APPROVED

I just got approved for surgery today and I am so excited I can hardly stand it! In addition, I am nervous, scared and sick of people telling me I am going to die or regret having the surgery. I have not had a chance to put anything on my profile yet, but plan to do so soon. I want to pay forward the inspirational, successful moments of my weight loss like so many of you have shared with me. I love reading all your profiles...the trials and tribulations that have come with this life changing event are so awesome. Just a little bit about myself...I am 36 years old and have managed to diet my weight up to 225 pounds (I am only 5"3, I might add that my BMI is 40) and I am sick of being overweight and out of control! I can't get this weight off by myself, and feel so blessed to be given this opportunity for success at weight loss. My surgery was approved after only 4 days (thank God) so I have not had much time to soak all this in. I am having surgery in Groveport, Ohio and Dr. Viglianco is the surgeon. Any positive feedback would make me feel so much better. I need reassurce from people who have traveled this journey already on the pros and cons.

First let me say congratulations to you for making the decision to change your life. Next I would like to congratulate you on your approval I have not had the Lap Band yet but, I am scheduled for surgery this coming monday. As far as insurance I am still in pending status which is a little bit nerve bending but I am sure things will work out fine. I completely understand how you feel about being tired of being overweight and also about not being supported. In the beginning when I started researching years ago I heard all the negative things as well even when I made the decision to have weight loss surgery this time {this was the 3rd time i had viisited the idea of surgery} I was not greeted with well wishers. Eventually I tuned them all out and walked out on faith. This is a wonderful tool and an opportunity for so many individuals to literally change their lives. I think that the negativity only comes from fear and ignorance of the procedures themselves and you should seperate yourself from all negative things as a rule of thumb for life in general. My mom and significant other are still not happy about my decision but are supporting my decision I know for the both of them it is a scary thing with my mom it's mainly because she would not sit and try to learn the things that I have about the surgery and she is afraid that she might lose me. I try to ease the fears of others by explaining the procedure but at a certain point I had to stop and be a little selfish I need my fears eased as well I mean I am the one that has to endure all that comes along with my decision. So I had to pray on it and let God handle how people viewed my decision to do something about my weight. I am doing this for me and you in turn have made a decision that you feel is the right option for you and your life. Yes it would be a perfect world if we could have unconditional support but, unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world. I just turned 33 on the 8th of this month and although I am 5' 11" I am seriously overweight I pray that you will have a successful and uneventful surgery and recovery and will be here to support others who like us will need it when their time comes. Stay blessed and best wishes on a speedy & healthy recovery. Alicia.

Kimberly, I am two weeks post RNY surgery and have lost 20 lbs in two weeks. I made it through the surgery with flying colors. You will too. This choice is a choice you make to get healthy and improve your life. Trust me your family will come around. Good Luck and keep in touch. Lisa

Hi Kimberly Congratulations! You're on your way to becoming a big 'ole loser like the rest of us! ;) So...here's the deal. People are going to react to the surgery differently. Cherish those who support you and try not to be too hard on those who won't. Many of us go through a "omg what did i do to myself?" period shortly after surgery, but I assure you that once the pounds start melting off and you regain energy and start FEELING more alive, you'll feel as though you would undergo the same surgery 100 times over. I am 14 days out of surgery and down 19 pounds. I feel terrific! Everyone here at OH has been extremely helpful, supportive, and inspirational. Remember to ask questions, even if you think they're stupid. Ask your surgeon's staff questions, ask us questions here, ask ask ask! This was my first surgery ever (I'm 28) and it scared the hell out of me. Reading older OH threads really helped me feel organized and ready for this experience. Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress! Nicole