Dutchtraveller

Hi Kiki, The complete process from my GP to the actual lap band operation took me about 5 months. But I live in The Netherlands so things are probably a lot different between here and the US. I hope that you will know more soon, good luck with the wait! Greetzzzz

Amen to that Birinak, Amen to that

Great article! Thanks for the link, got some good tips. Will get banded in two days. Greetzzz from Amsterdam! Kim

Great voice-over, good clear dependable sound. The ad is quite long and I think it might be hard for some people to stay focused on it while driving etc etc. I'd maybe add a 10-15 sec cut-down to get the message across. Greetzzz,

Hi There, My name is Kim and I'm a 36 yr old man from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I am 6.1 and my weight is 341. After years of trying to convince myself that I was happy "just the way I was" my weight gain seemed unstoppable. Just like most of you I am very familiar with the "Fat is back with a vengeance" story. Sometimes my wife would tell me that I stopped breathing in my sleep, I thought she was nuts. Maybe she didn't listen good enough... I surely didn't think there was anything wrong. Ok, I lack energy and have been fighting panic/anxiety attacks for a few years. But I guessed that the low energy had to do with being morbidly obese. But my wife kept pushing the subject and I had it checked out. Of course she was right (a nasty habit that wifes seem to have, LOL) and it turned out that I have severe sleep apnea, AHI 68. That was quite the shock! I tell ya, it was scary to wait for my CPAP machine that would help me breath. Three weeks I had to wait for the CPAP, knowing that there are people out there that die in their sleep because of apnea. From that moment on I couldn't lie to myself anymore. I've known for a long time that my big body isn't that comfortable anymore. The feeling of relieve when I sit down after a few hours of shopping. Putting on my socks while holding my breath. Sitting down on the floor to fix something, OMG. Run to catch a bus to the citycenter is an absolute no no (Amsterdam city center is not as car friendly as most places in the US). I realized more than ever that I had to do something. I've had my weight steady at around 340 for about two years. The doctor from the hospital where I was tested for sleep apnea advised me to think about talking to the obesity clinic connected to the hospital. She explained that a lap band could really help me out. That planted the seed. It took me a while to get ready for this decision but in early January I went to my GP to get a referral for the obesity clinic. It's insurance policy over here to get this referral. I got an invitation for a seminar with eight other people. Nothing new to learn there... I already found all that information on-line. Then you have to go through a screening. A morning filled with meetings with; a dietitian, a physical therapist, a psychologist and a GP. These people have full authorization from my insurance company. They will decide if I'm eligible for a lap band. And when they give the Ok, I do not have to request permission from my insurance. So that saves a LOT of work, good system! Now I'm at the point where I'm waiting for their decision, it could take up to eight weeks (no idea why this stuff has to take so damn long) but I'm already four and a half weeks in so... fingers crossed! I hope to get my band before the summer and start a new phase of my life! So now you know my story. I'm glad that I will now be part of this very supportive community! I've got your back! All the way from Holland!! Greetzzz, Kim

I'm sure you will be fine! Just a few more days and you'll be ready to start your new life. Think of all the things that you want to accomplish. Keep that positive image in mind when you get nervous. Keep us posted! Greetzzz, Kim

Hey Ruben, I was just wondering how things are coming along with just one more day to go. I'd suggest to make a new post with the title "Help me get a lap band with one click!" and put your story on there. Because this post doesn't really invite people to help you out brother. One day can get you a LOT of votes! Go for that last sprint, I'm in your corner! Greetzzz, Kim

@PaleoKris: I think that doctors and insurance companies should think ahead. It doesn't make any sense to say 'you don't have any co-morbidities yet so we won't pay for the band". Such a dumb-ass thing to say! So you have to wait until you get worse? Because most of us know how to loose weight but we end up regaining all the weight and then some. But we do have the same issues over here. If you're not approved by the specialists then the insurance companies over here will also turn you down. So even with our insurance system, there are those who will have to pay for themselves. I think they go by international regulations: BMI of 40 and up or a BMI of 35 with co-morbidities. I'm glad to hear that you enjoy Amsterdam so much. Did you experience Queensday yet? @Birinak: Thanks for the advise! I think it will be April/May for us. We were planning to see Montreal as well, drive up there from Toronto. And of course see the Niagara falls.. got to see that! I can't wait to get to Vancouver. We'll be going to Whistler to see some snowy mountains as well... it is close to Christmas time then so that must me a great atmosphere. I'm glad to hear that Belgium gave your family a safe place to live and I hope you will get to see it soon. You'll love Antwerpen (city of diamonds, so bring cash! LOL) and I also love Brugge and Gent. But there are countless nice places! Greetzzz, Kim

@PaleoKris: So cool you moved to Amsterdam, I hope you like it out here. Such a big step to move to the other side of the world. I can imagine that a 33 hour trip is not at all appealing when you'd have a problem. When it comes to hospitals in Amsterdam I'd suggest the VU hospital (Vrije Universiteit) or the AMC (Amsterdam Medisch Centrum). Those are really good when it comes to all round care. Because of my insurance and my Obesity Clinic my surgery will be at the St. Lucas Andreas Hospital in Amsterdam. They have several bariatric specialists. I'm so ready for the band, but.. I'll have to wait for the specialists to give the all clear insurance-wise.. that part sucks! Great to hear it's done you so much good. @Lady_Dragyn: You have excellent geek credentials! The pictures on the SCA website look amazing! And now I see where your nickname has found it's origin, nice! I know that we have some very active groups in Europe as well but over here in The Netherlands it's really hard to find the place to have the really big events. Those are being organized in the surrounding countries like the UK or Germany. They have some amazing countryside and beautiful castles, you'd love it! Portland seems like a really nice area. There is still so much to discover for me in the US. I've only traveled trough NY, NJ and CA so far.. all with their very own vibe and amazing people. I've got a lot more traveling to do, LOL! @Birinak: Thank you so much for your kind words! Belgium is also an amazing country, I love visiting over there. So cool that you have family over here. A lot of Dutch people moved to Canada at the end of World War II and our countries (as well as the USA) have something of a special bond because of WWII. You guys saved our asses big time! For years now Canada has been on my "OMG I just have to go there" list. And in December my dream is finally coming true! My wife and I will have our 12,5 year anniversary in December (married for three years) and we will be visiting Vancouver early December. I'm soooo looking forward to that! My wife wanted to go to Toronto but I wanted to see Vancouver first, and I won... this time, LOL. You are a Torontonian, when is the best time of year to visit Toronto? And... how did you come by the name Birinak... that's a beautiful name

Me too. I'm not nearly as smart as the characters but I'm one of those multiple Discovery Channel addicts, read popular science magazines and such... used to be in technical support.... so I too qualify as a bit of a geek, LOL The characters are so well written and the witty dialog is amazing. You just gotta love them So where are you on this globe, you're from the US?

I know what you mean, it's an amazing community. From one newbie to the other... Welcome! Are you a bandster already or are you in the process somewhere like me? Greetzzz, Kim

Thank you so much Meekie. So you're in Germany... that makes us neighbors! Well..almost anyways. I see on your Ticker that you have done amazing with your band since 2008, congratulations on that!

You're welcome This community provides me with so much information and it strengthens my motivation, I'm happy to be here. I see you are a Big Bang Theory fan, me too... they started the series about three months ago over here. I love that show! Greetzzz, Kim

Thanks for the warm welcome Lady Dragyn! I hope you are doing great at around 3 weeks post. I'll check out your messages and see how you've been doing so far. Lol @ the crossed toes! Greetzzz, Kim

Hey dude, Just wanted to let you know I voted for you. I'm just about the same size as you and I can't wait to get started. Our system is different over here so I'm lucky enough to have insurance... I'm just waiting to get permission. I think nobody should be denied the chance to become healthy. I hope you win the band! Keep us posted! Greetzzz from Amsterdam! Kim

Congratz Luke! That is awesome! I see you've got quite a head start on your weight loss, well done!! I'm sure that if you can pull that off you will be very successful when you have the band to support you! Greetzzz, Kim