Good Luck with your surgery! It will go well and soon you will be with us on the loser's bench-- the best place to be...

Anytime....This is not something to go at by yourself, and here, at this site you are NEVER alone.  Besides it is more fun to be able to share the fun things and the bad things seem less bad if someone else has done it and lived you know what I mean.  You will do great, I mean look at ya, your already off to a great start!

By the way thanks for the compliments - I never really liked pictures, not that I like them that much now, but it really helps to be able to track the changes....I see me every day, but I don't recognize that girl in the pictures from a year ago!

Lisa - Hang in there.  It will get better, and if there is anything I can do for you guys let me know.  Have a safe trip, and we will talk to you soon!

Hi Mel
Yes BC/BS would've paid $5000.00 to cover all of my trips including bringing a friend (caregiver) , meals and lodging for both round trips. Actually I went to Dallas to set up with a surgeon there first before I was directed by BC/BS that Colo. had opened 3 blue centers.  My technicality loophole was that I saw Dr Metz  in Denver and had gotten a surgery date and then CBSI let the contract expire after that.  I was lucky because I was dreading getting surgery out of state, the ride home would've been way too much to handle!

I am doing fine, thank you. My first fill is not as restrictive as I'd like, but thats why you need to go back each month for "fills" where they inject saline into the band to tighten it. Some have said it takes two or three fills before the band hits the"sweet spot"where they can get the most benefit from the band. You can read about the process up above under "forums">surgical forums>lap band. You can research all the surgical types there and decide for yourself. I chose lapband because I am over 50 and my surgeon told me that people over 50 are more prone to die from the other types of surgery.

Gosh I hope my insurance covers some cosmetic surgery, I'll have to check it out !!

Anyway here's to a  Happy New Year for you and everyone !! Melody, check your messages under "My OH"  up above on main toolbar, I dropped you a note awhile ago.
   Belinda

Your post is a great reminder that we have to keep positive and celebrate all of our victories.  Just starting out, it seems like I'll never make it, but you and so many others are an inspiration! Thank you!