Hi, I am 51 years old, married 27 years, with 2 kids and live in NJ. I am 5'7" and almost 200 lbs. I have high blood pressure and very bad back and knee problems. I have been overweight all of my life. I read that the FDA approved the Lap Band for weight loss under 100 lbs. Does anyone know anything about this?

I heard something to that effect but I don't know if it has been accepted by the insurance companies. At just 200, your bmi would probably not get you approved by an insurance co. but being self pay would work. How much are you expecting to lose? I am also 5'7" and was just over 220 and was self -pay and am now running around 147ish. I'd say it was worth it. I feel so much better. I have arthritis in my back and neck and it is much improved with the weight off. I've found too that doctors take complaints more seriously when you don't have excess weight because they can't say "well, if you lost 50, 70 , 80 pounds that would go away..." My BP went from 140/80 to 104/60. My blood fats went down to normal too. I hope this helps.

Good luck on your journey