Brenda JMK

I first went to an informational meeting at the hospital to educated myself. I was 245 pounds, but was the smallest person in a room of over 60 people there for the by-pass info or the band. I carry my weight well, and have never looked as heavy as I was. Felpt out of place, but my BMI was 40, so I was acceptable as far as theat goes. Info was good. I decided I was not a candiate for by-pass just becasue it seemed to alter the digestive system too much. I just needed a little help and figured the band was the way to go. My husband was not completley sure he was supportive of either, but agreed once I shoed him the band info. He did think though, that having the band, cord, and port in my body was a little freaky, but it's there now, and you'd never know it unless I eat something and can't get it down.My insurance covered the surgery, but the normal 5% weight loss that companies require would have knocked me out of the 40 BMI catagory, so after a letter and note from doctor, they waived the need for the 5% weight loss, as long as I showed some loss, and no gain in the pre-surgery time.Surgery was about 9 months after inital informational meeting, and after three nutritional classes (my expense $50 each...not too bad), and a psycological evaluation. Surgery Date set for July 28, all went well. Surgery was scheduled at 12:30 PM, actually remember getting the put me to sleep shot at about 1:30, back in room and awake at 4:00 ish (a little fuzzy on that). Little pain, just some nausea. Pills for that. IV for a few hours. Stayed overnight and was releasedat 9am the following morning.It has been about 9 months and I have lost 48 pounds, not great, but good. People really notice the change. i struggle more recently than in the beginning with staying on track with food. I exercise, no problems there, just make poor food choices sometimes.