I have come across a lot of people seeking money for Gastric Bypass or Lap Band surgery. As a recipient of this surgery, please let me put it straight and not sugar coat it.
At my time of surgery in December of 2004, I weighed 315lbs. I had heart problems, was pre-diabetic and couldn't walk without gasping for air. I was unemployed at the time but luckily I still had the insurance from my previous job that was covered by COBRA payments they made for me as part of my severence package.
It was not easy. I almost died. I got an infection in February of 2005 that literally had me with a draining tube sticking out of my stomach for 6 months to clean out the infection.
But now it's August 2008 and I can say, that now I am at 130lbs. I still can not eat certain things, but health wise I get very tired because of the Anemia. I take my viatmins & B12 religiously, because if not I will collapse.
Lab band patients make sure you eat correctly, because the weight will come back trust me. That's why I had full on Gastric Bypass, I know myself. But even with that, you can gain the weight back. I eat foods that I like but once I'm full (and believe me you'll know..it feels horrible). I don't eat. I eat small meals throughout the day.
As for funding I know that Medicaid is now covering the surgery so long as you are 100 lbs and over in weight, tried other diet / weight loss programs for a period of 6 months and have undergone psychiatric evaluation. Check your state medicaid eligibilty and if they offer it and make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Research, make sure you have the time to recover (i.e if you are working will it interfere, children, etc) and resources available to get by. It's not easy..
