cleggett

I am the single parent of a 14 year old son. I noticed that would get out of breath running outside with him. I also overheard the little giggling & smart comments that his friends made about heavier people. When we went to amusement parks, I hated to hear the attendant say that I was too heavy for a ride. I did not want to be an embarrassment to him or to myself any longer. I could change my weight. I could live a more active, productive life. I could be a healthy mom for my son. I made the decision to find out more about the Lap Band when my blood pressure began to creep up. I was already on medications for my blood pressure. The physician wanted to add more. I said "this is it. I'm tired of being fat, out of breath, and unhealthy". I went to a local bariatric surgery support group. The group members were great; however, none of them had undergone lap banding (all were gastric bypasses). So I had to research the information myself. I reviewed websites, talked to patients, looked at literature....anything I could find on banding. My journey started in April 2009. For insurance requirements, I had to show 3 months of nutrition counseling & exercise before insurance would consider my case. My surgeon required EKG, chest xray, abdominal ultrasound, and lab work. Yes, it took the insurance company nearly 6 weeks to make a decision. When they did, the ball started rolling. My surgery was scheduled for 1 month from that date. That last month before surgery flew by. The closer my surgery date got, the more nervous I got. No need! My surgery went great. Worst thing was not being able to pee after surgery. That held up my discharge for several hours, but, thankfully, it happened! My lap band surgery (with gallbladder removal) happened on October 7, 2009--the first day of the rest of my life. I truly consider this a turning point in my life. A new me for the world to see. Watch out world!