Hi, everyone. I have been on the chat room for a few weeks but this is my first forum topic. I am in the pre-op stages. I have done the seminar and my consult is tomorrow! It's funny... as much as I am not crazy about the idea that I will have a foreign object in my abdomen, somehow I feel like I have no choice. I am 29 and will be married in April. I want to have kids in 2-3 years and I feel like if I don't take the opportunity to do this now, I am going to be a mom who can't chase her toddler or doesn't want to walk to the park like other families. I don't want to be that person. I have always fluctuated (I was heavy by about 8 years old). I did Atkins in early 2000's- lost about 70lbs. I just can't maintain it. So, here I am back up to a 26 and I feel like I have been given the opportunity to make a lasting change. My insurance will cover all but $800 of the surgery and my doctors seem awesome. I am disappointed in myself that I need this sort of help but this board has shown me that many others have needed it too and that's it's ok. I think my biggest fear is that I will still fail even with the band. My fiance's father was banded about 6 years ago and never tried so didn't lose anything. If I fail with the band, I suppose that I will feel like there is no hope. We eat pretty healthy, though- it's just portion control. I am hoping there might be someone else out there in the New Orleans area going through the same stages... might be nice to have someone near by to encourage one another. Regardless, I have found that the people on this site are incredibly friendly and encouraging even if they are a million miles away. So, thanks in advance because I know I will be relying on the site greatly over the next three months and beyond surgery.

Hi! I'm Kristen and I'm 26 years old. This is my first post, but I have been checking out the site or a few days. I didn't go a seminar, but I am going for a consult on Monday. My mom had Lap band 4-5 years ago so I know what it's all about. I'm nervous. I have always been heavy since elementary school. I have done Weight Watchers multiple times since high school, but have gained the weight back and since then I am at my highest weight ever with a BMI of 44. I have also had back pain on and off, but more recently have had more pain. I feel that this can really help me get my weight off and keep it off. I can't wait to go for my consult. I have a friend that went for her consult last week and got her surgery date already. I hope I will be approved. I hope to learn a lot from everyone.

Hey, Kristen. It's good to meet you. Great wedding pic! It must be recent... congratulations! It sounds like we have a lot in common- we should definitely keep in touch ad keep eachother motivated. I see you are from NJ- although I am in New Orleans now, I lived in Westchester NY up until a few years ago. I have my consult today... let me know how yours goes on Monday!