Kat1965
Born in 1965. Thin, athletic, healthy, through childhood until I married in 1985 and started working full time. When I married I weighed 145, which was 10 lbs heavier than the year before. I'm 5'8". I have 7 children (gave birth in 3 decades, 2 centuries and 2 millenia LOL) . Here's a link to a recent picture of our family at our son's wedding.
By the time the second was born I was over 200 lbs; by the time the 4th was born, I was 270. I now weigh 312. Highest was 317. Diagnosed with diabetes, then undiagnosed after losing 40 lbs, but the weight is back, and probably the diabetes but I haven't been to the endo in about 6 months. Diagnosed with hypothyroidism and psoriatic arthritis.
Have considered WLS off and on, but can't afford it. My current health insurance will now cover it if I have 6 months of medically supervised weight program documentation, and at least one co-morbidity. All the other qualifications are present and accounted for (just look at my BMI! Ouch.)
Making an appt on Monday with my family doc to set up the 6-mth program so I can qualify for surgery in the Fall, I hope. I'm leaning toward the Lap band, but I have a long time to consider all my options. My husband's in full support, and I know my kids will be when the time comes.
I'm not vacillating anymore on this. It's time and past time. I can't wait longer. Diabetes is hovering like a dark cloud over my head, my joints are getting worse, my Rheumy is very concerned about my weight, and so am I.
Update 1/17/2011 -- Insurance has approved the Lapband. Surgery date was set back in November for Feb 18. Lapband and a new lease on life here I come! Thank you to True Results for making it as easy as it gets.
Update 1/27/2011 -- Surgery is canceled. Insurance changed its policy regarding where WLS can be performed. Using this opportunity to rethink just which type of WLS I *really* want. Getting so close to the actual date of surgery was bringing a lot of my concerns to the surface regarding the lapband -- in particular, the built in after-care dependence is greater than with other permanent WLS. Longer recovery time, but no adjustments needed later unless something goes wrong. So.... leaning toward gastric sleeve, but need to research a lot more before making final decisions. I may still stick with the less invasive band. I just don't know.
I have half my life left - I'd like to live it with health, and freedom to move, do and be my true self!
