Welcome to Peeling Off the Layers!

This is my blog about my weight loss journey with the help of the LapBand. I have been on this website for several days prior to posting anything and have gained so much knowledge and inspiration from my fellow bandsters. I hope this blog can be as motivational and encouraging as those I have read.

A little bit about me, I have struggled with my weight for the last 18-20 years - yes, since I was eight or ten years old. I discovered early on, much like my counterparts, that I am an emotional eater. If I'm happy, I eat. Sad, donuts are there to comfort me. Angry?! There's a food for that too. Couple this with the fact that I've also dealt with depression for 8 years and its no wonder that I'm a good candidate for LapBand!

Understanding and recognizing that I use food as a crutch was the first step on my journey. You know what they say, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. It's more difficult to realize this when the emotions are not always bad... Now that I've come to terms with this aspect of my addiction I can find other, more healthy ways to deal with my emotions.

I began my LapBand journey with a certain other facility that is widely know here in AZ for offering the LapBand. After their seminar and financial consultation, I was told my insurance would cover it but I would need to fork over an additional $4k. This was 2 years ago, which at that time - and honestly now, $4k is not a feasible option. I heard a radio ad for True Results with payment options which naturally peaked my interest. I hesitate to admit that I was in the drive thru for Chik-fil-A at the time of hearing this... Ha Ha.

I contacted the True Results team in Scottsdale, AZ and set up my initial consultation. Cari Green, the patient advocate was phenomenal. She walked me thru the procedure and, having already contacted my insurance company, was able to go over approximately what it would cost out of pocket before surgery. The monetary difference was astounding! I would only have to pay my In Network deductible and could set up payment options with the surgeon, etc.!

Needless to say, with the financial burden out of the way, I underwent the necessary testing for heart and lungs THAT DAY! This all started on January 25, 2012.

I made the decision at the time to tell my parents, my greatest supporters, that I was going to try for the LapBand. After some initial hestitation, they were on board and became my biggest cheerleaders.

My insurance required that I have four monthly visits with the True Results team, have a proven history of obesity greater than 40 BMI for 2 years, complete the Psych Eval and Blood work. After I jumped through all the necessary hoops and the paperwork was submitted, I got approved!

Even before True Results had the opportunity to call me, my Bariatric Nurse Courtney from the insurance company called to congratulate me I have opted to participate in their support program through the insurance company as well in order to have just that much more accountability.

I know this was super long and I apologize, it was such a long time coming from January until June. In order to understand my blog, I felt the need to start from the beginning. I promise the coming entries will not be as long!