Hello :thumbup:

I'm Ryan, and I reside in the Seattle, WA area. I'm on the journey towards getting the LAP-BAND® later this year. I need to jump through a couple of hoops with the insurance folks, but it'll be worth it.

I look forward to being an active part of this community. I've studied the lapvband procedure off and on for the past couple of years, and I feel this is the right way to go.

I've been hospitalized four times due to diabetic complications (the most recent involving my big left toe being amputated). Needless to say, at age 33, this is a massive wake up call that I'm all to happy to embrace for the rest of my life.

Welcome, Ryan! Congratulations on making the big decision and starting on the path. I have many friends and family members who are diabetic and that possibility for my future is one of the reasons I had Lap-Band surgery.

Good luck to you, and keep us updated on your journey!

Good luck to you Ryan and don't give up on your journey! It will seem like it takes a while to get approved, get the surgery, etc., but the truth is the time moves faster than you think. I remember thinking "It's going to be FOREVER" and I'm almost a month out. So - don't lose hope! :cool2:

One good piece of advice is to also start limiting your diet. I found that to be SO helpful. I cut out carbs and did my 2 week pre-op diet. Not going to lie - it was two weeks of torture, but worth it. It really helps with my new lifestyle!

And this board is SO supportive! You'll love it here! :thumbup: