Finally took my first steps on this long journey...

[hittpants11 18]

I joined this forum back over a year and a half ago because I was seriously considering getting banded. Did my research, googled the crap out of it, and after getting the green light from my husband - I made my decision. Called Tricare (I have Tricare Prime) and they told me what I need to do to get it approved. Can I tell you how crazy excited I was to find that not only do they cover LapBand surgery, there is a good chance that I will pay NOTHING. Wait....WHAT....like zero dollars??.. ..is this real life!??!?!???!

About a month later, we went home to Austin (hubby was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the time) for Thanksgiving vacay. I was going to call and schedule Dr appointments and get the ball rolling after the new year (2012). BUT the universe had other plans. On Jan 11th 2012 (our 1 year wedding anniversary , we found out I was pregnant. :D

So here I am now in SE Georgia, husband is deployed, with a six month old. Had gestational diabetes during my last trimester and was on a diabetic diet until my son was born. I gained about 35 pounds during my pregnancy and was able to shed 15. I know I probably was smaller than that a few weeks after but I have been steadily gaining now hovering anywhere in between 259 -264. Aside from the day I gave birth, this is the largest I have ever been. Of course I like the idea of not being plus size and lookin all thin and stuff but my health is the now the driving force behind me deciding to actually do this. I am so scared of getting full blown diabetes. Because I had gestational I have like a million percent chance of getting it if I don't lose the weight. My most recent weight loss venture has been weight watchers. I could see how a person could have success with it but it's just not working for me. Oh yeah, did I mention my sister is a licensed personal trainer/nutritionist/crossfit instructor? And a ex-boxer? She is almost 100% lean muscle and is in NO WAY supportive of this. I told her last time back before I got pregnant that I was considering it and she flipped out. Told me that I don't need that and that it's a lazy person's answer to a life long problem. Whatever skinny butt! Go off now and eat your paleo crap burgers. That being said, I love my sister dearly and appreciate her concerns but it's my life and my decision. I've always been the type of chick who threw caution to the wind and just went with it. Some would call me brave. I don't think I'm as brave as I used to be. Funny how a husband and kid change things like that. I think twice now before I do or say anything. Especially, since my hubbers is in the Navy. Can't let my mouth go an get me in trouble.

I have my very first appointment on Monday with my PCM to get a referral to a bariatric surgeon in the SE Georgia or Jacksonville area. I am still breastfeeding and really want to continue breastfeeding as long as possible up to 1 year old. But I can't imagine picking up my son and hoisting him up to nurse after surgery. YIKES!

[firefaerie266 53]

Hi! Are you at Ft. Stewart by chance? Thats where we are stationed currently. My husband was suppose to deploy recently but his orders got changed at tge last minute so now he gets to stay home. My plan was to lose a bunch of weight and get all sexy while he was gone - but now that he is home I am relieved that I will have his support.

Dr. Whipple in Savannah will be my surgeon, I really liked their office and staff so I am looking forward to this. I just went into my first appointment last week and we are getting the ball rolling on all the pre-op requirements.

[hittpants11 18]

Hi!! Congratulations in getting the ball rolling! Plesse keep me updated on your progress!

We're actually in Saint Marys. About 2 hours south of Savannah

and an hour north of Jacksonville.

[firefaerie266 53]

What branch of the military is your husband in then? Navy? I hadn't heard of a base down there - seems like GA is full of them!

Looking forward to hearing about your journey as well!

[hittpants11 18]

He's Navy - a submariner ♡♡♡

[firefaerie266 53]

"We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine!"

Sorry, couldnt help myself lol

[hittpants11 18]

Ha! Don't worry I drive my husband bananas singing that song to him every time he says "submarine". Good times.

[donna12 742]

you guys are cracking me up, couldn't help myself. Good luck on your journey! I'm excited for you both.