New Member - Research Stage

[NaviMend 0]

At 5’2” and 305 lbs., I am extremely overweight because of the choices I have made, not due to illness or medication. When I had a friend or two have by-pass surgery, i refused to even consider it for myself. I felt that if I could just “get it right” in my head, I would eat less and move more (the secret to weight loss). 8 yrs ago, I went low carb and lost 87 lbs. I was obsessed with my diet and exercise plan to the detriment of my family. When I realized the imbalance, I quit and gained all the weight back. I had not considered weight loss surgery seriously in the past because I was afraid it would only treat the symptom, not the real problem. Am I the only one struggling with this fear?

On another topic, how long does it usually take from the beginning of the process to having the band placed if there are no insurance issues? Is it realistic to start now and be banded by Christmas?

[NWgirl 574]

I started the process mid-January and was banded mid-March. My insurance did not require any supervised diet though.

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[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I actually agree with you, it is a valid fear. I think the majority of us that have WLS do have food addiction issues. We use it to cope, to Celebrate, out of boredom, and to stuff away bad feelings. A common topic I see here on these forums are people upset and not losing weight because they haven't dealt with the mental side of obesity and continue to eat their feelings and pain despite being banded.

For me, the key was realizing the band is just a tool, not a magical fix to all my mental and emotional issues with food. That realization alone helps me to stay on track and work through the food addiction when it pops up. Every time I go to eat I ask myself "Am I physically hungry or am I head hungry?" If I'm not physically hungry, then it's head hunger, and I acknowledge it and don't eat. I'm not claiming that's easy, btw. It's definitely not. But it's a constant work in progress and I know as long as I am realistic about myself and my band, I can do this.

As far as time period for getting the band, it really depends on your insurance and your surgeon. Some people have insurance that requires them to do a 6 month doctor supervised diet before they'll approve the surgery. Others don't. As for myself, I went to the seminar the first week of December and was banded the first week of January a month later.

Best wishes to you.

[SusieSunshine 68]

There are so many dr.s appt and classes I had to attend through my program. But I am almost there. Started Mid July and will most likely be banded mid Sept or sometime mid oct! Everyday you question is a day that you could be losing. Even if it treats the symptom you will be healthier and not so heavy. To me healthy and thinner equals happy. The band is a tool meant to help you. I say use it! Good luck girl!