EllenH

About three years ago I attended a seminar for Lap-Band surgery and decided I wanted to do it.  Unfortunately, that organization did not take my insurance (Medicare with TriCare) so I put the thought on the back burner where it simmered for over two years.  In the summer of 2010 the husband of a friend was banded, and as I watched the weight melt off him and talked to him about his experience my desire to be banded was rekindled.  I started re-researching laproscopic gastric banding and decided on the program at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) - the same place my friend's husband had had his surgery.
My husband and I attended the informational seminar on March of 2011.  With my (slim) husband's committment to be my support person, driver, exercise buddy, and food cop, I had my first meeting with my surgeon on April 25, 2011.  Dr. Kandelwal and the staff at UWMC are knowledgable, well trained, listen well, and take the time to answer whatever quiestions I have.  "Dr. K" errors on the side of caution, insisting on additional tests when he finds something that is out of the normal range.  It can be frustrating, but I appreciate his and his staff's thoroughness.  I feel comfortable and confident with them overseeing my care.
My worst fear was that I might be rejected because of my age (67).  Fortunatly, neither the surgeon nor my insurance seemed to think that my age should prohibit me from loosing weight and living a healthier, more active life.
I am currently in the middle of my three week pre-surgery diet.  It's hard, - very hard.  I've been hungry and I've not been perfect, but I managed to lose seven pounds the first week of it.  Yea, me!
August 17th is my scheduled surgery date and my new b'day (band day).  I am excited, along with being a bit nervous.  After all, this is a huge life-style change.  However with the help of my team - husband, family, and the UWMC team - I have every confidence that next year at this time you will see quite a bit less of me.