Introduction

[Victor Carmona 0]

Morning/Afternoon/Evening to everyone reading this.

First off, my name is Victor. I've struggled most of my life with weight problems. Since the age of 9 I've steadily gained more and more weight every year. I'm 25 now so the weight has obviously added and compounded some interest. I'm at the heaviest I've ever been at 500 lbs

The thought of bariatric surgery had crossed my mind three years ago but I was naive and petrified at the thought of surgery. I've tried almost every fad diet there has been out within the last decade or so. Regardless of which everyone it was, I felt horrible everyday and felt that I was depriving myself of the basic necessities my body needs to function. Sure I lost a pound or two but that always came back after I just couldn't take the headaches any more and stopped the diets. I felt hopeless. Lost. I was on the verge of just accepting the fact that this where I have lead my life and there was nothing more I could possible do to "live again"

Late last year a co-worker of mine, who had the lap band surgery, pulled me aside and asked if I had considered surgery. She shared with me her experience throughout the whole thing (Obviously not everyone's will be the same). That short 5-10 conversation sparked the motivation in me to reconsider surgery. I did my research on the lap band and gastric bypass and decided that the lap band was the surgery I intended to pursue. She also mentioned to me that our insurance plan covers the ENTIRE cost of surgery as long as my primary care physician deemed it medically necessary...as long as I had H.M.O. coverage. Having only PPO insurance I met another obstacle, How much would this cost me out of pocket? I became discouraged again. However, thankfully our companies open enrollment period was the following month so I was able to switch to H.M.O coverage to be effect January 1, 2011!! Naturally I didn't hesitate and made the change as soon as I got into the office.

I then saw my PCP in January for a referral have a consult with Dr. Cahill at Little Company of Mary in IL. I had the referral in hand and ready to meet with the Dr. Cahill when his assistant said I had to see my PCP every month for 1 year before I can even meet with Dr. Cahill again I was shot down. Luckily, he said as long as I see him every month I can meet Dr. Cahill in October to begin all the paperwork and tests I need to get done to have the surgery scheduled for January 2012...or shortly after.

So here I am. July (Almost August) 2011. Throughout these last 7 months, I've been doing everything I can to lose as much weight on my own as possible. I've had sessions with a dietician every 2 months and things are going great. I can't tell if I've lost any weight (As I don't have scale that measures that much weight) but my clothes does feel a bit loose, but not by a lot. I'm eagerly awaiting my consult with Dr. Cahill to get things rolling.

Sorry it's so long but just had to get it out there

[MeliV254 0]

Welcome Victor ! Keep up the great work

[Amanda1982 142]

Welcome Victor, just keep up the great work and know that you have Fiends here!!!! I'm 4 months post op and I'd be happy to share any of my own experiences with you. Good Luck on your journey

[MzStace 1]

Good Luck Victor!!!! Wishing you the very best stay encourage!!!!!

[jen120 23]

Welcome Victor!

I am so happy you made this decision and are moving forward with your plan. Be sure to check out all the other message groups on this board. There is a lot of good information and support!

If you have any questions, I'll do my best to help.