scottishmutt

My story is just begining. I began researching lap-band over a year ago, after seeing a particular commercial, with a woman who claimed her hunger was like a lion from within, that is me, I thought. I felt then that gastric banding deserved some investigation. I began on the internet, and then went to some seminars, I became convinced lapband was right for me.After consulting with my doctor he agreed surgery was probably my best option, and referred me to the weight loss surgeons within our insurance. I was quickly denied, I couldn't believe that they could deny me without even a personal consultation. Basically they said I was not sick enough, a non-diabetic, without high blood pressure, who had not even tried to lose weight in several years.I was very dissapointed, and let the matter drop for several months. Then while I was hiking with my family, something I love to do, and I couldn't finish the hike. I was embarressed, dissapointed, and heartbroken.I went back to the doctor, who referred me to the bariatric surgeons again, this time with a personal letter, requesting a consultation, in the very least, I also wrote a letter, describing my family history, of heart disease, and high blood pressure. I also explained that I was not requsting surgery, for vanity reasons or to wear cute clothes. But, so that I could be active with my young children, and participate in even the mildest of activities. Again I was denied for even a consultation. I believe, and I believe my doctor knows, that high blood pressure, and other complications from obesity are on the horizon for me.After trying to jump through more hoops for my insurance co. my grandmother offered me several thousabd dollars, to put towards the surgery, so that I could pay for it myself. I couldn't believe how fortunate I was, however my portion was still substantial for a middle class family.One day while chatting with some friends about my dilemma, one friend said you know my mom went to Mexico, and had that done about 10 years ago, and she has never been healthier, or happier, you should give her a call. I remembered I had read about lapband in Mexico, whille doing some of my internet research, but had quickly discounted it, now I wasn't so sure,I called my friends mother, and we talked about everything, then I asked the two questions, I really felt were imprtant; would she do it again, and did she feel safe? I think she started to tear up, and then told me her only regret was why hadn't she done it sooner, she is able to play with her grandkids, more than she could with her own children, when they were young. (On a side note, she did have lapband 10 years ago, before it was even approved in the U.S.) And to answer my question of safety, she told me she felt safe enough to go back three years later, and have her gall bladder removed, along with her extra skin; by the way she says, they threw in the boob job for free!So here I am a few months later, telling you my story, while I should be packing for a trip, that will change my life forever.