Thursday, February 29, 2008
My First Entry

Hi, my name is Jamie and my story is no different from anyone else’s. I love to eat and after having 2 children, several life-altering relationships, and a few stressful life events...I've eaten my way to 250 pounds!

I was never overweight as a child/teen; I was active in sports but learned very bad eating habits.  After I started working I started gaining 10 lbs here 15 lbs there.  Like most of us, I have dieted and lost, but it always come back, and then some.  I have been more on than off.  I’ve been an avid dieter for most of my adult life. I have lost weight many times but never more than 40lbs at a time.

I started looking into gastric by-pass surgery 3 years ago, even got approved and then about 2 months before the scheduled surgery I chickened out; at the time, the risks scared me!  I then spent the next 6 months on a popular fad diet.  Lost weight but within the next year I’ve gained it all back plus some!  I started looking at Lap Band less than a year ago. Went to my PCP and he said that he believed I would be a great candidate for the Lap-Band surgery.    

Back in November ’07, I went to the Dr. Luttrell’s lecture/seminar and left with the patient package and immediately tackled my insurance company inundating them with loads of questions regarding coverage.   When I went in for my 1^st appointment in January I was ready to find out when I could schedule my surgery, I was prepared for 4 to 6 months out but he said about 4 to 6 weeks. My insurance company requires that I meet the doctor's requirements and be a medical necessity. I DO!

I have also checked with my boss to see about scheduling time off. They were great!  And, instead of waiting 4 to 6 months, my surgery is scheduled in 4 weeks!  I’ve spent the last 7 years putting myself through undergrad school and will graduate this May (’08) with my bachelor’s degree and I’ve decided that I have to do this for myself, kind of like a graduation present to myself!  YIPPEE!  So that is where I stand.