October 30, 2009: I have been researching LB for a few months now. I have had the initial consultation and learned that my insurance will not cover. I am still moving forward and have my initial meeting with my doctor on 11/17. Since I am paying for the procedure myself, I will need to wait until 2010 to take advantage of my company's flex med program. That will at least help with some of the cost.

I am keeping my mind open in case something comes along that makes me realize that this is not for me. However, I believe that I have done enough research to know most of the costs and benefits.

I am 35 and single so the decision is my own. My parents know I'm thinking of it and support me completely. My friends, although skeptical, realize they have no idea what I'm going through and will stand by my decision.

I have noticed that people who are active in a lap band community seem to be successful overall, so I have determined that I should try.

I'm not a writer by nature, but I think logging my experience (if only for myself) can only help. I have a long way to go, so the next few months will only be prep.

My motto for now: Prayers and preparation!

Welcome!

I have found the blogs are a great source of information and support. I hope you enjoy this site as much as I seem to be. And I agree, I think the successful people are the people that use all of their resources - and this is one of them.

Welcome!

You have friends here. We all started at some point. I have an interesting story. I ended up having my surgery a month early due to a cancelation and I was ready and waiting. When I got a call can you have your surgery on Monday when it was a Friday. I sorta freaked out but I said YES. That was back in June. I was banded on June 29 and my life has changed so much. Not to mention my body went from a size 24++ to a 16 regular. I am down 60+ pounds and I will get weighed on Nov 5. I do not own a scale because I would sleep on it. Anyway I am a normal large size and was told I could not buy my size on this side of the store any more. That was so cool, I cried in the dressing room. This tool has made me make better food choices and I have so many friends who have helped me every step of the way. Even from the first day when I knew I was approved for July date but since it was moved up I need to create my own destiny I got support here on this site from friends who said you can make this happen. I have never been a blogger and look at me now. It also helps me keep my paws out of the cookie jar. BEST WISHES on your journey. imaluckydog

Thank you ldswims!

imaluckydog, I LOVE your story! I long for the day that I can just walk into a store and buy something that fits!

Good luck to you. My wife's insurance did not cover the surgery and we had to take out a loan. Now, I am thinking about getting a surgery myself, and my new insurance should cover it after I jump thru all of their hoops. My wife's life has changed completely and I am waiting for my turn.