Mary Ellen S.
April-2006: Let me just start by saying I have been an avid dieter for most of my adult life. I am now 44 yrs. old. I have lost weight many times but never more than 50lbs at a time. (Note above I can no longer say that! woo whoo) I enjoy walking. I have done a couple of 5K's in the last several years. (I considered myself a fit fat person here a couple of years ago) But as many I am an emotional eater and a couple of years ago had a very stressful time and gained about 60lbs after just having lost 50. I have finally come to the conclusion that I will not lose this weight and keep it off on my own without WLS. I have been looking at Lap Band for more than a year. Went to my PCP and we worked together for a year (nutritionist, diet pills, exercise) before he said that he believes I would be a great canidate for Gastric Bypass but I guess without the comorbidities the insurance would not cover it. Tried twice. Even though my BMI is almost 50. I have finally decided that I am not getting any younger and have decided to do a self-pay for the lap-band. I have 4 children and for me the lap-band will allow me to recooperate a little faster and the risks are lower which helps me feel better about doing this with a young family. Just FYI I have a 19yr old son, 16 yr old daughter, 13 yr old son and a 7 yr old daughter.
