Janet T.
I am 35 years old, single, and (sigh) obese. I work for a US based airline and since 9/11 things have been going downhill for me. Pay cuts, pension cancellation, reduced benefits, new security measures, watching my friends get laid off, afraid I would get laid off, ect. So where do I turn for some comfort? FOOD! I was 40lbs overweight pre-9/11 and have gained an another 50lbs. I have been in a pretty deep funk for about 3 years now, and cannot stand it any longer. It is time to change my life for the better.
I tried all the diets and pills, I have zero will power, and I hate the gym to a neurotic degree. Who is this person I've become? Pitiful really. I knew I needed something drastic to kick me in the butt and get me started. I researched WLS online and decided the Lap Band was for me. My insurance will not cover WLS and I could not afford the prices in the US so I went abroad to have my Lap Band surgery. I chose Belgium. They seemed to be more advanced medically than the Dr.s in the US for this kind of surgery as they have been practicing this surgery for about 15yrs. (and also my airline flies there)
I found a service online, Direct Healthcare International, and gave them a call. They were able to secure me a surgery date 6 weeks later, so on Aug 21,2006 I packed my bag and off I went. The trip went well, no complaints there, but when I came home I found I did not have a support system in place to answer all my questions about the band. When it came time for my first fill, I could not find a Dr. in So. Cal. willing to fill the European band. So back to the internet to search... I found Obesity Good Bye in Tijuana, Mexico. They use the same sort of band that I have and would be happy to fill it. That is where I met Dr. Verboonen. He was very kind and professional, and he always uses the fleuro for the fills. It was Dr. V who told me about this website. Thank you Dr. V!
I am so happy to have found all you nice supportive people! I cannot tell you what a difference it has made for me. Being able to talk to other Bandees has helped keep my spirits up and helped to work this band properly. Thank you!
