Still in the Planning - Hoping phase

Hi All - I'm 38, live in Grand Rapids and am 292 pounds. I decided I wanted the surgery (after 2 years of thinking and on-and-off research) about a month ago. My all time high weight is 312. Through pregnancy, eating well and a few complications, I had dieted down to 224, but over the past year have packed on 70 pounds. I've got a 13 month old, and that contributed to the weight gain. I'm miserable again. Absolutely miserable. I have my orientation with MMPC on Monday. I'm so excited! I know I want laproscopic surgery, but I don't know if I want the RNY or lapband. I'm leaning toward lapband. I will ultimately let the doctor suggest what is best for my body style/type. I'm a "pear" not an "apple." Anyone with experience with lapband from MMPC in Grand Rapids, please share with me. I know there's another doctor in Holland who is really good, but his waiting list is super long - and I want to get this done ASAP. I'm sure I'll be frustrated by the wait. (Though not as frustrated as I am by the weight.) I meet with my PCP on Friday. I've been on Meridia for 3 months but gained 10 pounds. I was on Jenny Craig and WW prior to that. I don't have diabetes or apnea, so I don't even know if the insurance company will approve me. My chest has been hurting though; I think palpatations? I feel like I'm going to die soon if I don't make a drastic change. I'm definitely depressed - definitely. I called to find out coverage, and I am 100% covered - I only have to pay $100 to the hospital. I am not telling my family about my decision. They've never been supportive of my attempts to lose weight before, so why bother now? They're all skinny - I'm the only fat one in the family, and I know they are embarrassed of me. They certainly act like they're better than me. So I'm doing this on my own. I have wonderful, supportive friends and I know I will be successful. You are all so supportive and kind to each other - and I know that I will need your help. I'm so inspired by your profiles and by your successes. The expressions of joy in the "AFTER" pictures bring me to tears. I want that for myself! Wish me luck with the insurance company. I am working on my profile and I'll keep it updated. Thanks for your support! Nathalie

Nathalie, what time is your appointment? I'll be there tomorrow morning and maybe we can meet and talk. Please answer me here because I can't get into my email because it's at work and my computer there is not turned on. My appointment is at 10:30 but we can get there earlier if you want to meet. Ann

I hope everything goes as you hope.I had surgery 3 years ago AUG 4th and never for a minute regreted it.I started out an 18/20 and now wear an 8/10 depending on the clothes.I never told anyone in my family except for my husband and one of my daughters.I concidered this my business and no one elses.I live in a very small town and didn't want to be the topic of discussion!Good Luck

Nathalie, I feel the same way you do about not telling anyone. I have one family member who went on and on to me about which she thought of a friend who had surgery. I just don't want to deal with it. I'll be having surgery in October. Gussie, How did you explain the weight loss? What was your story? Marie

Nathalie, I am right with you and at the same stage as you. Although my weight is 364.4 pounds as of this morning at my consultation at Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti. I am going to go for the lap band. The surgeon I met with today, Dr. Kam, was wonderful and very understanding and informative. I do have some support although my husband is against it. I just had to come to the decision that it is my body and my life and I am doing this to live a fuller, longer, healthier life for me and for him and our daughter. If you ever want to chat just e-mail me. You can do this and you do have support! Nikki

Hi all! My orientation went well. I tried to make an appointment for a consultation for this week, but the receptionist was stupid. (laugh) She told me that blah blah blah someone would call me. I'm like I NEED AN APPOINTMENT! I am going to call tomorrow morning for an appointment. I'm ready to move forward people! Thanks for the support. it was such an eye opening experience. I totally want the lapband, I know that now. Even though 50% of excess weight is the norm, I can do better; I know I can. Nikki I would love to be email buddies. I have the same feelings of wanting to see my 1 year old son grow up. It just breaks my soul to think about him without me. All because I couldn't keep myself from eating uncontrollably. My baby deserves better than I'm giving him right now. As soon as I figure out how to update my page, I will do that. And I'll keep y'all posted on my progression! Thanks! nathalie