Hello...My name is Heather and I am 28 yrs. old. I live in Springfield, MO. and my gynecologist talked to me a bit about having the lap-band procedure done. I am hesitant, simply because I am not educated on it. I hope and I do believe being a part of a support group/forum I will get plenty of information about this procedure I have not made an appt. to have it done, yet. Our hospital..St. John's is putting together a seminar for people to attend and ask questions, etc. It is scheduled for Nov. 20th and my husband....My support! is going with me. I would love any kind of support, ideas, opinions, suggestions that anyone could give me. Have a greatttttttttt day! Until next time-Heather

Hello Heather, how are you? Welcome to lapband talk...I myself am a 27 year old female and I live in Boston, Mass...I haven't had the surgery yet I should be getting my date next week but let me tell you....The best thing for you to do is read, read, read.....I have been researching this surgery for a long time, I have gone on a million different websites and this one is by far the best...I went into my consultation with my surgeon saying wow you certainly did your homework and yes I did....Anything you need and want to know good and bad is on here and if it isnt post threads and people on here are sooooo great with helping each other out...Good luck and if you ever want to chat or need help just private message me....

Angie

Hello Angie-Thank you for the quick and wonderful response! I just have a feeling this website will be a wonderful resource for me. My question is...I do not know how to instant message anyone. Can you please :help: me? LoL! I'm online now, so if you have a minute or two to help me with the instant message part of it...I would be oh, so grateful! Thanks again! Until next time, Heather

Hello again heather....Well I dont think you can instant message people but you can private message them...Meaning you can send like a private email to their private message box so only they can read it....All you have to do is click on someones user name...So practice on me....Click on apinksoprano and a box will pop up giving you a few options then click on send a private message and there you go....I am glad to help trust me I was there and my ball is finally rolling I am finishing up my last two appts I need tomorrow and should have a date in a couple weeks....I am self pay so I do not have to wait for insurance which is a good and bad thing....But I am here if you need help or just want to talk anytime...

Read and research! Google websites for inamed (the manufacturer) and for labband. Look at www.obesityhelp.com....they have good info and a message board as well.

Have you talked to your insurance carrier or HR dept to see if they will cover it? That might be a good place to start. ...not all policies cover it.

Do I understand that the lapband surgery is new to Springfield? If so, you need to be sure and ask how many surgeries the doctor has done, how many the hospital has had, who will do the fills after the surgery. Aftercare is very important and if there is no one experienced in the area you might want to consider going elsewhere where there are experienced people. The surgery is a one-day thing and you don't have to go for fills very often so don't let distance stop you.....this is your body and your future!!

Proud of you for wanting to take charge of your life at a young age....wish I could have done something at your age - it would have saved me much heartache and sadness and illness.

Best wishes!!!

Hello Gayle-Thank you for the advice. I have started a list of questions I will be asking my insurance co. as well as the Dr. who is conducting the seminar on Nov. 20th. I want as much information as I can get on this procedure. I do not want to go in this with my eyes closed. This is my body and, I need to be healthy for my daycare kiddos and my husband and myself are in the process of becoming foster parents. Children are my life! One day, we hope to have children of our own but, I know that is not going to happen until I get myself healthy. Thanks a million! Until next time, Heather