Ok, so here I go!!!!

Thought I'd start keeping some sort of record of my journey involving my decision to have Lapband surgery. I figure 6months from now when I want a piece of cake, I can look back and see what a pain in the butt it all was...that just might stop me! :wink2:

I've been thinking about weightloss surgery off and on over the last 2 years. I'm horrible about putting off minor decisions so it's no surprise that this one has taken so long. Initially, I considered RNY surgery (gastric bypass). I'm a horrible coward and am scared enough of this procedure, so I've decided against it.

One of my best friends has a RNY about 4-5years ago. She lost an amazing amount of weight within the first year or so (She ended up getting down to around 180lbs, from 400+) but lately things aren't going to well. She's back up to 300+lbs. :crying: I feel really sorry for her, she's even considering having the procedure re-done.

On the flip side another friend had Lapband surgery a little less then 4 years ago and is doing great (she has put on some weight, but she drinks a TON of milkshakes...). She is supposed to be scheduling a fill in the next few weeks to help her lose some excess weight (I think around 30lbs left for her) and I'm excited to see how that works out for her.

I attended the seminar in November, and was not too impressed. I actually made up my mind NOT to have WLS after attending. There seemed to be a lot of hidden charges (equalling 1300 PRE-surgery). The doctor's office I was looking in to actually required you even purchase your protien powder from them!!! It was insane.

My insurance (Aetna) requires a 90 day supervised diet plan before the approval process can begin (mine started 3/7/08). The former doctor's office did not file these appointments with insurance and required I pay the entire amount of pre-surgery visits out of pocker (including the psy exam). I felt that something was really wrong with the whole system.

So, about mid-February I started looking around for other doctor's and found one in Oklahoma City (I live in Norman, about 17miles south). It's a surgery group that does all types of bariatric surgeries. I was very excited to find out that my insurance covers all of the above!!!!

Now, I feel that I'm really one my way down a path that will actually lead somewhere! :thumbup:

I had my first appointment with the dietician on March 7th. She really didn't tell me much I didn't already know (I DO know what I'm SUPPOSED to eat), but I was glad I met with her. She did stress the importance of at least improving some habits (no sugar, bread etc) pre-surgery. After my appointment I stopped at McDonald's and had a bigmac meal super-sized (real smart huh?).

BUT I've finally decided to try and improve some eating habits before I see her again on April 18th. It's tough...I love bread, I love potatoes and I love sugar...obviously.

I bought some Lean Cuisines, some yogurt, fruits/veggies at the store Saturday night. I'm snacking a lot but at least it's on decent stuff (beef jerky, carrots etc) so I guess it could be a lot worse.

I'm just so damn hungry!!!

Tomorrow I have a sleep test to attend (not really looking foward to that) but I realize I need to be tested for sleep apnea especially before I am booked for surgery. Might as well get going now so I'm good and prepared when the time comes. If I need a CPAP machine, I'd rather spend the next few months getting used to it instead of finding out at the last minute sleep apnea is going to be an issue for me.

I'm kind of scared of all the test I'll need to have done before surgery (especially the chest xray) I smoke (trying to quit, ugh) so I'm a little worried. I just don't want anything to come between me and my surgery!!!

Ok, well I'm off for now...thanks for listening to my ramblings. I'll post tomorrow before I head off for the sleep study!!! :smile: