LuckyT

I experienced a pulmonary embolism in December 2009 and nearly died. After months of testing to try and figure out what caused the embolism doctors theorize it was either a symptom of obesity or the birth control pills I was on to help regulate periods. So I quit taking the pills and sought out a weight loss surgeon. Decided on lap band because I wasn't keen on gastric bypass ( sleeve wasn't being approved easily then). My doctor counseled me that gastric surgery was a better option given my BMI but I didn't listen. Big mistake! The first year with band was okay, lost about 40 pounds but then weight loss stopped even though I still had/have good restriction. I can't eat more than a cup of food, chicken, salads and bread make me want to die due to the stuck sensation they cause, then there is the regurgitation - yuck! So when I saw my doctor for a follow up in May 2012 he said if I wasn't able to get a "significant" amount of weight off by my 2 year surgiversary in December 2012 we would need to talk about a revision. I tried harder, got more frustrated day by day as weight slowly crept up even though eating hadn't changed. Made appointment in October 2012 & saw doctor, told him there was no point in waiting till December and he agreed. Happy ending, right? Well except the insurance company denied the revision so the doctor and staff went to bat for me and sent more letters, then my doctor did a video meeting with the insurance doctor and on 02/22/13 they approved the lap band removal! Yea!!! I am scheduled for the removal on 03/19/13. Then my doctor wants me to wait for two to three months to let my stomach heal then he will do the sleeve surgery. Hopefully the insurance company will be on the same page. My doctor believes they are so I am taking it on faith right now. I have a pre-surgery appointment with him on Wednesday and have many questions about the whole thing.
11/23/13 - Update. Sleeve surgery was a success! One month out I am down 30lbs & I feel great!