Good Morning from South Mississippi! I'm going this evening for the educational session. I'm super excited! I've decided this is what I'm going to do - regardless if I have the support of BCBS AL! I'm 40yrs old, I've been overweight all of my life. I've lost weight a hundred times over only to gain it back. I'm 5'2", my weight this morning is 206lbs and I'm currently in a size 16 and miserable!!! I'm going to see Dr. Avara and hopefully join the rest of you on a journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle! Reading your stories has inspired me! Your prayers would be much appreciated!

Good luck and ask as many questions as you can think of and gather all the information u can .

I am excited for you. Making the decision is a great feeling. Best of luck, I have meet alot of nice people on this site. There is some negative stuff posted but I find more positive than negative. I am going to have the proceedure within a month.

Best wishes.

Well, my company has an "obesity exclusion" on our insurance. Funny... I'm a nurse

Anywho... I've gotten prices from every area here to Mexico - and will probably just stay locally.

Here in Arkansas I noticed that we have a doctor advertising a self pay price of 10,000

Good luck. I know for me the hardest thing so far was making the decision to go to the info session. I'm waiting to be banded, but things are falling into place. I know this is the best decision for me.

Good luck!

Going to the info session is a great step. Wish you all the best!