Hello from New York

[JacobR 0]

I decided to post on this forum finally since I have been browsing it for a few weeks following my procedure. I guess it is my way of showing appreciation for everything shared on this forum, it is quite helpful. Just a quick background on me:

I am a 35 year old former athlete. I used to play ice hockey religiously as well as soccer. However marriage, laziness and quitting smoking, along with chronic over eating got the best of me. Last spring (2007) I weighed 330 lbs. I am 6 feet tall and those pounds were very uncomfortable to say the least. Aside from that I was seeing early signs of much more severe problems on the horizon. I had depression, looked like total crap, felt like crap, sleep apnea and swelling in the ankles. So....I followed through. I had met with Dr. Gellman a year ago and had the information I needed to prepare for the lapband. On August 17th I did the surgery.

Last April I Was 330, on the day of the surgery I was 317. Today (October 2) I weigh 274.6. I have not felt this good in well over a decade. My doctor has yet to close or tighten the band. He put in the "big boy" band and is very pleased with how I am doing on sheer will and motivation.

Thanks again to you all for sharing, it helped me a lot. If I can be any help, just contact me.

Jack

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

Welcome Jack,

I have only been here a little while myself and it has been very pleasing to see all the B&A pics, and to be able to share stories with all the people here since they can understand where I come from.

You sound alot like me, as in HS I was very athletic playing Volleyball and Softball and was always able to stay nice & trim. Well, after meeting the love of my life I guess I got comfortable, and the sit-down desk jockey type job didn't help either. I simply eat too much! I became more mobile after learning of my HBP, and since I didn't want any more co-morbidities I started working on getting banded.

Congrats to you on your decision and your weight loss. Here's to you and your new life!! Hope to see you post more!

[jelbel 0]

Good luck!

Which insurance do you have and how long did it take to be approved?

Jelbel

[JacobR 0]

I have oxford and it wasnt a problem actually. As far as blood pressure and blood sugar those were all normal but i was well over 100lbs overweight and combined with the doctor's administrative efficiency it took no time at all. i actually completed my last exam a week before my actual surgical date.