Tuesday, January 27, 2009

INSURANCE APPROVAL!!!

I am happy to say that I was approved by my insurance company (United Health care) for the lap band!! WOO HOO! Apparently it was approved on the 20th but when I called on Friday they told me it was still under review. Doesn't matter, because I got my letter yesterday afternoon! We have some family things coming up and although they could get me in next month, I have scheduled my surgery for MARCH 20TH!!!! I am excited and nervous, but mostly anxious to start this journey :)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The Starting Point

After two children and gaining 65ish lbs, numerous failed diet attempts and a healthy dose of low self esteem, I have decided to take charge of my weight. I have chosen the tool that I believe can help me succeed. My tool of choice is the Lap-Band.

The Lap-Band is infact a tool to aid with weight loss, it is not a sure thing. Modifying what you eat and your activity level are crucial in seeing results. I plan to use this blog to track my progress and to, hopefully, motivate others.

A bit of my story. Around 8 years old, I went from a healthy slender child to an overweight one. I battled my weight through middle school and started to get a handle on it in high school. However, I really started getting more in shape when I made it onto my high school Varsity cheerleading squad my junior year. All was well in that department, I went to college really start working out a bit, lost a bit more weight....then I got married. The weight just started piling on. In about a year and a 1/2 I had gained 55-60 lbs. After my first child I lost about 30 lbs then gained it all right back plus a few. I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome in 2007, which made me see why I had gained so much weight so quickly. After baby #2 (c/o fertility treatments) I lost my pregnancy weight, however this left me, still at a hefty 195-200 lbs. This is where I am today. I am overweight, pre-diabetic, I have high blood pressure, an irregular heart beat with trace valve leakage and I feel awful. I saw a commercial advertising the lap band procedure and I started my research from there.

I went to have a consult with a local doctor and am confident in his skills. I am currently waiting on approval from my insurance for the procedure. I should qualify, but we shall see :)

Like I said, I am using this blog to track my progress. I will post pictures and update as much as possible. And while I am not trying to hide anything (hence I am posting full pictures) I am going to use an alias to prevent people from being able to search my name :) So, anyway.... let the blog begin!!!