November 2006 I was on my last nerve contesting my insurance with Kaiser to get them to pay for gastric bypass surgery.  I had been on their list for 18 months and now my insurance doesn't cover weight management.  After a conference call with their attorney, three doctors and two of the insurance agents.  In tears I told them that I needed the surgery to save my life....

It would save them money to have me not be diabetic, overweight and have high blood pressure.  They still declined my request.  I can't wait to lose enough weight to not be diabetic anymore, blood pressure is almost normal and then I will get someone elses insurance.  I hate Kaiser.
 
My sister saw a commercial on tv the first week in December 2006 that showed a lion or tiger turning into a kitten and it was about Lap-Band® surgery.  I've never seen the commercial.  I went online and looked up Lap-Band® surgery Denver and Dr Kirshenbaum's site came up.  I called and made and appt.  Dec 12th met with Dr K and the nutritionist.  He showed surgery photos (which are disgusting) and she had me try samples of the protein drinks.  I scheduled 2nd appt for January 2nd and surgery January 9th.  Everything went smoothly. 

I've lost 75 pounds since January 9, 2007.  I would like to lose it faster, but am happy that I'm able to keep that weight off and slowly continue to lose weight.  I would tell anyone who's considering the surgery, GO FOR IT!  Don't hesitate, do it now.  I wish the surgery had been available 20 years ago so that I wouldn't have had to suffer with this awful affliction and the prejudice that goes with it.