I am new to this wonderful site and first off want to say thank you to everyones inspirational posts. I am 20 years old and close to 300 pounds.:phanvan I have tried everything to lose weight with no success. I believe the lap band surgery is my way to go but I don't even know where to begin. When starting the process how many months usually untill surgery? Does anyone regret it? I just feel like this is my last chance.... thank you

First of all, you need to attend a seminar. go to Obesity help.com and find a doctor in your area, attend several seminar by several different doctors and choose one you feel most comfortable with. This is the very first step. Then read all you can, make a list of questions to ask the doctor. i.e. does he do the fills with or without flouro, how long does it take to get into him to get a fill, etc.

I went to my first seminar on 11/11, I went to a support meeting the doctor offered on 11/13, he was there too. Then I had my first appointment to see the doctor on 11/22, I just found out today 12/11 that my insurance approved me for surgery. I plan on having my surgery 1/18/07 because I want to wait until Jan. to have my surgery.

This is a very big step for anyone, and you need to research everything. Most insurances will cover the surgery if your BMI is 40 or above. however, some employers have an exclusion where you cannot have WLS. So check with your insurance company and ask if they cover lap band surgery and if there is an exclusion.

I felt the same as you, that this was my last chance. However, you need to remember that the Lap-Band is a tool to aide you in the weightloss, it will not do it for you. You have to make correct food choices.

I hope I helped to answer some of your questions.

Welcome to LBT! This site is a great resource for support and information. I started looking into surgery in August, went to a seminar 8/15, turned in all of my paperwork/records/insurance info on 8/30 and I was approved by my insurance 9/11. I had originally scheduled my surgery for Oct 5, but I had some anemia problems and it had to be postponed until Oct 26. So it's pretty fast! I think it can be even faster if you are self-pay. I've only been banded for about 6 weeks, but I don't regret it one bit!

Good luck on your journey and keep us updated on your progress.

PS: Congrats on your approval Sunshine!!

HI pretty much all they said and I am here for you if you have questions private message me

I am around your age and I know this is a big step when you have your whole life ahead of you. I was afraid I will die and all types of things. I will have surgery monday and I stay in touch and help you through this long process or short one food luck please keep in touch

we have our whole lives ahead of us let's be skinny

Thank you everyone for your helpfull answers...Sunshine that is great news you must be thrilled! bkwalling I would love to talk to you I think it would really help! Jdru...I am glad to hear it will most likely not take too long. I am really excited and nervous I just want this to begin and begin my new life...

It took me about 8 weeks to be approved and get through all the preop stuff. I think it is great that you have decided to do this. This is the first time in my life I have lost weight without dieting. All you do is eat less so it is really easy. I'm a slow loser as I have lost 32 lbs in 6 months. So please keep in mind that for some of us it is a slower process at 1-2 lbs a week.

Welcome arayofhope616

I had my lapband a year ago and as far as i am concerned it was a life saver and I dont regret it for the world! I am able to live a much more active life than I did previously. and i am really starting to enjoy life again...Best wishes on your own journey...I hope you find the answers you are looking for keep us posted on how you get along? I am looking forward to hearing more from you.

becky

Everything will fall into place once you bet the ball rolling and you will be a member of Bandland before you know it! I will say this to you about the band. It is not a miracle cure. You will not become banded and have all your issues with food taken away. Everything that made you over weight will still be with you! The band will allow you to eat less, but at best it is only a wonderful weight loss TOOL. The band is only as good as the CHOICES you make while having it. So being successful with the band takes alot of hard work, both mentaly and physicaly. You have to be ready to really change. Thank goodness the band is always ready when WE are! I have been banded a year and am still trying to get it right..and I will.

I just wanted to convey how important it is to know that the band is only as good as our actions. Good luck on your journey!