New here

Hi everyone. I am new to this website. I have wanted to have surgery for a very long time, but due to the cost and an exclusion in my insurance policy, it was not possible. I found out last Thursday that one of the plans offered for this next year (beginning Jan. 1st) will cover surgery! I have to meet all the requirements and have it done at an approved center, but it shouldn't be a problem. I am SUPER excited!

A little about me. I am 31, married for 11 years, 3 kids (boy age 8, boy age 5, girl age 3). I have weighed 330-340 pounds since my 1st child was born in 1999. I'm only 5'4", so my BMI is 56, I believe. I have tried many things, but nothing has worked. I've never had any other health problems until recently, when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

My only concern is that I've read about doctors not wanting to do Lap-Band on people with high BMIs, but that is the only surgery I want to have. My husband will not be supportive of me having any other surgery, and it honestly scares me too. I guess I'll wait and see what happens. I know one of the requirements with the insurance is a 6-month documented weightloss program while under a doctor's care, so I'm going this week to go ahead and begin this process.

I'm looking forward to this journey!

Welcome to you Susan and best wishes as you begin your journey!

My only suggestions are you examine all surgery options if you haven't already. Become informed and ask lots of questions!   Find a DR that you feel comfortable with and don't settle for anything you don't want.

Welcome and my size is very similar to yours except I seem to have shrunk lately and dr says I am now only 5'3".
Check all the surgery options so that you are informed of which one is best for YOU and your eating patterns and comorbids.
I wish I had done this when I was your age but better late than never.

21 sleeps to RNY
Sheri

Susan - i weighed 340 on my surgery day 6 months ago, having the RNY has been a huge blessing to me.  I waited 2 years to approach my husband on this, he is so grateful that i made the choice (but for ME).  I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do.  WELCOME!  lys

Hi Susan!

Welcome, make yourself at home, this is a wonderful, supportive board! 

Talk to your doctor and do research, knowledge is power!  This website is great for that! And did you visit the Lap Band Forum? 

Good Luck on your journey! 

Talk to ya later!

Diane

Hi Susan

Welcome... this is a great forum.  You will find lots of great info and support.  Start your research now into all types of WLS, you might find yourself suprised at what you want later on down the road.  I stared out at 344, and on 5'2, so I know where you are coming from weight wise.  My husband was also reluctant to let me have the surgery done.  I am so happy that I was finally able to have my RNY, I only wish I could have done it years sooner.

Good luck with starting your 6 month supervised diet!!

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask me any time!!

Caroline

Welcome!!! You are about to take off on a very interesting journey!

I would strongly encourage you to also review all the surgery types to determine which one is best for you. Also once you can, request a list of covered surgeries from the insurance company and their qualifiers. Each insurance company is different.

My husband was anti-surgery until I asked him to go to an educational seminar with me.  My doc is very competent and his complication rate is almost zero.  That gave him some sense of relief and he hesitantly gave me his blessing to have the surgery.  I can't say that I would have moved forward without his approval as you need support for this.

Whatever you choose, please do your research.  And try to get your DH to a meeting or a support group meeting or something.

Thanks everyone. I am doing all the research I have time for. I've been researching for a while now, just in case the opportunity ever arose. My husband is hesitant because he knows 2 people that have had major complications and died as a result of bypass. We are just going to take it as it comes and make the best informed decision that we can, together.