find tons of info here.

lins12 · May 26, 2005

I began reading about the lapband about a year ago when a close friend at work mentioned it when I was down in the dumps about my weight. I researched it at the time but I was just not ready. Here I am about a year later and I am ready. Do it in your own time...not on your parents time. I understand how hard it can be but if you do decide to do it--Do it for you.

As for the Mexico part. My BMI is 35.8 so my insurance would not ok me. It had to be over 40 to even be considered. SO...I am going to Mexico on June 6th for suregery. I have researched and researched and researched. I have even made sure friends and family researched. I feel good about my decision to go there but can let you know more when I get back. Feel free to get back in touch with me if you have any questions.

Good luck!

May 26, 2005

Thanks for the wonderful support already! You all are GREAT!

My BMI is over 40...actually 40.3 I think, and I'm pretty sure I would qualify, but I just worry that I would miss school, and I need to be enrolled full time to be covered by the insurance.

How much work/school/whatever did you guys miss when you had the surgery? And, was it difficult going back?

Thanks again!

sandie1958 · May 26, 2005

lins12

what insurance do you have? sandie

Zoe · June 2, 2005

Hi Mistic -- Most of us miss just a week or so of work/school. Some people are feeling frisky after just a day or two, some need two weeks or more, but one week seems to be about average. So if you could time your surgery between quarters or semesters, you wouldn't have to miss a single class!

While it must have been awful getting that e-mail from your mother, she might have inadvertently have done you a favor since her message led you to research the band. Check out the coverage on your parents' policies; you just might qualify for full payment of the surgery in the US.

Good luck, and welcome to LBT from someone who went to Mexico and had a great surgeon.

Marimaru · June 2, 2005

I had my surgery in Mexico. Surgery in Friday, fly home Monday, work on Tuesday. I have a desk job, so it's way different than shuffling around for classes, which I might have waited a full week for if I was in school.

DtDtKty · June 3, 2005

Hi Mistic...Glad you have joined us. I would definitely try to see if you can be covered under your parents' insurance before considering Mexico. I was banded in Mexico and it was fine, but I would have much preferred to have been banded in the US and not have to currently be searching for follow-up care. Best of luck to you and keep researching and asking questions.