New here.....Hello Everyone!

Hi Everyone! I guess you could say I've been lurking around at Obesity Help for a few months now and finally got the courage to join and post! I'm 39 (be 40 in 3 weeks....yikes....lol), married for 22 years, 4 kids (daughter 21, son 14, and 2 dogs that are my babies) and 1 grandchild, who is my absolute LIFE!!! She is my reason for going on! I saw a commercial on TV one day for the Lap Band surgery and thought WOW!! I talked to my daughter's mother-in-law who I am also very good friends with and her and I went to the seminar! I must say if it weren't for Carol, I probably would have never went by myself! We decided to go for it and each set up an appointment! Carol, I'm sorry to say, was denied by her insurance company, but she's not giving up! I, on the other hand, got a request from my insurance company for some post-op stuff from the doctor's office and a psychiatric evaluation! They did their part, and I kind of drug my feet on mine, but I eventually made an appointment and got the evaluation overwith! The psychiatrist faxed her report to the doctor's office, who in turn called my insurance company to make sure my case was still open and valid, and it was, so they faxed everything to them and confirmed that they had received everything they needed! My doctor's office said it would probably be a few weeks to get an answer! To my surprise, they called me the next morning at 9:30 a.m. and said they had just received a call from my insurance and I was APPROVED!!! Now, I know you all are thinking that's great, and it is, but is it normal to be a little scared? I guess with all the denials that people get I just assumed I'd be denied too! I never thought my dream would become a reality, I guess, and now I'm not sure how to even handle this! My doctor's office is going to iron out all the details with my insurance company to make sure EVERYTHING is covered, so I won't be stuck with any unexpected costs and then they are going to set up my pre-op appointment and then surgery date! I'm so excited, yet so scared! I think a part of me is afraid I'm going to fail! As I said, I've lurked on here for months, and I will say that this site and you people on here are more inspirational than you'll probably ever know! I've never seen such friendliness and support in my entire life, and I think I need you now more than ever, which is why I decided to step in and join! Any comments or suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated! I'm sorry this is so long....please forgive me! I can't wait to learn more about the site and to hear from everyone! Take care and God Bless You All

YAHOO Karla!! Congrats on your approval! And YES it is very normal to be scared. This is a big deal. But you've come to the right place for support. The people of OH have helped me through every step of the way....even after over two years post op, it's nice to know that I can talk about it and there's someone who understands! You take care and keep us posted on your progress! ~Kristen

Karla even tho I am pre-op too. Congradulations on getting approval. That is awesome. Yeah Im a little scared too but I keep thinking about all the things I will be able to do when I dont have this big gut sticking out in front of me anymore. Keep thinking about all the fun you will be able to have with that baby granddaughter. They sure give us lots of pleasure dont they? Anyway love and prayers will be with you. Jan

Karla, Your feeling of being scared are natural. I know when I got approved, the same feeling came over me. Stay in touch with all of us for support. A new life is around the corner for you. Also keep encouraging your friend till she is approved. Colette

Hello Karla, welcome to the board. As everyone else has said, yes it is normal to be scared. You have found a wonderful place for support. Everyone here has gone through all the emotions and feelings you are and will be experiencing. I also wanted to give you the link to the Lap Band forum in case you wanted to chat with other lap banders as well: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/posts.html Now that you have been aproved get ready to experience life as a thinner, healthier person. Good luck in your journey. Wayne

Karla... Sorry for chiming in so late!.. welcome to our lil' bit of heaven on the OH website. You will find the NICEST folks on this board (ok I'm biased but so what!! *LOL*)..... Don't be a stranger...jump right in and share! Even if you go lapband there are still alot of things that are similar that we can help each other with... Congrats on getting the speedy approval too! Elizabeth~