Hello from DFW

WendyDawnn · November 28, 2008

I've been reading this website for more than three years, and have never posted (sad, huh?). Both of my sisters are banded, and I am finally joining the banding world this coming Monday, Dec 1. I am thrilled.. and a little ready to be off the pre-op Optifast diet. (Happy Thanksgiving to me LOL)

It's been a LONG journey getting here - my oldest sister couldn't get insurance to cover her band, so she borrowed the money and had it done in April of 2005. She got down to a size 4 - and was not so healthy looking, she was too thin. She has gained back about, I don't know, 20? 30? pounds now, and really looks a lot better. Her overall loss was 104 lbs, I believe.

My middle sister really didn't need LapBand for weight loss, but for medical reasons - she had a problem with liver enzymes, her doctor recommended it, she could not get insurance due to her health problems, and had it done in Mexico around the same time as my oldest sister. She is thin as a rail, and admits to being anorexic for some time.

Of the three of us, I am the one who has always needed the LapBand the most. However, I had to prove to myself that I could do it, that I could use the band as the TOOL that it is, and not use it to boost my self esteem, or as I have seen on other posts here, expect it to change my life for me, and ultimately achieve failure. I began my serious journey on March 28, 2008, beginning the 6-month doctor monitored weight loss program through TLC Edge, to appease Cigna's guidelines (though I knew they still "exclude" bariatric surgery, but there was a loophole I was targeting). Through that program, I lost 65 pounds, and proved to myself I could do it.

After completing the six-month period, I started my search for how to jump through the loophole - long story short, some well received advice from a co-worker, and Dr. David Kim's office staff's expertise, Cigna did not hesitate to approve my surgery, and I'm on the schedule for Monday.

Though I have a feeling any success I have with LapBand will, in fact, further my boost in self-esteem, the loss I have achieved so far has really done a lot for me. But it's not my ultimate goal: my goals are simple - to get healthy (I love bike riding, yet my bike sits in the garage with flat tires from lack of use), and to be able to walk through Target or Walmart (aka any store that is NOT super expensive and only for "voluptuous" women) and buy clothing off the rack there - not spending SO much money on silly clothes! (I bet I have more than $3,000 hanging in my closet, and almost nothing I want to wear.)

Anyway, I'm looking forward to being one of the Banded... Good luck to all on your own personal journey!

Wendy

MissBS · November 30, 2008

Hi Wendy. What a wonderful post. It sounds like you are VERY ready for your surgery and I wish you lots and lots of luck!! Congratulations on getting your procedure approved by an insurance company that excludes bariatric surgery - you could probably make lots of money and many friends if you taught a class on that :thumbup: Good for you!!! I'm sure you will be riding that bike soon and cruising the aisles of the stores that you want to shop in. I had my surgery done in Texas and I am feeling so good and so happy. If you have any questions or just want to talk - I'm here. I'd love to hear how your surgery goes and stay in touch. We are in this together. I know you will do well. I'll be thinking about you Monday!! Good luck!!! Becky

luluc · November 30, 2008

hi wendy,

just wanted to wish you the best on your upcoming surgery.

your post was lovely - you sound ready for the "trip"....all the best,

lu~

PontiacMan · November 30, 2008

Just wanted to send my best wishes on your upcoming surgery Monday. Sounds like you are more than ready for this.:thumbup: I was just banded last Monday. The day after was my toughest day but definately tolerable. Two days after I was up and about and feeling good. You'll breeze right through it!! Take care and keep in touch. We are all rooting for you....Bill