Two days and I am a bandster!

jenslapband · December 31, 2006

SEPTEMBER 2006 - Although I have been heavy most of my life I have also been fit and active. I lost control after a sequence of events kept me inactive and I just couldn't "catch up" or get ahead again.

In 2001 and 2005 I had major surgeries that had to be performed abdominally. That meant six weeks of sitting (and rotting!) twice. On 03/01/02 I fell and thought I had only broken my arm really bad. That was the least of my problems. I had also torn my rotator cuff, damaged my hip and my lower back. Although my weight didn't fluctuate a lot, my health began to spiral out of control because of the lack of movement in my life. After years of physical therapy, a splint worn at night to straighten my arm, a permanent tremor and several procedures on my back (that weren't successful) I knew I was headed for a wheelchair. I truly felt hopeless. I felt like I was in quicksand...sinking, sinking. Each diet was just money spent to feel like a failure.

As a last resort I began attending a class at the Eating Disorder Center of Denver to help with the times that I was still binge eating. I figured I would start there. Their program, "Mindful Eating" was quite profound. It then occurred to me that if I combined what I learned there (the mental tool) with the LapBand procedure (the physical tool), I could possibly succeed at getting the weight off.

I did alot of research. I attended a seminar given by Dr. Snyder and was amazed by the statistics showing how hard it was to lose weight once you had reached a morbidly obese BMI. I remember crying during the entire seminar - finally feeling like someone understood my battle. It was so comforting knowing that there was scientific proof of how hard losing weight was and that people like me weren't a bunch of misfits who just ate all day like we are so often portrayed. What impressed me the most at that seminar was when Dr Snyder said, "I am not here to do a sales presentation, I have enough patients. I am here to educate you. Whether you choose me as your doctor or someone else who is qualified, all I ask is that you are safe and successful. PLEASE don't try and cut costs by going to Mexico." He was completely sincere.

Next I made my appointment with Dr. Snyder. He started me on my "to do" list to prepare for the surgery. I went to my primary care doctor and they did my lab tests. By this time I found out that I would have to pay cash for the LapBand procedure (my insurance is United Health Care) so anything my primary care physician could write a referral for or help me with, she was willing to do.

OCTOBER 2006 - I went to my psychological test - wow! I was absolutely honest with the therapist so that she could give me the most helpful recommendation possible. It was hard telling some of my secrets but I knew I had to, in order to help plan my success. I went to the pulmonary specialist, Dr. Pluss and the GI specialist, Dr. Seigel. They treated me as well as Dr. Snyder. I was so impressed. Is this how patients are supposed to be treated?? It was new to me!! Dr. Pluss found that I needed a sleep study for sleep apnea and Dr. Seigel found I had two small ulcers when he performed my upper GI. No wonder I didn't feel well!

I went to my nutrition class and I read every bit of information I got. I stopped by a GNC and picked up several different Protein sources and found my favorites.

Every medical professional I've met has raved about Dr. Snyder. One of the things said was, "he has compassion, brains and great hands, that is very hard to find in ONE doctor."

Hmmm, my first roadblock. I was hoping to get a second on my house to pay for the surgery. With the housing market the way it is and my house only being three years old, it hasn't appreciated like I had hoped and I don't have the equity.

NOVEMBER 2006 - I got my loan. I feel wierd though because I didn't tell the truth about the reason I needed the money. I think that was what was causing problems before but I'm not sure. I finally said I was putting hardwood floors in my house and suddenly I was able to get a loan. Interesting, isn't it? Since this process took so long I guess I should wait until after January 1st to have the surgery that way I will be able to use $2,400 of flex money. I am ready NOW, but I guess I have to be responsible - that is a lot of money I can "save." I don't even care that I can eat one more time at the holidays. All I care about is that if I had the surgery right now, I could have a nice chunk of weight off by January 1st.

NOV/DEC 2006 - I finally have an official date for my surgery. It is January 2, 2007. I feel like throwing myself on the floor and crying out of relief. I am finally relieved that the end of my misery and passive suicide is over - excited that I am getting the final tool needed to succeed at this elusive goal I've never been able to attain - permanent weight loss. I feel like this is my last chance at a quality life - I hope it isn't too late and I'm not too sick emotionally, mentally or physically.

nikki32 · December 31, 2006

oh jen

im so pleased for you welcome to the world of bandits,i was banded 16 days ago and i was so motivated to do it even though i had no pre-op or even dieted b4 i knew that also having to borrow the money to pay that this was going to be my big chance and so far its great ive lost 14lb i dont feel hard done by, as when i get hungry a toddler sized meal fills me up it only two days b4 you start your journey and i wish you all the luck in the world with it ,we here will all be willing you to suceed as when we read how people are doing great,we know we can too !!!

nikki32 · December 31, 2006

oh and we all a little emotionally/mentally stuffed about food ,thats why we used it for emotional crutch and gained weight but band and friends here who know how we feel help us get through,use this place to vent it works!!!

TracyinKS · December 31, 2006

WOW!! what a story!

Congrats on all that you have accomplished! I look forward to joining you

Fluffin · December 31, 2006

WAHOOOOOOOO!!! Will be thinking of you on the 2nd!!

Jeanette

jenslapband · January 1, 2007

Thank you all for your support! I am getting excited for tommorrow - not nervous definitely excited. It is a new beginning and I am so hopeful finally!

juliegeraci · January 2, 2007

I am so happy for you. It will truly be life changing. YOu have been so patient. That is great. Good luck.

Gigilabella · January 2, 2007

Jen, I know you're having your surgery today but I just wanted you to know I'm with you all the way. Good Luck! and keep us posted on how your doing cause I'm having mine on the 8th of Jan.

Take Care!!!...Gigi