mustangsally

Hello All! I am new to this board. I was referred by obesityhelp.net. To make a long story short: I have been overweight since I was like 8. Been on every diet. For about 3 years I researched options. Did medifast and decided to get banded last June 07. I only lost 36 pounds, by May of this year. I was voimiting a lot and having reflux problems. I never had reflux but like 2 times in my entire life. I had the saline removed and felt like a normal person! I can eat without that stuck feeling and I don't feel so uncomfortable. Now I have gotten the courage up to go back to my Dr. for removal options. It has been very emotional, as I really wanted this to work for me. And I was excercising like 2 times a day! My insurance is BlueCross. They seem hesistant about removing it, unless it is causing me major problems. So I am needing someone else in this area to give me the cash price for removal, in case my insurance will not approve it. I want it removed and will also seek scar removal. I had smooth skin on my stomach before this. It just serves as a reminder that this didn't work for me. I am working on my mental, emotional and spiritual insides for now. In time, I will know what to do after the band. Thanks in advance for your sensitivity and support. MustangSally

Browneyez, My prayers and thoughts are with you! I hope your surgery went well. When you feel better get back in contact with us. I am setting up an appt with my dr this week to discuss removal. I have so much peace in my mind and I know this is the right thing for me. I just have concerns about the cost. I have insurance, but I am not sure if my complications will be covered. Anyway, I wish you a speedy recovery. Stay in touch! MustangSally

Thanks for the reply Sades. I saw after my post the thread for Dr. Barker in the Dallas area. The whole lapband process has brought me to having it removed. When I got out of the hospital, I had 1.75fill. I actually did better with my weightloss, because I didn't have so many restrictions on food. My fills were done about every 3 months. So it was done slowly. This isn't just for me anymore. I am so very happy with my decision! I have gained back my weight, but I know this is the right thing for me! I am just plain tired of the food restrictions, voimiting, reflux and being uncomfortable. I will setup an appt with my original doc about removal, hopefully I can get in this week. And get surgery before this month is out. I also have a fear of this band slipping while at work or out on a date or something. This will give me peace of mind. WLS isn't for everyone. Someone said there is no "test" for how well one will do with it. Only we as individuals can make the best decision for ourselves. This is not the last resort. Life goes on. Thanks for your prayers and support! mustang sally