Hi!

I'm in Arizona... Have been researching the band for quite a while now. Both my parents were banded in Michigan over the last several months! They are doing amazing... I guess you could say I got them on the "band wagon"

My insurance changed in January and it now covers lapband surgery. I'm finally at the point where they will be submitting my paperwork for insurance approval tomorrow!

A huge part of me a scared I wont get approved from some reason now that I am ready to take this step... And another part of me is scared of surgery and of FAILING yet again at getting control of my weight after the band.

I sooooo hope the paperwork goes through! Also, I'm glad this site is here...

Amanda

I think you will do fine. I was self-pay and was banded on February 25. I feel amazing. I've lost 23 pounds (in the week leading up to the surgery and the week since) and am feeling much more confident and energetic already. I am getting into the swing of exercise -- just walking right now -- and that has never been my priority. Perhaps I was just fortunate, but I had absolutely no problems. I was in the hospital at 7 a.m. and left for home by 3 -- and my surgeon was late getting started on me because of some other surgeries that ran over. I had absolutely no pain. Even at the hospital, it never registered more than a 3 on a 10-point scale. I took only one dose of pain meds and that was the first night. Even then, I did it only because I was afraid of waking up in pain. No problems with gas. No soreness. And so far, I have had no difficulties as I have adjusted to foods. I am just in mushies stage now, which I don't mind.

I say all of that only because I think that if I am having success -- and granted, it is still very early, but it looks like success so far -- anyone can. I've failed at every diet and have just gotten fatter and, at least to myself, more disgusting over the years.

Just take it a step at a time. Submit your request and see what happens.

All the best,

Shangefan