Bananalee

Hi all! I'm very excited to have finally seen a doctor about my weight. I made it clear I was considering weight loss surgery and she referred me to a weight loss center where I have begun my 6 months diet (with an awesome doctor!) I kind of feel like my diet isn't that restrictive...my limit is 2,200 calories a day and I usually don't have trouble with that at all...I feel like I'm eating normally and I wonder weather or not I will lose much weight. Oh well- I suppose it could always be adjusted. I'm just happy to be on the road!

:sad_smile: My concern is that the doctor will look at my age (21) and the fact that I don't have documented proof of trying to lose weight and deny me even though my BMI is 53.3. Although I am clearly unhealthy, I don't have many specific problems other than joint pain, high BP and pulse, and shortness of breath. Also, aside from Atkins, I have never tried a 'fad' diet because I know it takes a lifestyle change and not a trendy diet to fix things. I have tried eating healthy and exercising numerous times, but they are not documented. I also worry that since I'm so terrible in interview-like settings that I might say the wrong things about why I need the surgery and what I've tried so far that will make the doctor think I'm not a candidate. I know I need this and I fear that I will have to spend a few more years being overweight and struggling just to prove to a doctor that I can't do it without help. Am I just paranoid or do I need to watch what I say?

Wow- what a roller coaster! I'm just starting the process and I hope I can avoid all the problems you had. Imagine how long it would have taken if you weren't aggressive about getting treatment that you know you need. Congrats!

Hey everyone, my name is Brittany and I'm 21. With a current weight of 340 and a BMI of 53.3, I have recently made the official decision to have weight loss surgery. I'm just starting the process, so it may take a long time, but I'm hoping to find help here about how to get started. Right now I am getting back on my insurance which I failed to renew a few months ago. After that, I am going to make my first appointment to confirm that I'm a candidate and see where to go from there. From the research I've done, I'm hoping to be eligible for the Lapband rather than Gastric Bypass but I'll have to see what my doctor says. I've seen that some people go to a seminar before their first consultation. Any advice on how to find out where/when I can go to one of these? What can I expect if I go to one? Thanks everyone :redface:

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. I know I'm probably younger than most on here but I'm hoping once I make this change, I'll actually feel like a 20something instead of a huge old lady who hates to move around just because it's too much work! I also have a young daughter so this process will benefit her as well--I'm looking forward to being able to swing with her on a swing set and not have bruises on my thighs the next day!

Congratulations on your approval! How exciting :redface: Can I ask why you were turned down twice? I am just starting on my journey and have not even had a consultation yet so I'm excited to hear others' stories. -Brittany