Sally L.
I have struggled with my weight all of my life, but really began putting in on after having children. I have tried every type of diet known to man and have lost many pounds over my life, only to gain them back because I could not maintain the weight loss. I had spent thousands of dollars on different plans and drugs over the years. After having the most success I ever had with Phen-fin diet drugs, I recall the day they announced that they were taking them off the market. I heard the stories about the terrible illnesses and fatalities related to the drugs and I sat in front of my television and cried, not because I was scared about my health, but because I was going to lose the only tool that had ever worked for me and I was scared to gain the weight back. My doctor told me after I was diagnosed with sleep apnea that I may be a candidate for a gastric bypass. I had thought about it for years, but was told that my insurance would not pay for it. When I inquired with my insurance, I was told that I would have to go on a year-long doctor-supervised weight loss attempt. After many months of thinking and praying about it, my doctor advised me to write a letter to my insurance company and ask them to waive the one year waiting period before approval. Three weeks after sending the letter, I called to check on the status. Low and behold, my insurance company did not have that requirement after all. I was told my plan would cover it if my doc would write a letter of medical neccesity. In the meantime, my surgeon had recommended the lap band procedure instead of the GB. I was sold on the idea when he explained that it was adjustable, thus easier to control weight loss. I went for all of the necessary appointments and was banded on May 9, 2007. I am still not telling people my beginning weight yet, but I have lost 27 pounds so far and I feel really great. I think it was the best decision I ever made and I am excited about how it is going to change my life.
