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I think I will be in May but I dont know for sure yet. I had heard if you were self pay it goes really fast so I was dreaming of getting it in April but who knows. I have been fighting the battle and losing it for twenty years and I finally admit I cant do it without some kind of intervention. I want to lose about 70 or 80 pounds and my BMI is 36 so that's why I have to self pay. I didnt have any comorbid conditions so insurance said no way! So I could gain myself up to a BMI of 40 (way too psychologically damaging for me) in order to qualify but I'm lucky I can afford to self pay. I think it will be worth it. When I get a date I'll let you all know. Cali

Dear Cubsgirl17, Go Cubbies! Yes, I'm originally from Joliet Il and a Cubs fan! I think you are wise to realize this is personal and really no one's business except the very few whom you KNOW will support you unconditionally! PS: I hope to BE you in a year. I am around 215 and hope to get banded soon...you're an inspiration!!! Cali

I remember being pregnant with wicked morning sickness all day and I was on bedrest with nothing to do but watch TV. (way pre-TiVO!) I couldnt stand the sight of food so I really couldnt watch TV...it was a constnt barrage of images. I would sometimes cover my face and want to cry! Lately one night I was watching the first episode of Biggest loser and a commercial during it for McDonalds came on for a promo where for a price you would get two Bigmacs or two breakfast sandwiches. The tag line was "give one to a friend or keep them both for yourself, we wont tell!" What a sick idea especially during that show! Cali

Dear Muiri, I have done some research for the LA area and probably will have it with Dr. Oliak. Everything I have learned about him and his staff is good. I think Dr. Davtyan would be good too ( I love the fact that he has had the procedure himself!) but his staff is alittle tricky in their handling of the English language! I gave up on him because he is outside of my HMO but then now I realize it prob doesnt matter because I am "not fat enough" so I have to self pay. Dr Oliak's website even posts his complications rates and compares them to the worldwide numbers because they are better. Definitely give him a look, his website is good. On this site you can type in the different LA docs names for a search and see what people are saying! Good luck! Cali

Dear Knewme, I prob willl only be telling my husband and daughter and I think I have arrived at why. 1. It is truly no ones' business unless I was a celebrity who lives in a multimilliondollar mansion at the expense of my curious fans. 2. What if I fail? Either way, do whatever you're comfortable with and there will be tons of people like me to support and encourage and never judge you!!!! Good luck, Cali

Dear Cleo's mom, Thanks for some really good info. I guess I should have known we would lose less and less quickly because that's true without LB. Its always good for me to kind of reign in my expectations. There are so many posts you see where people have lost so much, but then they started much higher. As long as the numbers are going down, its al l good!

Venus, I think you're doing great...I don't know about the band, but for regular weight loss slower is better because its more of a lifestyle change and you're more likely to keep it off! At this point I'd give just about anything to have your ticker...going to the seminar and doc appt. next thursday. Its funny but I really cant wait! Cali

I am 5'4" and weigh 210 so I would like to lose about 70 pounds. I am hoping to get banded in April or May but I am just getting started. I will be self pay and they said that goes fast. I will post when I know what the date is. Thanks, Cali

Sorry to respond so late...I am guessing you didnt meet with him because you are a very low-risk patient given you weight. Just a guess. Good Luck, Cali

Dear Acopas, I am just finding info out about banding so I cant give a qualified opinion...but...I would definitely say to go to a seminar given by one of the practices who does it. Keep in mind that they want your money but also they know a lot more about it than prob a lot of you other docs do! There is also a ton of bias about it (like dear old Mom's horror stories, prob abut the old version of gastric bypass) even among (usually skinny) medical professionals. Also lurk every part of this web site, it is all so helpful. Put in PCOS and thyroid as search terms and you will prob learn a lot! I see so many posts from young people like you who are so glad they got banded and older people who are also happy but wish they had done it sooner! Good Luck!!! Cali

EVERYONE! This message is for everyone who has experienced less-than-perfectly-courteous treatment by healthcare people...especially those involved in these weight loss procedures: Tell someone how you were treated! You are doing the medical practice a favor! This is a big-money specialty that should treat you like they do in the Mercedes dealership. If you dont complain they will lose businees and money...they WANT to know that you are happy there! And they WANT to know if there is anything they could improve. You are doing the practice and all subsequent patients a big favor! Cali

Well good luck and let me know how you like him and his staff. Their web site and the girl on the phone seemed good, I like the fact that he puts his complications stats right there for you.

Venus, thanks for your reply...50 pounds is great!!! And its great to hear you think its worth it to have self payed. I know everyone asks the same stuff but in how much time did you lose that?

Thanks for your reply. I was considering trying to gain a few pounds to qualify for the 40 BMI but I really think that might do me more harm than good. Also from what you said that might be counterproductive with the insurance co. My policy doesn't say anything more than the 6 months of supervised diet but unless you have uncontrollable hypertension or diabetes (I don't) you definitely have to have a 40.I am a 36 to 37 so I thought I could just do the 'diet', gain 15 pounds, and be all set. Now I see that that would not work and might just burn 6 months for nothing! I am prob going to self pay...so when will your 6 months be up? Thanks again for all the info! Cali

Sorry, I know I'm really clueless but are you referring to a diet of six months required by insurance to auth the lap band? And if so, are you supposed to succeed or fail in order to get the auth? Thanks, Cali

Hi! I'm considering lap band probably in LA would be the closest. I will probably self pay because insurance co's are the devil! My BMI is ONLY (ha! ha!) 36! I have been looking at web sites for Dr. Oliak in Orange and he seems really good. I am inspired and encouraged by all of your posts...thanks!

I'm very new...what causes the band to slip?