Hi everyone. I'm a candidate for lap band surgery. I've completed the "3 month intensive" requirements for Aetna, and am waiting now for the response. In the meantime I've been doing my best to lose on my own. I've dropped 38 pounds so far this year and 50 from my highest weight.

It's nice to see I'm not the only one on CK who sought surgical assistance.

Orea

D eveloping
I ntelligent
E ating
T echnique

A.B.C.: All Bites Count!
If hunger isn't the problem, food isn't the answer.
I'm allergic to chocolate. It makes me break out in rolls of fat.

Hi Orea,

I've been banded 2 years but just joined here today.

Congrats on the 38 pounds, BTW! I always liked to think of weight loss in relation to sacks of potatoes. Weird, I know, but it helps me. Imagine, you've lost almost eight 5lb sacks of potatoes! LOL

Seems like this group isn't very active, but if you want to chat privately I'm happy to give you any info you would be looking for about the band.

When I was contemplating it, I talked to someone who had done it. She had been planning to take out a loan to get a new car, but it was about the same amount as having the surgery. Then, she considered what she would have in 5 years. She would either have a 5-year old car, or she would have the same car she was driving now but would be a whole lot lighter. She chose the latter option, took out her loan, and got the band. Since insurance was never an option for me, it motivated me to do something similar. I am so glad I did, but if you can get insurance to cover, even better!

Thanks for your reply. I've been a member of a great Yahoo group called Smartbandsters. I've learned an incredible amount from them, that is helping me already, banded or not. Many of them have made it all the way to their goal weights, so I am going to do my best to follow their lead.

Funny you should mention potatoes. One of the members just shared a picture of himself at Costco, posing with seven 20 pound bags of potatoes! That's how much he lost in less than a year! Talk about impressive.

I'm thinking the band is worth it no matter how you pay for it. Cross your fingers for me! I'm still waiting for a response.

Orea

D eveloping
I ntelligent
E ating
T echnique

A.B.C.: All Bites Count!
If hunger isn't the problem, food isn't the answer.
I'm allergic to chocolate. It makes me break out in rolls of fat.

I am so glad to have found this group. How have you managed after 2 years? Are you still lossing or have you reached your goal?

Lauralea

Welcome to the group, today is actually my 8 year anniversary from Open RNY. I wish I could say I was at my goal but I never made it there. But I am still working at it. I am still so proud of my decision.



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Tochatty
"Your hard work will pay off. It's not a matter of "if", but "when." .... Shane Idleman

Personal Challenge
Exercise 4 times per week 30 minutes each time