Just wanted to introduce myself. I am 48, weigh 218 and started researching the lapband in 2009, when my son wanted to get banded. He is now 13 months post-op and doing real well. I have struggled with excess weight all my life and have lost the same 20 pounds more times than I can count. At last, I have concluded that I really need this tool in order to finally get to a healthy weight and hopefully, to stay there for good. My knees are already giving me some problems, I am on blood pressure meds, have high cholesterol and a horrible family history of heart disease and diabetes. I am motivated to change my path once and for all. Meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday (Nov 2nd) and hope to be banded before the end of November. Thank you all for this wonderful forum!

Good Luck! I will be in surgery on the day of your consultation, I hope it is as quick a process for you as it was for me (consult to surgery that is)

I think it is different in Australia, my Dr is dealing direct with my private health insurance provider and I just pay out of pocket - I had a 6 week wait but had the date the day I went to my consultation.

Ill keep my fingers crossed for you :-)