Hello All,

I am 59 yrs. old and have fought weight problems for all of my adult life. I have done all of the fad diets and am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. I have always lost weight--60-70 lbs. each time, but always end up gaining it back. I'm tired of this, plus I have quite a few health issues (high blood pressure, osteoarthritis in my knees). I'm waiting now for knee replacement surgery, but it cannot be done until I lose weight. I am a little over 100 lbs. overweight. I have now been on this journey for the past year and still don't have my LAP-BAND. I've been pretty patient, but now I can't wait. I don't have a surgery date as yet because my insurance requires that I spend a year with a life coach which has been a big help. She enourages me, listens to me during my highs and lows, and is there for me every step of the way. She is a registered nurse and we talk every other week. I have also been required to be a part of two telephone conference groups discussing ways to make this work, why we want to do this, and many good tips for pre- and post-surgery. My year will be up on August 16th, and I have an appointment with my surgeon on the 17th. Hoping that the wait won't be too long for the insurance to go ahead and approve it at that time because I'm so ready for this surgery and to begin my journey! I know it won't be easy, but it will be a very helpful tool and a reminder if I ever think about overeating again. I welcome any good tips from those of you who already have had the surgery and wish everyone the very best.

Hello All,

I am 59 yrs. old and have fought weight problems for all of my adult life. I have done all of the fad diets and am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. I have always lost weight--60-70 lbs. each time, but always end up gaining it back. I'm tired of this, plus I have quite a few health issues (high blood pressure, osteoarthritis in my knees). I'm waiting now for knee replacement surgery, but it cannot be done until I lose weight. I am a little over 100 lbs. overweight. I have now been on this journey for the past year and still don't have my LAP-BAND. I've been pretty patient, but now I can't wait. I don't have a surgery date as yet because my insurance requires that I spend a year with a life coach which has been a big help. She enourages me, listens to me during my highs and lows, and is there for me every step of the way. She is a registered nurse and we talk every other week. I have also been required to be a part of two telephone conference groups discussing ways to make this work, why we want to do this, and many good tips for pre- and post-surgery. My year will be up on August 16th, and I have an appointment with my surgeon on the 17th. Hoping that the wait won't be too long for the insurance to go ahead and approve it at that time because I'm so ready for this surgery and to begin my journey! I know it won't be easy, but it will be a very helpful tool and a reminder if I ever think about overeating again. I welcome any good tips from those of you who already have had the surgery and wish everyone the very best.

WOW good luck. You are a very patient person. I don't know if I would have made it a whole year!!!!!!!

Good luck -I am happy for you- WOW A YEAR! You are a strong woman- I do not think I would have lasted that long, patience is certainly not one of my virtues I am just a tad younger than you and your story is soooo similar to mine - I am newly banded and it has been the BEST THING I EVER DID~ :bananajump:

Good luck -I am happy for you- WOW A YEAR! You are a strong woman- I do not think I would have lasted that long, patience is certainly not one of my virtues I am just a tad younger than you and your story is soooo similar to mine - I am newly banded and it has been the BEST THING I EVER DID~ :bananajump:

A year is a long time but I would have loved it it my insurance company had something like a mandated health coach. Aug will be here before you know it !

Good Luck. Way to hang in there. I am 49 and feeling many of the same things you are. Please let us know how things are going for you. My surgery is on Monday.