I weigh 263 lbs. My BMI is 48.2 depending on who's BMI calculator you use.

Whoa! That is INSANE! I've got to stop this madness.

I attended a lap band seminar at Texas Gastric Banding on Tuesday 9/27/11. The surgeon is Dr. Richard Wilkenfeld, and surgery is done at True Results in Houston. I got a call on Thursday 9/29/11 from TR saying my insurance, CIGNA will approve my surgery based on the information they gave me, however there are things that need to be done. I will be required to have 6 months of weight loss counseling, 1 nutrition counseling, a psych exam, and a letter of necessity from my primary care physician. I also have a pre-existing condition clause that expires Oct 31st. So, I have my first counseling on Nov 1st at TR that will include a nutritionist session. I do have a copay plus some deductible, so I will be upping my medical flex deduction next year.

I currently don't have diabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension. I do have unmedicated high cholesterol and acid reflux that is treated with Prilosec OTC. I have medically diagnosed bone loss, what my last doc diagnosed as Osteopenia or pre-Osteoporosis. I do have painful knees and ankles, and I did break my ankle in a fall last December. This excess weight is not helping.

The lap band is my choice, but I am hoping to combine it with gastric imbrication, referred to here as gastric plication.

Problem #1: No primary care physician. I did get a couple of recommendations from the surgeon, and have checked and found two are in network with my insurance. So I will call them and see which one fits my needs best.

Problem #2: My work insurance will renew, and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that they do not introduce an exclusion for bariatric surgery. If so, I'm toast.

I am hoping this surgery will give me what I need to lift me up and defeat my weight problems and my food addiction. This forum, youtube videos, and this blog will be great support and great therapy. I am so looking forward to sharing my journey with y'all.