vjsmiles

No more worrying what others think about my having surgery to lose weight! I made the contact today to set up my consultations with a nutritionist and surgeon! I'm tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin. It's ridiculous! It's time to take charge of my own life! I hope I stay this excited! I know it's normal to have some apprehension, but I'd do it right now if it was possible! LOL!

I haven't been banded yet, and it's for the same reason....afraid of failure. I've failed so many times before, if I do this, I cannot let myself fail again. I am waiting my my "ahh-ha moment"! LOL! I feel like I'm on the edge and need the push to turn my life around. Goodluck with your journey!

I wanted to jump in here and ask a couple questions about Dr. Kirshenbaum. I am not banded yet and was wondering if uses a fluoroscope for the fills? Also, I had asked in a previous post, but got no response about financing with Dr. Kirshenbaum. It looks like to me they work with a couple different finance companies. What method did you find to be the best and if you had to finance the whole thing, about how much was the monthly payment? I don't want to apply for a loan quite yet, until I get my consults, etc., so I'm not sure what the loan terms usually are. Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone who went through Dr. Kirshenbaum can tell me who they got financed through and how much their monthly payments were. I want figure out what I need to do to be able to make the monthly payments before I apply with a financial company. I'm not sure what the best route to go is!

I am totally there with you! I have been doing lots of research and will be going to a seminar next week, but I keep thinking, "OK, I'll do this!" and then going back to, "maybe I should try WW again, or try something different this time and then if it doesn't work, I can always do the band." Ugh! My head is a vicious cycle right now. I just keep telling myself that if it's right, I will know when. Also, I'm self-pay and was just told we need a new air conditioner, so that may hold off my plans for surgery a little longer anyway, unfortunately.

Thank you for your responses. I realize that people can fail with the lap band and that is always on option, but I just feel like this is the way to go for myself. I just got really down when the people I love weren't jumping for joy about it. I guess I should have expected it. It is surgery and nothing is 100% guaranteed.

I am not banded yet. Just in the serious thinking about it stage. I've done a lot of online research, waiting for a book on it to arrive, and have seminar coming up next week. I've only talked to my parents, husband, and one coworker about it. The coworker had gastric bypass in 2002, so she is very supportive. My parents and husband are wishy washy. My husband tells my it's up to me, BUT makes sure to tell my that it's a huge lifestyle change that I will have to stick to and he's seen my quit everything else, blah, blah, blah. Like I don't know all that already! If I was able to stick to any other diet plan, I wouldn't be looking into this! My parents wish I wouldn't think I need surgery to loose weight. My dad keeps telling me to eat better/less and exercise. He's close to 300 lbs, diabetic, strokes, high BP, etc. He should know the struggle I am having. I know this would be a huge lifestyle change and there will be ups and downs emotionally and physically. If I were to do any diet/exercise program, it would be the same. I am looking into lab band because I am tired of being fat and battling with my weight. I want to loose weight and be healthy, and from what I have read, the lap band would be the biggest committment for me and something I would HAVE to stick to. I would pay completely out of pocket, so I wouldn't go into this lightly and waste all that money. Anyway, I'm just feeling really alone right now, as I am sure most of you have felt at some point. Thanks for letting me rant, a little! LOL! :biggrin:

I get my taxes done at H & R Block. I called them last week and asked them if lap band is considered a tax write off. She said it is as long as you have a dr's. note. Anyone had experience with this? Did it help at tax time? I haven't even talked to my PCP yet, but plan to soon.

I get my taxes done at H & R Block. I called them last week and asked them if lap band is considered a tax write off. She said it is as long as you have a dr's. note. Anyone had experience with this? Did it help at tax time? I haven't even talked to my PCP yet, but plan to soon.

That's exactly what the drawback is for me, Monkey! All the what-ifs! Then I think that at least he has had more experience from what I've been able to find anyway. I will have to finance the surgery and the less money a month, the better! I will just have to keep researching!!! Thanks for all your input everybody!