Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself to share my story.

I've been thinking about Lap Band surgery for 8 years since a friend did it in 2004 (with awesome success to this day). I have always struggled with being overweight, but the last few years in particular it's been harder and harder to take off. My weight has gone from 220's to 230's to 240's and suddenly I'm in the 250's and it's all snuck up on me. Both of my parents are severely overweight with many medical problems (diabetes, HBP, clotting issues, joint issues, etc) and I see my future right in front of my eyes every time I see them. I'm going to be 39, have HBP, a BMI of 36.5 and I don't want what clearly lies ahead of me. So I'm finally taking this step after 20+ years of struggling with the same 50-75 pounds that I don't need, and very seriously considering Lap Band for the last year. My GP of 15 years is also a gastro doc and has watched my up's and down's, knows my family history and is highly supportive which is very motivating.

I've gone so far for my initial consult, blood work, ultrasound, psych eval, nutrition consults. This week I'm doing a stress test and UGI. I have my support groups scheduled and future weigh ins on the books. For Aetna, I'm told I can do a 3-month medically supervised weight loss and with my borderline-but-above-35 BMI combined with HBP, the doctor thinks I should get approved. Does anyone have similar stats and Aetna... any tips or experiences to share?

I'm excited, nervous, impatient and can't stop thinking about it now. I need to take control now before it's too late and look forward to spending time here with you all. I've been on the site for months and finally just registered to start posting and chiming in. Your stories are all so interesting and inspiring, nice to meet you all!

Jason

Congratulations on taking the first steps. You have great motivation because you can see your own future right there in front of you. Good luck and please keep us informed of your progress.

Congrats on taking the first steps !! Let us know how it goes !

I'm a "newbie" to, Just did my initial consult and have scheduled all the appointments. I have to admit its a little overwhelming. The part I'm worried about the most is weeks of "liquids" and band slippage. I read about a lot of problems and then I tell myself if I can loose the weight before I should be able to do it w/out LB. But in the end I know from past dieting I would just gain it back. I'm just hoping this is the tool I need to keep it off. This is a great site it tells the good and the bad. Looking forward to the journey and a new Me.

Hi Jason,

I think you came to the right place to have all your questions answered. Best of luck to you and keep us all posted on your progress!

-Patty