eljmom

Well, this was a long ride made short. Some may have read, we found out last night that our new insureance plan had an exclusion for WLS, so my DH said, lets just pay for it. :clap2: You can imagine how happy I was. SO, I called my Dr. today and I have my Pre-op on May 14th and Banding on May 17th. May has always been a good month for me. Meet my DH on May 97, had 2 of my 2 babies in May 03 and May 05. May 17th - Lap Band and May 25th - NovaSure. BIG MONTH for mom. After 8 years of thinking about others, it is my turn. I turned 40 in March. You get the picture. When I hung up with the Coordinator, I had a moment of 'OH DEAR.. this is going to really happen.' NERVES hit me. All 3 of my kids were C-sections, so surgery does not scare me. In fact, I opted for the over night, just so I can get 1 night out of the house to really sleep. (I am hoping for some good drugs to help with that.) YIPPEE.. Thanks everyone for all the wonderful words, both good and bad. It's nice to hear real stories from real people and that is who we all are. We are the Real People. The Majority, as statistics will tell you. I know this is the beginning, a do over, of a healther me. I know some that have done this and the forgot what it was like for those that have issues with weight, I hope that I will never forget, and use this time and knowledge to help others find a way to make it happen for them. You get in a hole and dark hole. A comfort hole and it looks like it will never get better, but it can. It's too late.. I gotta go try to sleep. Be in touch soon.. and soon to be amoung the Banded!!!

7 lbs to go. YOU ROCK chick. We are the same in starting wait. I am hopeful to be at where you are at in the same time frame. Looks like you did it the right way..

Thanks HarleyGirl. These boards are wonderful. If I would have foudn these boards a year ago, I would have been banded by now. Glad I found everyone here. Thanks for the support!! I am to have my Psyc. appt this week. Then Preop on May 14th. I hear people talk about Preop diet, when does that start. My coordinator said nothing about that. I have been attempting to try and start the liquids so that I am ready when I have too. Give me the strengh to do that. My closets, attic and garage will be spotless by the time I get to solids. Cleaning is one of those things I do with I get anxious. It passes the time. I will need to do that when I am sitting at this computer working and start those cravings. That will be the hard part. I work from home and on the computer ALL DAY for it. I usually eat here. This is my comfort spot and the kitchen is only through the hall, past the playroom and theirs the frig. Help.... That is where I will need it. Got any ideas??? :help:

I can understand the principle issues. I am so upset with insureance. They are just like a Home warrenty, they would pay for preventative measures, but once you or your house is broken, they will pay more to have ti fixed. Don't make sence. And we wonder why cost keep going up. It's a scam. That's why I am self pay.. it will cost so much more, but it's on my terms and I wont have to worry about all the other health issues and meds in the future. Good Lick with your journey.

DutchGrl... that is so funny. I am an eBayer too. I haven't looked for clothes yet. I think I will wait a while before I start going the shopping. I sew, so I have decided as pounds are coming off, I will sew up the waist on all my lovely elastic waist band gouchos and pants until I can walk into Ann Taylor and buy something off the rank. And I'm not talking Sale rank. At that point, my DH isn't gonna know what to say at my CC bills. Guess I should go easy on him till we pay off the LapBand. I look at life a bit different know, I know I will be able to handle the heat at the soccer games next season. I will be able to chase my youngest one around and worry about how the booty is shakin'. I am addicted to Diet Coke. I have been starting the liquid thing to see how I handle it mentally, so I have been drinking lots of Water. I tried a Diet COke tonight with dinner and it just didn't have that same "TaDaa". That is a good thing. Especially since I have to say ByeBye to them in a few weeks. Now that I dont have the 6 month Diet ahead of me, why wait on the weight to start going off. I hope we can keep in touch. I am sure we will be going through the same issues, since we are days apart. Of course, you are first, so you can let me know what to expect on a daily basis. HA HA. Take care of you.

My date with the Dr. is May 17th 1pm. :clap2: I can not wait to be Banded with you all. Whats the saying,, " April showers bring May flowers" I can 't wait to see how we all blossom in to lovely Flowers by Fall. Good luck to everyone!! We can share our experiences and trails together. We are our best support. Banded Together Forever!!

Devana and MEW, Thank you much for your reply. This has been an interesting day. I went to Target today and I actually strolled though the normal clothes, thinking, humm.. someday in the near future, I will get into that cute LITTLE skirt. I actually smiled. I have not felt that way about the otherside of aisle in YEARS.. I think since I was 25 and could wear those sizes. It will be a long stroll to the other side of the aisle, but I am ready for it. It is my off season at work, so by the time the stress of the new hockey season gets here, I will be in much better shape to handle the blood pressure issues. Who knows, maybe there won't even be any of those issues. . I should get some sleep, my son has hockey practice very early in the AM... :notagree Thanks again and stay in touch.

Very interesting. Guess I asked the wrong question. I never did figure it all out. Maybe others didn't either. HUMMMM...

I just got a notice that I have 11 points for a Reputation. What does that mean? Thanks.. still new here Carrie

WOW Krystal, I so needed to read this today. You stated all of the concerns that I have played over in my head. I work from home and it so easy to wonder in the kitchen. Hearing all this really puts alot into perspective. Thank you so much. My hubby just received an offer he can't turn down and we read last night, that WLS is not covered, so I made the call this morning to set up an appointment ASAP. WE are going Self Pay. So, instead of waiting for the 6 month diet, I will be getting it done faster. I am getting nervous and scared. You know, doubting myself. I had to promised my DH that along with this Band, I will get a counselor and see them on a regular bases to help me with the head issues as well. Family stuff, everyone has a story about a bad childhood. Based on my own survey, the majority of my overweight friends all have issues with past family ghost. I am glad to hear your story, seems that all we read is all the success stories of how much everyone has lost. It is nice to know that their are those that did not succeed at first, but that you can turn it around and make it better. Just stick to your plan and ask for help on here. So far, as I have read over the past few, most everyone is here for us all. I have said this before on this forum and I will say it you. I read this somewhere and it was stuck. Now that I am self pay, I can start adapting it to the life, (since I dont have to pretend to diet and prove I can't do this) " Nothing taste as good as Thin feels." Thanks again and Good Luck!!!

So once you have reputatuion point, how to do you determine if it was good or bad. My looking at someones post, can you tell what their reputation is? Thanks for the info....

Well, it is official!! My husband will be taking a job in Houston. We live in the Dallas area, in our dream life and will up rooting and moving to Houston in about 12 to 18 months. 18, if I have anything to say about it. We received the Insurance info and guess what... they have an exclusion for Lap Band. I cried instantly. After another long talk with him, he has given me the go to 'Self Pay' and get this journey started NOW. I am so excited, I actually see a light... I know this will be rough and very tough, but I will be in a much better spot, both emotionally and physically to take on the pressures that will come over the next 18 months, with this HUGE problem behind me. >> Ha Ha.. no pun intended. Bad news, made good!!! :clap2: :clap2: The Journey has begun for sure.

Thanks everyone. I am so excited!!! I have made the call and am waiting on the call back. I have been working on this for a while and it seemed not tangible, got to admit, I am nervous now. WOW.. I could be on my way in a few weeks. WOW :faint: Nice to know there is a support system in this site that helps with all those questions and stories that will keep you going. I can see why eveyone is so good at staying active on this site. I hope to one day be the same support system for others the way some of your post have been for me. YIPPEEE!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Thank you JosieB for your replay... I had a huge break through last night!!!!!! We (my DH and I) are being flown to Houston on Tuesday to see the town. In looking at their indurance plan, they have an exclusion for WLS. SO, you know what that means. We talked most the night and decided that this was important enough to get on this ASAP, so we will Self Pay and be on my journey sooner than the 6 month diet road block. I am so happy to know that in 18 months, when we have to officially relocate to Houston, I will be the me that I see in the mirror. :clap2: I know the journey will be a long one, but I am confident that with the support on these pages and the great Bandsters that I will meet, it will be successful. Funny isn't it. We struggle talking to loved ones about theses issues, but we will type till out hearts content to strangles online. It's the comfort level of knowing, everyone knows exactly what your saying and really understands. I have been reading these boards for a while and I am so excited at the overwhelming support that old and new Bandsters give to everyone. THANKS EVERYONE, for giving me the courage to do what I knew needed to be done, but didn't have a place to make sure I was doing the right thing.

Congrats... You will be fine. I am jealous! Enjoy the process, you will remember it forever, and in a good way. I read this somewhere, " Nothing taste as good as Thin feels!" Remember that when your head gets hungry. Be safe.

Kathy, I am ready to be banded. I am at the starting phase of getting insurance approval. I have Dr. appt over the next few weeks and have to do the 6 mos. diet, UUGH.. thats another issue. Are you self paid or did you get insurance approval? I want this so bad. I want to work out like the 'normal' people. I want to be active and happy again. I want to do this for the future, so that cheating is not an option. To have that reminder there 24/7. I have 3 young kids and a DH of 8 years. He is supportive, but at the moment, he is putting ALOT of stress on me. You would understand image issues and being comfortable in your environment. Well, he received an offer tonight for a new position that he can't afford to turn down. It is in Houston. We live in the Dallas area and we are consumed in this area with activities and my job. I was reading tonight and saw that you are South of Houston. That is the area we have been told to look towards. Sienna Plantation area. We have a year before we have to consider a move and I am at the point of 'commute'. Emotionally, I dont think I can do a new city, knowing NO one, with new activities. I saw your post and thought I should write. He will commute for a while, but eventually, we will have to move too. What can you tell me about that area? What other nice areas are around there? Near Hockey rinks, ??? I would love to hear more about your journey to be banded. I would like to do it soon, so that I have the time to recoup before my busy season starts back un in the fall. Thanks for listening to me. It's late and I am stressed. I feel the blood pressure rising... GREAT!!! mom of 3 cuties. eljmom:confused:

I will have to see how we can get around it. They will pay for High Blood Pressure issues, so I guess we can note it as that. Now that I know this is an issue and I can do something about it for LIFE, I just want this to start now. Patience was never my best quality. My job is in the low season now, it starts back up in September. I was hopeful that this would be done and I would be recouped before the stress of my job in its busy season starts back up. This is when my Blood Pressure goes up the most. Not to mention the feeling of 'ALWAYs' hungry. My Lap Band Dr. said, that even if I start losing the weight through the 6 month weight, my original weight would be the deciding factor for insurance, not the new weight. I am on the cusp of the BMI number, so I dont want to rock the boat, if it will hurt me in 6 months. Just can't imagine not trying to start getting the head and body ready for this important life changing situation. Will I hurt my chances?

Thanks guys. Gees, I can see why all the Red Tape, but gees.. I wish to be down the weight in 6 mos, not just starting the process over. I have spent 10 + years, struggleing and then since the birth of my 1st of 3 kids, 7 years ago..., hearing a Dr. say, 'Watch your weight'. Seems the only time I went down and weight was during 2 very hard sick pregnancies. Couldn't eat at the time and he actually told me I had to eat. I told him to tape that request. Not having any more kiddos, 3 will do it. But I want the old me back. Was anyone ever been approved earlier due to work related issues. I am in my off season till Sept. Once Sept is here, the blood pressure does up, the stress starts and I have NO time to take off and recoup from sugery. I just turned 40 and I refuse to struggle with this issue anymore. I have other issues I would like to focus on, such as playing with my kids and feeling more confident when I am in public with them. I seem to have those kids, that everyone looks at and comments about how cute they are (blonde curly heads) and I feel like the ugly stepmom when the compliments come their way. To have that self esteem back, would do wonders. To have reminder inside that actually is there to take action, unlike my head. Is there a count down ticker for this? Cause I need one.

Hi.. I am new to this sit, first post... this Thread just answered my biggest question. Eating out. Thanks so much. I have had my Consult and am starting the process with my Dr. I have to do a 6 mos Medical diet, which to me is a kick in the butt. If diets worked, :faint: then this would be fine, but to me, this is 6 mos of time to cheat with nothing in place to prevent that. Thanks to everyone for all the post. I have been reading for weeks and I know I will be back. I have 3 adorable kids that deserve a mom to be active with them and most of all, be able to fit in the sits at Six Flags with them. I will happen :clap2: .