Hello! I have been poking around this site for a few days, great info here!

I am really really thinking hard about this. I am really ready to be free of hating my body. I do not want to waste any more of my life being consumed with shame, struggle and depression.

I have tried many diets, but not any 'Dr supervised'. My BMI is 36 (I think). I am 5'9" (I swear I was 5'10" until this past summer!!), 250lbs. I am 35. I've had 4 kids. I have no comorbidities, but do have tons of aches and pains every day. My feet and ankles hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurts. And I am infertile, used IVF for my kids.

I know my insurance wont pay.

I have also already had breast reduction and full tummy tuck surgery, I had awful damage from pregnancy, and my breasts have always been way too big, causing lots of pain. They're still big, but I dont have to curse them daily anymore. I have always had a fairly normal belly, the tuck removed stretched skin and repaired hernias from carrying so many babies. My lower body is the biggest problem.

I know there's alot of work involved, I'm ready for it. I know I will hhave to eat carefully, healthily, that a band is not the cure-all.

I want to find a Dr in NY, not sure if I want to go to Mexico.

Jen

Jen, keep researching and asking questions! Obesityhelp.com is good website also. They have a list of surgeons according to states.

In my opinion, with the lapband, you need a surgeon that you WANT to see every few months. There is more maintanance than the other WLS, due to fills/unfills. Especially during the first year. Get a good surgeon, within driving distance, if you can. Sometimes patients from Mexico have problems finding local doctors to get aftercare, due to liability (they didn't put the band in).

Good luck. Shawn