Hi, everyone I'm Betsy, and I'm a bandster-in-waiting. I've done the seminar, and am awaiting my appointment with Brian Lahmann at Silver Cross in Joliet, IL. While I am not yet 100% certain, I believe he and Dr. Joyce lean toward Realize banding for their banding patients; I will learn more on August 21. I am not yet sure whether I will be required to be followed preop with a medically supervised diet; our insurance plan has loosened its requirements for WLS, and I don't know where they currently stand. Either way, I'm ready, and willing to jump through whatever hoops necessary to get the show on the road!

I'm a long-time weight watcher (not just with that particular plan--but with every one under the sun). I require ridiculously few calories to maintain, and even fewer to lose, and am viewing the band as a tool to make the restriction tolerable. I have just over 100 pounds to lose.

On a less weight-related note, I've been married for 23 years to Mark, and have an almost-21-year-old daughter and almost-13-year-old son. I'm an RN who is now a science and health writer and instructor. I love to read, write, decorate, and entertain. I walk 3.5 miles with my "personal trainer" (3-year-old Lab-shepherd,Truman) each morning and, usually, every evening as well. I'm VERY motivated to get this weight off, primarily for pain relief purposes but also so that I feel like "me" again.

I look forward to getting to know everyone

Hi Betsy and welcome. Congratulations on your decision.

And good luck with all your "hoop jumping"!!

Betsy,

I'm also a "bandster in waiting". I have my nutrition, exercise, and mental health eval tomorrow. After that my paperwork should be sent in. I'm looking at the middle of August as a possible surgery date.

Good luck to you!

Leah