This intro actually started out as a comment in another thread that I decided to post here instead, so bear with me if it's a bit convoluted.

I just recently came to this decision, and it's been OK so far, but I'm not telling a bunch of people.

My husband isn't thrilled, also thinks I am taking the 'easy' way out. I have been pretty anti-WLS in the past, I've seen too many gastric bypass friends with problems and regaining issues. I don't know anyone else who's done the band, so I don't have anyone to ask about that specifically.

In my past, I have been heavily into the fat-acceptance/BBW movement, so I don't have many people I can talk to about this. I don't plan on telling many people. Friends have seen me yo-yo over the years, just as they have done, and that seems to be OK, but as a whole they come down pretty hard against WLS. Believe it or not, my job (even though I'm self-employed) sort of revolves around being a BBW and supporting BBW, so that may come crashing around my head too.

I just know as I get older I am starting to see negative effects of my weight, and it's getting harder and harder to try to take it off the 'normal' way. My hips and feet hurt. I can't run and play with my kids they way they want me to. I don't have any clothes other than my husband's clothes and my maternity clothes that fit me.

I'm done.

It's easy for me to eat healthy foods. I can easily forgo the fried foods and the sweets. What I can't do is portion control. I can't leave food - any food - on my plate. I eat too fast and too much.

Right now, I'm technically healthy. I don't have diabetes, or HBP, or sleep apnea. But I know that's not going to last much longer, and I'm willing to take on the sacrifices that the band entails in order to finally, hopefully, not be fat anymore.

My mom was initially not thrilled with the idea, but now she has actually offered to help me pay/get financed if getting approved my insurance doesn't pan out.

My best friend of 15 years has also decided, independently, to take this same step. I'm hoping that we can start the process together and help each other along the way. I fully expect some pitfalls along the way, but I hope against hope that the band will help me do what I seem to be unable to do on my own.

I am currently at between 41 and 42 BMI (maybe between 40 and 41 depending on if they take me as 5'6" or 5'7"), 254#.

I am hoping to start the approval process next month after my new insurance kicks in. I know I'll have to do at least a 3 month doctor-supervised program before I can get approval, so I'm eager to get the ball rolling on it.

I don't have 2 years medical history. I think I can get 'official' weights sent in from my midwife and my PCP for the last couple of years, but I wasn't over 40 BMI then --- over 35 for sure, but not over 40.

Here's hoping I can get it approved via insurance. Otherwise I get to put the equivalent of another car payment into my tight budget, but it will be worth it even if I have to take that route.

Anyways -- Hi! I'm finding this forum really informative, and making notes of lots of things to ask my band doctor (I hope to be able to go through Dr. Ganta in Austin, and have my fingers crossed that I'm a good candidate for the trans-umbilical SILS surgery).

Edited October 22, 200916 yr by CurvyCat
typo

Hi CC -- great to see you on here! That sounds like a tough situation with the work issue, but you really don't have to tell anyone about your surgery if you don't want to. In fact, I think you are smart to keep it to a few people, especially at first.

Today is my one year bandiversary!! It's been a fantastic year, and I have been enjoying life with the band and am so happy to be 63 pounds down. . only 12 from goal! I'm wearing size 12 now, whereas I was at 16W/1X/20 when I started. My feet and back no longer hurt, and so many other good changes have happened as well. You have a lot to look forward to!

Best wishes,

Catherine

Hi there! On the insurance stuff, don't stress too much. I was missing a few years in my medical history but I wrote a letter pleading my case and got approved on the first try. I just had my surgery last Tuesday. I'm also from Texas. Where abouts are you from?

Hi CC -- great to see you on here! That sounds like a tough situation with the work issue, but you really don't have to tell anyone about your surgery if you don't want to. In fact, I think you are smart to keep it to a few people, especially at first.

Today is my one year bandiversary!! It's been a fantastic year, and I have been enjoying life with the band and am so happy to be 63 pounds down. . only 12 from goal! I'm wearing size 12 now, whereas I was at 16W/1X/20 when I started. My feet and back no longer hurt, and so many other good changes have happened as well. You have a lot to look forward to!

Best wishes,

Catherine

Thanks so much! I'm getting more and more eager to get the process started. Who'd have thought that after all these years of being fat, that I'd be in such a rush now!

I'll probably be antsy through the whole pre-diet process, but at least with that I should have a general idea of whether or not I'm going to be approved. It's the waiting to have insurance at all that's driving me crazy right now. hehehe

Hi there! On the insurance stuff, don't stress too much. I was missing a few years in my medical history but I wrote a letter pleading my case and got approved on the first try. I just had my surgery last Tuesday. I'm also from Texas. Where abouts are you from?

I'm hoping it'll be smooth sailing with the insurance. It's a brand-new policy, but I got the benefits info from the company (as far as what's covered) and I meet all the criteria for qualifying.

Congrats on your surgery!!

I'm in Austin... where in TX are you?