Bandlam

After a year I finally got my intial visit with the Surgeon. I can't believe how hard and tendious it was just to get qualified to talk. My appointment is for next tuesday and I'm very anxious, but ready to see him. I thought a second poem would be fitting for such an occassion. It's called... THE WAIT I waited all my life for things to happen... for my mom to give birth to me, so I could see what this world was really like. for my sister to stop reminding me of how fat I've become, and how miserable my life would be. I waited for that one guy to love me and be proud to be seen with me. I waited for the encouraging talks from co-workers, but got laughs behind my back. I waited for my doctor to talk to me about my weight, but all I got was more and more medication perscriptions and a request for monthly visists. I waited for my heart to stop one day, because the fat had finally surrounded it, and then I cried. Because, at that very time I realized that I had waited almost too long. I can't wait any longer, the time is now, I have to react or my coffin will be waiting to be lowered into the ground. Wake Up and Realize that the Wait Has to End Someday. Why not make it today. Love yourself, take care of yourself, and believe in yourself, because you were worth the wait. -Prebander :hurray:

:faint: I'm new to this process and just to qualify is an ordeal. My insurance company requires that I diet for another 6 months under my doctors watchful eye. I've been dieting for 3 years now! Don't the insurance companies understand that diets alone don't work. Is anyone else out there having a difficult time with the qualification process? -Prebander Current weight 264lbs

I'm very new to this pre LapBand Surgery method ordeal. I decided that I just can't lose the weight through diet and exercise alone. I've tried everything from A to Z and nothing worked longterm. I was told that I have to go on a Doctor supervised weightloss diet for 6 months before I can be referred to a Bariatric Consultant. I may not have the surgery until the end of the year or longer. Why does it take so long especially when your health is at risk if you gain more weight? :bored

I am curious if anyone out there have Health Net Insurance and have ran into difficulty with qualifying for the Lap Band Surgery. Whether you've had a good experience or not so good, please let me know. I'm deciding whether to stick with them or try another approach. I'm dealing with increased health problems due to recent weight gain while waiting through the long qualification process. -Prebander:help:

As I go through my prequalification phase, I have had time to reflect on what has lead me to where I am today in my life. I love poetry, so I thought I would share this poem I wrote to help inspire me and hopefully others in the Stuggle. My Struggle At eighteen, A Doctor looked me in the eyes and told me if I don't do something about it now, I would Struggle later. I held a tear back as hard as I could. I wanted to tell him about the pain of seeing women abused, men reduced from alchohol abuse, children left alone to watch themselves, but I stayed silent. My Mom struggled, My Daddy did too. My Sisters fought if off as long as they could, but now it has taken over them like the flu. I wanted to tell The Doctor about the two week starvation diet that almost ended my life because of the teasing and pain that cut through my soul like a knife. I was only sixteen. The loneliness I held inside as my weight fluctuated up and down, up and down, up, up, and up. food became the eneny. Meals became a chore that I must endure. Over the years I thought about how easy it was to blame Mom, Dad, The Pain, The Doctors, The Children, The Men, and eventually taking full ownership was my Sin. As I walked down the street, I was either looked at or looked away in disgust. Or, maybe I just felt that way. Beating myself up was always easy. The fried chicken I ate in private to hide the pain was greasy. I have decided Enough is Enoough! I'm ready to Give Up!!! To give up the Junk Food Runs, the Endless Hours of Sitting Down, The Health Problems, The Swollen Limbs, The Denials, The Blame Game, The Hatred, The miracle Diet pills, The Yo-Yo Dieting, The Late Night Bindge Eating, and most important... The Struggle. From this day forwarded I will take charge of me. I will be in the driver's seat. I will make a change despite what has been placed before me. I now see. The Doctor was right, I did Struggle. But he never told me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel where we can find our way. JUST LOVE YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE AND HANG IN THERE FOR JUST ONE MORE DAY!:clap2: Good Luck, Prebander

Hi hford, Your lucky to have to go through only 12-weeks of a supervised diet. My Health insurance insist on 6 months. I've lost a few pounds so far, but as to what I understand, it is expected and okay. I suppose they want to see if you are capable of following a diet plan, sticking with it. The weight loss will help when you eventually when you have the surgery. Also keep in mind that any kind of surgery is risky. Therefore, if you can lose the weight and keep it off through diet and exercise, then thats more desirable. Prebander

Good for you Tracey, Keep up the fight!!!! I'm proud of you. -Prebander

I am in the medically supervised weight loss diet phase of the qualification process and I have been following low sodium diet my doctor insisted on and basically eating as close to natual foods as possible. Too my surprise I have lost about 5 lbs, however I still have 125 more to go. I am afraid the weight loss will hurt my chances to qualify for the surgery which I believe will permanantly help me. Should I be worried? I'm in need of some advice.:help: Thanks, -Prebander

bethlarry, I'm in the same situation with my HMO (HealthNet). They require the same 6 month diet. I talked with my Doctor and he issist that due to the complications from the surgeries the medical industry had to start becoming more strict on who they allow to have it done. The 6-month diet is to weed out those who just need a little medical supervision to lose weight. Also, once you jump through all of those hoops, you will learn to appreciate the lap band and respect it. -Prebander

Tracy, Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I'm sure you would be very happy with the results. I will be on pins and needles waiting to hear about your lastest update. I In the meantime I do have a question for you. In one of your replies you mentioned that you did not have to go on a supervised 6 month diet. I'm on one now and it sucks being told I have to wait an additional 6 months due to my insurance company rules. How did you manage to avoid it? -Prebander

I'm jumping through alot of hoops too. I would much rather get it over with and start losing the weight now. I expressed this to my Doctor and he told me that it is best to wait and rule everything possible out. Surgery is a big step that should not be taken lightly. I've been obese for years, so waiting for things is the story of my life. Stay Strong -Prebander

The poem was intensly personal, but I felt I needed to share these words to help me and others out there who struggle everday with their weight and are in need of a solution. We will win! :confused: Thanks for your support -Prebander

Thanks Marcy, I't feels great knowing that someone is embarking on this journey with me at the same time. Please let me know about your progress and I will do the same.:confused: -Prebander

Thanks ds, Your luck to have had such a great insurance company and doctor available. My doctore means well, but he knows nothing about treating obesity. I plan on switching HMO next Dec maybe to Kiaser Hospital. I think I could get more help there. Congrats!, and let me know of you progess in the coming months, so I will know what to expect. -Prebander

I'm surprised you got banded at 195 lbs and that it took such a short time to qualify. I'm being told It may take me almost a year. What type of insurance do you have, or did you pay for it yourself? -Prebander Current weight 264