Cathy M.
And so my "Journey" begins. It actually began in February of '08 when I started thinking seriously about having the lap band done this year. I researched it alot, then checked with my insurance for possible coverage. They told me that they do consider it, but it is very strict. And it was. I had to go through 6 mos. of the dietician visits. I started with my regular doctor in May '08. That actually got to count as one visit. Then 5 more mos. with my bariactric dietician. I had to have the last 5 yrs.of medical records ready to go to the insurance, and as I studied all of those copies from my Dr. visits over the last 5 yrs., I believe MY reality set in. Every one of those visits, whether it was a well visit or an ailing visit, my weight was discussed and recorded as discussed. I believe that helped my ins. to decide if I was a candidate. Because remember, they don't know me or my health issues, other than what they read about me. Any way, my regular doctor wrote me a very nice letter for my ins.to consider my decision to have the WLS. My high blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux helped too. NOW after getting insurance approval within 10 days, my other part of my "Journey" is about to take place; the liquid diet!!!! 
I have been preparing for 3 wks.though. I started cutting down on foods, am eating NO junk foods, and started getting somewhat used to finding my protein supplements. My cupboard and frig are ready. My new vitamins are stacked in my cupboard. My final pre-op appt. with my surgeon, dietician, nurse and anthestesiologist was Halloween day, Oct.31'st. My liquid begins Wed., Nov.5'th, AND my Realize Band surgery is on Wed., Nov. 19'th. I AM READY TO GET "REAL". !!!!
I start out at 225 lbs. People say, "Oh you can loose your weight if you put your mind to it." You know, I am really tired of hearing it, and trying to believe that. Not everyone is put together the same way. And our bodies aren't going to react the same for many things in life. I'm done doing it that way. I only put more weight on after struggling to get some off. Having 3 foot surgeries and needing another one, my weight needs to come off, so I can enjoy getting up and walking. Sooooo, here I go. See you on the "Band Wagon" and in the "Loosers Lounge". I'm getting 'Real with myself' on NOV.19'th, 2008. Cathy Jo
