Angelique J.
I started thinking about weight loss surgery about 3 years ago. At the time I was in my early 20's and took medications for Type 2 Diabetes, Depression, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and PCOS. I talked about it with my surgeon and he suggested the lap-band but there were no surgeons in my area that performed this surgery and took my insurance. I looked hard and long and finally told myself I would lose weight through a nutrionist monitored program. Well my nutritionist at the time helped me to change some dietary habits and I basically maintained my, then, current weight of around 300 pounds. Over the next few years an extra 50 crept on due to eating too much food, albeit good nutrional choices, too little exercise (basically anytime except for summer), and medications which had the side effects of weight gain. During this time I continued to research the band, lurk on forums like this, and learn all I could about WLS in the hopes of it coming to my area soon. I fell in love with the lap band the more I read and I knew I did not want my insides rearranged so it seemed a perfect fit.
At 24 years old my diabetes was well controlled along with my hbp and high cholesterol. By late 2006 there were a few surgeons in the area who performed lap-band surgeries. I had consultations with several different surgeons and instantly fell in love with Dr. Koren of Easton, PA. Sadly, the day of my consultation was the same day he stopped accepting my insurance. He performed the consultation noen the less and explained the surgery, gave me all the paperwork he would have given me if I were going to be his patient and sent me on my way with some new info.
In mid 2007 I found out that a new version of a local WLS program was started called The NEW You Program: Lap-Band. I checked it out and found that the two surgeons associated with the program took my insurance and one was just approved to perform lap-band. Well, my decision was made. I had to do 6 month hoop-jumping for my insurance as well as the New You Program itself. I appreciated this 6 month ordeal as it made SURE it was what I wanted.
During my 6 months pre-op I had to see a bariatrician (nutritionist who specializes in bariatric patients) once every month. One meeting with a nutritionist, one with a social worker, attend 1 educational meeting, and 2 support group meetings. My pre-admission testing was an interview with the anaesthetist's nurse, an EKG, a chest x-ray, and some blood work. My insurance accepted me after my first request. I had a letter from my bariatrician, my doctor, and the WLS program I went through at my hospital which helped me to keep track of everything that needed to be done and when. I kept a food journal the entire time and exercised and lost 30+ pounds throughout the process.
Two weeks prior to my surgery I was placed on a lo-carb diet to shrink my enlarged liver. I was banded on March 5th 2008 and feel great. My co-morbidities prior to surgery were sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, depression, migraines, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. I took 7 medications every night. I now take 2.
You have to be ready to really want to lose weight. I can't echo everyone enough about how the lap-band is a tool and it won't do it for you.
Thanks for reading my story!
