Excitement!!!

Hello to everyone~     I am new to this forum and have been researching WLS for some time now. I am so excited to find a local forum about weightloss. I am 25, 270lbs,5'5 and am going to a seminar the 11th for Dr. Gorospe about the lapband. I have no "diagnosed" issues from the weight. I am one of those people that avoid places that make me step on the scale, paticularly the doctors office. I don't sleep well(not sure if that is from the weight or my one year old), my blood pressure has been borderline hpertension, and I am currently on an anti-depressant(started it after my son was born due to the post partum). I am normally a very outgoing individual, but this distaste for my weight problem is greatly affecting my life. I am beginning to withdraw more every day. I am 99% sure that is what I would like to have done. i have battled weight my entire life (always been heavy). I am desperately needing a change. I have a super supportive husband no matter what I choose or don't choose to do and a one year old son that is becoming more of a challenge to keep up with. That's everything in short. I love how supportive you are of one another and the fact that you meet and have such close relationships. That's what I would love to be part of. My family, with the exception of my in-laws live out of state and I could use all of the support I can get. If anyone has used Dr.Gorospe please share with me about your experience, or if anyone has used someone else nearby let me know. I have BCBS of Arkansas and they only cover $5,000. I need advice on financing the rest of the surgery as well. Please share with me your experiences, pros, cons, etc.  Sincerely,     Joni

Hi Joni,     Our background is very similar, I didn't have any "official" co-morbidities but was borderline on Diabetes type II, high colestherol, swollen feet/hands and joint pain. I had my lap band surgery on Jan 2007, it is the best decision that I'd ever made.  Dr Gorospe did my surgery and have very good experience with him and his team. So far, I haven't had any complications with my band and I'm down 85 pounds and I have gone from a size 22 to size 12.  My colestherol is in the normal range for first time in years, no more knee or back pain, and my feet don't  hurt anymore, actually all my shoes are  bigger, I have gone from 10W to 9 shoe size, I can wear high heels, again.  I love it!! Dr Gorospe's after care program is excellent and they are always available for you.  the fills are done approx 8 weeks apart.   If you want also you can come to Dr gorospe's Support group meeting on March 10 at Bailey's hospital at 6:30 p.m, so you can meet others Lap band patients  Good luck! Lis

That is so neat Lis! I have a lot of achiness (sp?) as well. I just might take you up on the support group meeting. I am going to the seminar on the following Tues. Did I read somewhere on a post you are trying to conceive? I have a one year old son and looking to have more. I wanted the least risky surgery possible (and reversible if worst happens). A BIG congrats on your current weight loss. What may I ask has been your biggest challenges?  Also, how much was your surgery? My insurance only pays $5,000 a year. How much are fills? I will have to finance some I am sure. Anyway, thanks for your reply. I'll write more later. Someone needs a nap. My son does too. Lol:) Joni

Hi Joni,  Yes, I'm trying to conceive that was the main reason that I had the surgery because I want to have  a healthy pregnancy.  Although I'd like to lose 20 more pounds before getting pregnant, I'm ready for a little one ;-)   I had UHC and they paid for my surgery after I met my deductible and out pocket expenses ($1000). The fills are $125 each but insurance cover them. My biggest challenge was not drinking with my meals but I got used after few months and now it is normal for me.  Looking forward to meet you at the support group ;-) Lis

Lis~

  By all means, do what you feel is right as far as having a little one. I can tell you about my experience with my son. I did weigh wat before I got prego and was down to about 240ish. I had a super pregnancy. The only thing was I was a week over due and I worked all the way up to then. Things were stressful there and my bp was up. Sooo, I was induced a week after my due date. No biggie. He weighed 8 '2 and was healthy as a horse. The moral to this story? There really isn't one. Just hoped I could ease your mind about the extra 20. They (little ones) are a lot of work, but so worth it. They really do fill up every little bit of time you have. I can't remember what I did before mine! :)

Joni

Joni,      I will be at the seminar on the 11th so I will see you there.  I am also palnning on being at the support group meeting the night before. 

 

kat

I'm not from your area and can't answer your questions about Dr. Gorospe but I wanted to welcome you to the boards.  The Tulsa area people are AWESOME and they will take GREAT care of you! GOOD LUCK TO YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY!

Welcome to the group. Best of luck through the process, it may be rocky but ohhhhh so worth it. Tressa

Welcome to the group. Glad you could join us and I am happy for you that you have decided to take a step to a healthier life. I am pre-op, my surgeon will be Dr Fisher. I hear good stuff about Grospe too. I am using Fisher cause he is the only one in my area that takes Soonercare.  I wanted to let you know that once a month the OH friends get together in Tulsa to chat and support each other. its for pre and post op folks. keep an eye out and there will be a post about it closer to time. Hope to meet you soon. take care and god bless

Welcome to the forums!!!!!  Always love meeting new people. I think you will like Dr G that is also my Dr.  My insurance covered mine so I cant give you any advice on how to get the financing you need. Much luck to you.