A journey of 1000 miles...

I just received my packet from Carillion (Dr. Lucktong). It states Va Anthem. BMI 40 or greater (35 with co morbidities) or Lap Band BMI needs to be below 50 then submitted to insurance for Pre Auth.  I'm just getting started also. I feel overwhelmed and a little scared. I really want the results, but I'm a worrier also. I don't really like pain. I mean if I am just a little sore, I can handle that. I am also torn between lap band or gastric. There is a  support group meeting in Roanoke on Monday night. I plan to attend that.  So maybe we can keep each other posted on our journey.I do not have an itial appointment yet. I have to send this packet back before they will schedule my appt.

Good luck, Penny

You're definitely not too young. I had it done June 2006. I was 48 and I could just kick myself that I didn't have it 20 years ago. There is absolutely no comparison to how I feel now. My energy level has sky rocketed and I'm actually able to be a better mother. It's worth it !! It's a life altering change, so you have to be prepared for all the differences, and willing to make the committment. I hope your Mom does well. I never had a single problem after surgery. No pain, no complications, and NO hairloss (which I know is extremely rare). Keep in touch with us. This is a great place to get encouragement and learn. Jennifer

I wish I had done this 20 years ago too!! Life would have been so different! Jackie

Hey all, Thanks so much for the kind words.  Really really inspirational.  About 6 months ago I was sitting in the parking lot of Wawa gabbing on my cell phone with my friend when an elderly gentleman approached my car and said "Young man, if you don't lose weight then you wont live to see 30."  My first knee jerk reaction was anger, I lashed out at the old man and said ugly things to him.   Later I realized that this had gone far enough.   Over the past several years, I've become a different person, a person I don't recognize.  Heavy people are beaten by society so badly that there is hardly a glimpse of their true selves left.  I used to be a passionate person, warrioring for what I held close to my heart.  That faded over the last few years as I've gotten bigger and bigger.  Feeling that nobody would take me seriously, or hear what I have to say that they'd only see my weight.  Enough is enough.  I've let my eating disorder literally change who I am, and I find that completely, totally, wholeheartedly UNACCEPTABLE!  Mr. Hyde has lived inside me for long enough, time to evict him.   I'm here to reclaim my body, my health and most importantly my soul.  Battle faces on ladies and gentlemen, we've got a war to fight.   Peace, Love and Equality. Andi Edwards

You are correct Andi - people feel that they can make comments about overweight people and it is alright - when it isn't. It really is not helpful tp tell us what we already know. Sometimes it does jolt us into action but it is cruel never-the-less. MAny people feel victimized to the point that their true personality is hidden and after surgery they feel "safe" to let it out. I hear people say that other people have changed a lot since surgery - I think it is just that a weight - literally - has been lifted from them and they feel happy inside. You are making a good decision and one you won't regret...  Good for you for fighting back! You know since surgery I see overweight people struggling to walk or do normal acti vities and I so want to go up to them and tell them it doesn't have to be that way - however I never will - because i know how hurt I would have been if anyone had said anything to me beore I had surgery - I feel like I have a message and want to share it with the world now! Jackie

Oh yeah, check out my profile for some new pictures I posted!

HI Andi & welcome to OH.  You've been given a lot of good advice & input from these wonderful people.  The only thing I can think of to add is educate yourself.  The things we fear the most are the things we know the least about...fear of the unknown.  You're on the right track with seeking a support group now.  The doctors will give you all the important stuff from their medical stand point, but oftentimes you don't get the day-to-day stuff that comes up.  Since you're not shy, ask all the questions you can come up with.  In fact, you might consider creating a list...just a slip of paper you keep in  your pocket for those times when out of the blue you think of something you want more info on. Congrats to your Mom on her new journey.  Just think...you'll be on the losing bench soon too, God & the insurance company willing...LOL.

Andi,  Boy do I have so much to add . You for one need to be commended for taking the stand against Obesity . One needs to really be able to see how serious this disease is .. and that it will kill you . Obesity is something that over time, people have made fun of , and ridiculed us for years . 39 % of Americans are Obese .. what does that tell you ?  I submitted my insurance papers to BCBS / Anthem on Feb 24th 2004 and was approved the same day with in hours . I was at work .. got the phone call and my butt fell outa the chair I was in . It was the happiest day or my life .. or atleast the begining of many to follow .  I too have a background in Customer service . I was a Customer Service Manager for years  !! I love this field of work .  Worry .. yes this surgery is radical . It is next to Open heart surgery as being one of the most dangerous surgeries . But Andi .. it will save your life . This surgery has come so far . You must do your homework . Prepare .. start living your life now as a GBSer... Your surgeon can give you what his protocol will be and you can get started now learning how to take your suppilements , as this will be for life .. getting used to doing protein drinks .. remember .. your taste now is different after surgery sometimes . Getting used to doing exercise .. this is key in your weightloss . PROTEIN + WATER + EXERCISE = WEIGHTLOSS .. simple formula ..  Stop the head spinning . Put into action the plan to get healthy .. I wish I had done this years ago .. you have  chance at a much longer healthier life .  Please know that I am here for you .. and will support your journey .  Keep us posted please .. and stay in touch ..  Always,  Tink

Andi, Welcome to OH. Congrats to your mom for having the surgery. I hope she is home from the hospital and doing well. Make sure she knows that is she ever has any questions or anything she can find the support here. I know I have a few different times. It helps when you have people around you that support what you have done and it looks like she has that support from you as well as you having it from her.  I know how people would treat me before I lost the weight, they looked at you funny, talked about you, laughed at you, never held a door if you were coming in or going out. Now that I lost 143lbs I am treated like a real person. Hmmm funny I think I am the same person, just smaller  LOL. I wish you all the best on your journey and remember, if you have any questions or just need a little push, come here and get it. Michele

Good morning Andi.  I was 28 when I had my open rny.  Gosh how much better my life is now.  It has been the best decision I made.  I have Anthem BCBS and didn't have any problems with my insurance.  Definitely call and get the details about what they require and if you are ready get the process started.  Research everything you can about the surgery, read profiles on here, find some  support group meeting to go to, talk to people who have had surgery.  Start making changes now, drink water, take vitamins/supplements, and start exercising.  And most importantly remember you have a whole network of people here willing to help. Congrats to your mom on her surgery.  I wish you both the best on your journey.