harleync
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I began my Lap Band journey in September 2007. I attended my seminar with Dr. Voellinger from Southeast Bariatrics. I had chosen him after doing some research online and reading his credentials. I wanted to have the surgery right then, the insurance we had at that time would not cover the surgery so I had to wait until March 2008 when we switched insurance companies to pursue further. As soon as our insurance changed, I called and made my appointment at Southeast Bariatrics. That is when my journey to get myself back began. I had my Lap Band AP surgery on October 7, 2008. I am 29 years old. I had always been 120-130 lbs all through high school, etc. In February 2002, my grandmother passed away and the PA at my doctor's office started me on an antidepressant. Well, I started putting on the weight. My husband and I got married in April 2002, when I had gotten my dress back in January it was a few sizes too big, by April - if I would have gained one more pound I wouldn't have gotten into that dress! That is how fast the weight came on. Anyway with that certain medication I ended up gaining 50 lbs before switching doctors and medicines. After I switched the medication, I finally had stopped gaining but before I got a chance to start losing, I became pregnant with our son. That added on another 50 lbs. That is where my weight came from. I had this extra 100 lbs that would not go anywhere. I had tried every fad diet out there for 5 years and could never get the weight off, I would lose a little then gain it all back and then some. I was miserable. My weight really started having an effect on how I felt and even what I could do with my son. I hated it. Here was my little boy playing his heart out at his soccer game or tee ball and I couldn't even enjoy watching him because my feet were so swollen and I was so hot and uncomfortable all the time. It was hard for me to go to shopping or anywhere if I had to be on my feet for more than 30 mins. I could only wear flip flops and my feet would swell so much the impression of the flip flops remained in my foot when I took them off. I decided on the Lap Band and went for it full force. I do not regret anything and love the "new" me, I finally got the "old" me back. It is weird for me sometimes now though, seeing people that had only seen me when I was big and they talk about how great I look and how much weight I've lost, etc. My family and my husband's family as well as our close friends just see me again. I look forward to going out and doing things now, I'm not tired all the time anymore, my feet don't swell anymore, and I love shopping now! My heaviest weight was March 2008 and I was 250 lbs and was a size 18/20. I am now down to 165 lbs and a size 6! I have my date for my plastic surgery November 24. This is my 30th bday present from my husband and to celebrate losing all my weight. I am getting breast lift surgery and implants. Can't wait. I hope that my success may help others who are going through the process of getting Lap Band surgery or who may be considering their options. It has taken a lot of hard work and I have had to completely change my eating habits, etc. The Lap Band is not a magical tool but if you do what you're suppose to and commit to a lifestyle change it will work wonders. I highly recommend Dr. Voellinger at Southeast Bariatrics if anyone is trying to decide on a Lap Band surgeon.
Age: 44
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Starting Weight: 250 lbs
Weight on Day of Surgery:
Current Weight: 165 lbs
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Weight Lost: 85 lbs
BMI: 27.5
Surgery: LAP-BAND
Surgery Status: Post Surgery
First Dr. Visit: 01/01/1970
Surgery Date: 10/08/2008
Hospital Stay: n/a
Surgery Funding: Insurance
Insurance Outcome: 1st Letter Approval
harleync's Bariatric Surgeon
Southeast Bariatrics, PA
2300 Randolph Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28097
2300 Randolph Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28097