Mimi1980

Thank you Christina, eyewonder and cnewme Eyewonder, it's like you know exactly what's in my heart. I've been struggling with my weight my whole life, but it wasn't until 3 years ago that I really started feeling like this was a life or death situation. I had other things going on health wise so surgery was not an option then. Now that my neurological health has stabilized some --- it is finally the right time. I know I NEED to do this because nothing else has worked. I just wish that I could have made the decision then have the surgery within the same week. That way I'd have less time to doubt my decision. Thank you all for your advice and wisdom. I will keep going through my appointments and hopefully by the time I'm approved and have a surgery date, I'll be at peace with my decision. I really love this forum.

Welcome acting nurse! I haven't been on this site long, but I already love it. The great folks here are so knowledgeable and are a great source of inspiration. Good luck with your journey! I just had my first consult today and I spent the bulk of my break today making the doctor's appointments my surgeon told me to make. I'm all set with all except the nutritionist and the pulmonary specialist. My advice re: the insurance is to print out a copy of your carrier's bariatric policy, read through them carefully and write down any questions you have thereafter. HTH P.S. I'm 5'11 and 340 lbs.

Hi all! My name is Mimi. I am 31 from NYC. I have been overweight, obese or now morbidly obese my whole life. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease after having several "mini strokes.". I have endured countless evasive tests as well as a brain bypass so I'm not about to let my weight kill me. It's time I get serious about my health so I can live the long happy life I was meant to. I am scheduled to see a Bariatric surgeon next week, so I am still very early in the process, but I have my mind made up -- I want the band. I decided on the band because of the short recovery process as I hope to be able to return to work within one week. One thing that worries me is the insurance process. I have Oxford United Healthcare. Does anyone have experience in dealing with them?

Good luck to the both of you!

Thank you! If I wasn't so fat, I'd be doing cartwheels right now lol Good luck with your consult!

Had my first consult today with Dr. Bonheur today! I am very excited. Even though my BMI is 47 and I could be a candidate for any of the WLS options, the doctor said that due to my other medical problems, the lap band is indeed the correct choice. More great news -- my insurance company doesn't require the 6 month diet, do as soon as I see the nutritionist, psych and all the other doctors, I should be good to go. I feel like this is meant to be. I know it will be hard work, but I'm up to the challenge. The two week diet prior to the surgery is sure to be a challenge. Any advice from those of you who recently went through it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

I was on Weight Watchers from 2009 to 2011 and failed miserably. I canceled my account, do you think my records may still be online? I've never had experience with my insurance company making it difficult for me because I've only ever had to deal with neurologists and neurosurgeons so everything got green lighted with ease. It's funny though that they make us jump through hoops for something that will essentially help them save money in the long run. I first started feeling bad about my weight in 2009 when I got diagnosed with moyamoya. A brain bypass is the only effective treatment for it and the neurosurgeon at Yale was scared to operate on me because of my weight. I am not an emotional person, but that made me have a serious breakdown. I literally cried for weeks. I felt like I basically signed my own death certificate because I allowed myself to get THIS fat and it was keeping me from a life saving operation. It was really my lowest point. It worked out in the end though. I found the best surgeon at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston (out of network, but my insurance company made some concessions for me) and I'm still alive today. Everything happens when it is supposed to happen so if I have to do the 6 month diet, I will because that is how it's meant to be. If I am serious about improving my quality of life, I have to start now.

Your weight loss is an inspiration! Congratulations and enjoy that cruise!

My first appointment is Tuesday and I am so nervous. The main thing I need to find out from the doctor is if I would still be able to drink the 4 liters of Water I am required to take in due to my other condition. It's nonnegotiable especially during the summer. We're you nervous going into your first appointment? What questions did you ask?

I'm not telling anyone until the insurance approves it. Then I will tell my mom and one of my sisters and swear her to secrecy. When I get to my goal I may tell others, but only if they ask. I used to be one of the people who thought that getting WLS was taking the "easy" way out, but I realized that is far from the truth. From all the research I've done, I gather that the band requires hard work with watching what I eat and exercise. I commend you guys and dolls who have reached your goals and continue to fight for your health daily. I agonized over my decision for two years and I'm finally at the point where I'm sure. I did not ask one person in my life for advice because ultimately I am the one who must live with my decision for better or for worse.

Hi! My first appointment is May 8th as well! It was supposed to be April 25th, but the office had a problem confirming my referral. Good luck!