Anyone Doing The I Can Change Program?

[bandedmarci 15]

Hi All-

This is my first post and I'm just starting the journey. I'm very excite an also nervous! Due to my insurance I need to do the 6 month "I can change program" and I was just wondering if anyone had experience with it? I go for my initial surgery consult this Friday.

Lastly- I was wondering how people deal with family? My husband is supportive, but he is nervous and doesn't want me to have surgery(I'm 32 and we have 2 toddlers). I know he loves me but I think he's afraid of me taking this small risk of surgery. My parents will not be very supportive so I don't plan on telling them until I am about 3 weeks pre op. I know at that point they will be supportive.

I have about 100lbs to lose and can't wait to just do it! Sorry if this is a rambling first post- I just didn't know where to start and I'm hoping this board will be a good resource!

[valerie34 4]

Hi im new here too im not band yet have to do the 6months too im scared and excited at the same time but we can do it

[KanesMom 44]

Hiii! I'm enrolled in the Tufts "I can change program". I am very excited and nervous also! I've been in the program for a month, I finish up January 5th. Next week is my 3rd phone call. It's just a series of phone calls.The 6 Months officially starts at the date of the first phone call. I've been pretty lucky, the lady I've been assigned to is awesome, we hit it off right away. I was having similar reservations about telling my friends about the surgery. I actually made a post on here and got a ton of great feedback from members. So far I've told my parents, my 3 sisters, my boyfriend and my best friend. I haven't told any of my other friends about it. I'm only 25 and just worried it'll get around my town really quick. I think I'll tell them once I'm a few months post op and have started shedding some weight. Maybe you should bring your husband to a WLS so he'll know more about the surgery? Its very invasive and maybe if he hears that it'll make him feel more comfortable? That's what I did with my parents and my older sister.

Good luck with your first consult!!

[bandedmarci 15]

Thanks for your responses! I just faxed in the form for I Can Change today. Do you mind me asking in your experience- how long did it take for them to call you after you faxed in your form?

[KanesMom 44]

My doctor told me it could be up to 2 weeks before they called, but luckily it was only about 4 days later! Try not to miss the call and any call therefore after. She told me if you miss them its equivalent to missing an appointment and Tufts can either drop you from the program or make you restart it. Are you from Mass?

[Kime-lou 648]

I didn't have to go through the program, my insurance only required medical appointments from 2 years that showed my BMI over 40- that was no problem. However, I had similar family support issues. I got my husband to go to an info session with me. They went over all the health issues that my weight could cause and then went over surgery risk. Lapband carries the least amount of risk. My husband was on board after that. Once he was on board WE spoke to my parents. My parents were also worried about the risk, but my husband said the surgery has less risk at this point than her weight- my dad is dibetic and both parents have high BP, so he ask them if they wanted me to follow their path. They agreed that they wanted me to be healthier so they go on board. I also printed off info about the low risk of lapband. While they were still worried until surgery was over, they were supportive and are now really happy with my choice seeing the change.

Good Luck. This is about you and your life and being there for your family for many years to come. You are worth this!!

[bandedmarci 15]

Hi again-

Yes I am from Mass actually- is that the only place people are quoted to do "I can change"? I'm looking forward to getting the first phone call and starting! I'm a teacher so the 6 month wait isn't so bad- I'm hoping to schedule surgery to coincide with me feb vacation. I recovered great from 2 c sections so I'm hoping my recovery from this is just as good!