Newbie in Florida

[Sweet68 0]

Well it is finally time for me! I am so busy taking care of everyone else - I won't be around to do it unless I take care of me. I am just starting on this journey. I will hopefully schedule my band surgery for the end of May or sooner. Insurance excludes it no matter what so I am resigned to self pay if necessary although I will try for the insurance, will get denied and will appeal.

I am 4'10" and with a BMI of 38 but I have 4 co-morbidity factors to contend with. I am sick and tired of taking so many meds and still being at risk for who knows what. Reading your posts for the past two weeks has been inspiring. I know it will be a tough road but it all seems so worth it. A small price to pay to be healthy for the rest of my life. All words of encouragement and tips from you professional bandsters are always appreciated!!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

HI SWEET!

Welcome to LBT!

It goes to show that even a little extra weight can have a major impact on some of us. I hope your losing some will help to improve that for you. I know it has for me already!

:lunch:

[mljalways 1]

Welcome, I am from Melbourne Fl. Good luck with the process!!

[louandboosmom 0]

Glad you are here !!!! I live in Clewiston just north of you. I had my surgery last week and I LOVE IT !!! Good luck with insurance hopefully something will come through for you

[Guest stick]

Hi Sweets.

I am pretty much where you are. Just a little short and a little fat. I also am not covered but have to head out of country to do this. I am thinking Mexico...make me nervous.

Good luck with everything and keep us undated.

[Sweet68 0]

Thanks for all the well wishes. My insurance has an exclusion but the Dr can claim the hiatal hernia fix they will do in the process to help with the costs and all of the preop and labs will be covered. Going to speak with my surgeon on the 31st and get my date. Wish me luck....nervous but so happy I am finally doing something for myself!!

[31andnew 0]

Hi Sweets.

I am pretty much where you are. Just a little short and a little fat. I also am not covered but have to head out of country to do this. I am thinking Mexico...make me nervous.

Good luck with everything and keep us undated.

I am in Riverview, FL right outside Tampa. I thought about going to Mexico but have found that most doctors in the states won't treat you for post-op. I found a doctor in Colorado that will do it for $9950 and a doctor in Bradenton that will do it for $12000. Most of the prices in the Tampa area are $15,000 - $17,000. I am a self-pay so I shopped around.

I just scheduled my psychological exam and am hoping to start the pre-op diet within the next week.

I've heard mixed reviews on Mexico but if you decide, make sure you arrange for your after care with a US doctor BEFORE you cross the border.

[SpiritWind 0]

Hi Am a newbie and I live in Viera. Are there local support groups to attend for Bandsters in Melbourne area?

[mljalways 1]

Welcome!!! I live in Melbourne