I am 27 years old and have been morbidly obese for basically my whole adult life. I am very unhappy the way I am now. I tried Jenny Craig for 3 years and lost 70 lbs, but got tired of it and gained 55lbs back in 5 months. I have been doing weight watchers now and have been struggling the past number of months been going up and down. The problem I see is I get hungry to quick after eating and then start wanting junk food. I have been really thinking of the lap band recently, I figure it is meant to keep you fuller longer, which I beleive will be a drastic help to me. A few years ago I debated on gastric bypass, but realized the huge problems it causes with malnutrition and taking supplements and everything else, so I ruled that out.

What I want to know is basically requirements, I have not been to a Doctor in years, basically due to embarrassment, but I am planning on finding one now. Will this affect my candidicy for the procedure, I mean do you have to be under the care of a PCP? Do I need to get a PCP referrel to go get a consult? My insurance is Empire Blue Cross Blue Sheild, has anyone had experience with them and getting the procedure?

I knew someone that had the lap band and he is like 8 months out or something and looks like he lost a lot of weight.

ANy input would be great.

TIA

I was self pay so I cant tell you about the insurance but I will tell you that if being hungry and eating too large of a portion is your problem than the band is probably right for you. I was always hungry and after I was on a diet for a certain amount of time I would just get to where I could not stand the hunger any longer and start eating again. After I was banded a small meal was all I needed until it was time to eat again.

Good luck with your journey.

Thank you for your response. I will only be able to do this through insurance though. I bought a co op a few months ago, so I have a mortgage and there will be no way I would be able to afford to pay out of pocket.

I am glad to know about the hunger though, as sometimes I feel that is a big problem, especially before TOM.