cjwilliams77

Thanks all!! @Becca29....I have BCBS and they will approve the surgery if I meet certain conditions (ie. diabetes, BMI over 40 and etc.) which I do. I believe they require 6 months of supervised weight loss in which I already have a year and a half so I am good in this category as well. I am excited and terrified at the same time (which is normal, I'm sure). @everyone....I will most definitely keep you all posted as things progress. Having this site has really helped to calm the waters. I am encouraged to move forward because I know that there are many out there who have not only walked the path before me but also really care about each other!! I will say it again and a hundred times more....YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!!!

Wow!! I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I am already getting from so many people on the forum. I am also amazed at how so many of you are or either have been where I am today (back and forth on whether or not to do it). The more I think about the more I realize that this something that I need to do. PRIDE often blinds us to what we really need to see! I can't say enough times how much I appreciate the outpouring of honest opinions. You all are GREAT!! @shelley1057...thanks for being so open about your health. It really helps me put things in perspective. I too have type 2 diabetes and I know if I don't make the decision to do something now, many more complications can come from having this debilitating disease. My quality of life is no where near where it should be. I am often too drained to even play with my children which is something I love to do. People often say you have to push through the tiredness and just do it, but it's a lot easier said than done especially when you feel like you have been caught in a stampeded!!:smile2: I think I my decision has been made. I am just praying that I can get the approval from my insurance to have the surgery done. Thanks again All!!!! Chris_Houston,TX

@ shelley1057...Thanks!! How long have you been banded and please share what your experience has been like?

Wow!! That's re-assuring to know that this is somewhat normal. Thanks again for responding, everyone!!

Thanks for the quick response!! I too was taught to eat all of my food. It's hard to undo years of bad training but I am willing to do what it takes because my family mean that much to me. I have just started the approval process so I don't have a date yet. I just have to be sure I let no one talk me out of it!! A part of feels like I am giving up since I am choosing the surgery versus traditional weight loss. I guess it's pride that says not to go through with it. I know people who have lost the weight both ways. They both have had to work hard to keep the weight off. I am hoping this is the restraint I need. Thanks again for the quick response. I will keep everyone posted and also will be uploading some pics!! God Bless!!

Hello All, After much prayer, success and failure, I am seriously considering getting the band. I must admit that I am all over the place emotionally though!! Some days I am ready to have done right then and there and other times I am terrified hoping I am making the right decision. My wife is fully on board and continues to encourage me which really helps to calm the raging waters inside my head. I have been reading the threads on the forum and must say that you all are great resources for honest information.:thumbup: I am having trouble with landing on one side or the other though. I am praying I can come to the place where I am sure this is the road I want to take. I have tried in the past and have lost the weight only to see it come back in less than half the time it took to get it off. I want to be healthier not only for myself, but for my wife and 4 children. They deserve better than what I sometimes give (although they say that I am a great husband and father) simply because I don't have the energy to give more. I know this is not the end-all solution, but from many posts I have read, it definitely helps you control your portion size. Any advice on how to deal with the emotional part of the process is very much appreciated. Also, was anybody else out there uncertain about going through with it and if so what did you do to help with the back and forth roller coaster of emotions? Thanks everyone! Chris_Houston, TX