Luv2Lrn

Hi! My name is Tracy, and my choice is to have a surgery that will change my life. About seven years ago I went to a seminar about gastric bypass surgery and then approached my doctor about it. I was pretty much laughed out of the office (or at least that was my perception, being that this is a very sensitive and personal subject!) and went back to trying it on my own. As each year passed more weight was packed on. Fast forward to present time...new doctor, new outlook, and I just about dropped off the table when she gave me a referral for a lap band consultation. I guess there really is a right time for everything, and this is MY time. :thumbup: I went for my first consultation with the surgeon last week. She gave me a long list of further consultations and testing that I need to do. Right now I need to find out which tests are considered "diagnostic tests" and will be covered with the initial referral. Then I'll get additional referrals for all other items on the list. Once that is said and done I wait for the second meeting with the surgeon. I believe it's about 6-8 weeks after that for surgery, providing everything is approved. I've been checking out all the information on this site. I'm amazed at everyone's stories and honesty about the process. I love seeing before and after pictures and taking in everyone's experiences. You all inspire me! Thank you!

Karen, Seeing the surgeon did help and did answer questions about the actual procedure/process. I felt pretty prepared beforehand because I have been doing a lot of research on here, on youtube, and on other websites for the lap band. I now have a phone call in to my PCP to see which testing and appointments will be covered by my initial referral and which will need to have additional referrals written up. I guess I'm just struggling personally with the decision. One minute I can be 100% sure about moving forward with the band. The next minute I am wondering if I can just do this on my own. What this tells me is that I need to sit back, continue to read and research, and continue to soul search before making my decision. I don't want to jump into this lightly because it is a life changing decision. Right now I think I am just overwhelmed by the reality of the situation---this really is a possibility now. Many years ago I went to a seminar about the gastric bypass procedure. When I went to my doctor at that time, I felt I was laughed out of the office for the most part. I gave up on it then and continued trying on my own. Well, here I am today with the lap band being a real possibility for me. It's just a little overwelming right now. Please be sure to post after you have your first appointment with the surgeon. I hope all goes well and you get the input that you need. ~Tracy

I just had my first consultation with the surgeon yesterday, and I feel like I'm in the same boat with SO many questions. This has been a lifetime struggle for me and I know that the lap band will be a great tool to help me achieve my health goals. What keeps going through my mind though is why can't I just do this on my own? Why don't I just try again and follow the low carb diet on my own without going through surgery? If I just need to eat differently and smaller portions, why don't I just do this on my own? However, while all these questions are rolling around in my head I'm also thinking....these are the things I've promised and tried for more than half my life already. These haven't worked. I know that the lap band will work for me, but my head is playing games already.