Hi BMI 36.6 Banded 11/30/09

[girlpilot 0]

Just wanted to say Hi and see if there is anyone similar to me.

[Band_Groupie 3]

CONGRATULATIONS on your banding!!! I started out at a similar BMI. Best thing I've ever done for myself! -BG

[cat lady 10]

Hi Band Groupie: Read alot of your posts. You seem to be doing so well with the band and you are inspiring to hear. Are you able to go out and socialize while eating with the band? I'm at about 220 now and hoping to be approved for the band. I have High Blood Pressure also. I know I can lose 20 lbs at a time but keep putting it back on. I hope this will be a tool to help me lose more and keep it off. I'm glad to hear that its the best think you've done for yourself. I really need to start doing something for me. I raised two grown and married children and now help out with the grandchildren and work also. I love being with the kids but I think its time for me -- if I can convince myself. I will keep reading your posts. Also you seem to be great with the computer. Can you answer a silly question?????what is the difference between a post -- blog -- thread???? I am not that computer savvy. Thanks for your reply. Chris (cat lady):eek:

[Band_Groupie 3]

Yep, I was a long-time yo-yoer, and a good one...lost lots of weight and found it again, plus it's friends. I'm able to eat like a normal skinny person. There's no food or drink I can't have. You'll learn that how tight your band is, is a matter of choice. I've got plenty of restriction to keep me satisfied between meals (I'm never hungry between small meals...although head hunger is another battle), but not so much that I've got a list of foods I can't eat. I didn't want to be a Bander that was still drinking Protein shakes (although that works for some)...it's a choice. Oh, and don't drop below the 35 BMI threshold before you're approved.

I made a committment to myself for the whole year to be about me for a change (put myself at the top of the list for once...I usually wasn't even on the list). So I did everything I could to get me healthy again. It was hard not to feel guilty or selfish, but I truly believe 'giving yourself permission' to make that committment is what's helped me be successful.

I didn't even know what a blog was when I started here LOL...so you're not alone. A blog is a 'journal' and mine here is working like a support group for me...others that are having/had the same issues comment or offer support/help. The Home page here (tabs at top) is where you can look for specific information on a topic...that's where you would ask a specific question vs. blogs. There are 'stickies' in the forums (look at the top of each forum/general area) that are saved information you can read. You can do a 'search' there for a topic, doctor, etc. You can read 'threads' and the 'posts' that reply to that thread, or you can 'start your own thread' and ask a question. There are also 'groups' that you can join...I 'subscribe' to the 'Over 50', 'Low BMI', 'Pennsylvania', and 'April '09 Banders' groups. The monthly group especially will help you as you get banded as everyone is in the same place you are (we had about 400 people here get banded my month in our group). Hope that helps!

Good luck and let me know if I can help! -BG

[sherrita3 0]

Hello! My name is Sherrita and i am curious to you got banded and your bmi is low. I was denied. I was so devastated! I went through my insurance ( Aetna).

[Band_Groupie 3]

Hello! My name is Sherrita and i am curious to you got banded and your bmi is low. I was denied. I was so devastated! I went through my insurance ( Aetna).

Sherrita- Don't give up! Many banders were denied the first time and eventually got bands. Get on here in the insurance section and start asking questions. There will probably some people with your same insurance (the State groups is another place to ask). Insurance can be different from state to state and even city to city. If you haven't yet, call Aetna and get a copy of your requirements (I had to be above a 35 BMI with one comorbidity and complete a 6 mo. program, but I don't have Aetna). Good luck! -BG

[nawlinzlady 1]

I started with a low bmi as well. But I had some complications like depression, sleep apnea and high blood pressure, I also had a family history of diabetes. Was approved my first time. I would do it all over again in a heart beat!