I haven't even talked to a doctor, checked to see if my health insurance would cover or talked to many people about their opinion concerning this. I'm the researching type, so I decided to delve as deep as possible before I made a final decision. I'm currently living in Memphis and I'm 23 years old. I'm 5'5 and weigh :faint: 310. My BMI is a whopping 51! Gosh, that's so embarassing. I'm tired of feeling uncomfortable, self-conscious and insecure. I need a complete lifestyle change and I don't even know where to start. I'm trying to be less sedentary and park a little further back in parking lots or taking stairs instead of the elevator. I haven't seen much of a change yet though. I've tried diet pills and they don't do much. There are even some popular weight loss programs out there that I don't even "qualify" for. Many of my family members on both sides have either died or are currently suffering from obesity-related illnesses. From hypertension to diabetes to stroke to well..just about everything imaginable. Plainly put, I don't wanna die. I need some help. I want to make a lifestyle change, and I feel like the LapBand procedure is just the catalyst I need to set that change in motion. Any input or advice from anyone? It's greatly appreciated.

Congratulations on deciding to make a change in your life. I'd start by looking through old threads in the Local Lap-Band Support for Tennessee. You'll probably find lots of info on doctors in your area. It will take some time, but just read, read, read, and then read some more on this website. Everything you need to know is in here somewhere.

After you feel like you have a good understanding of what the band is all about and have some good references for surgeons, then call your insurance company and see if WLS is covered. If it is covered, ask about all their requirements and determine which doctors might be in or out of network if that is an issue for you. If it's not covered, start saving your money or look into financing options. Then go to a seminar hosted by one of the doctors. You may have to go to several seminars to find a doctor you like. And ask the doctors questions. That's why they have the seminars.

Also, see if there is a local support group for bandsters in your area. You can always attend a meeting and talk one-on-one with people who already have the band.

Good luck.

How great to be starting so young. It's likely you have not done permanent damage yet from the obesity. That's really great.

About 3 months ago I was a person who (a) hadn't talked to a doctor, ( hadn't checked to see if my health insurance would cover surgery, © had not talked to anyone about their opinions.

Now, three months later, I sit here as a person who has been banded already for 2 weeks. My point is, it can happen fast.

Like most of us you have discovered that walking a little bit more and taking some diet pills does not do much. And even when it does, it is rarely permanent. People who have major obesity usually need something more like life- changing intervention. Most of us here think the lap band is the best option in that category. Read this forum, ask questions. Pretty soon you'll have a handle on what this is all about.

Welcome to the forum.

I haven't even talked to a doctor, checked to see if my health insurance would cover or talked to many people about their opinion concerning this. I'm the researching type, so I decided to delve as deep as possible before I made a final decision. I'm currently living in Memphis and I'm 23 years old. I'm 5'5 and weigh :faint: 310. My BMI is a whopping 51! Gosh, that's so embarassing. I'm tired of feeling uncomfortable, self-conscious and insecure. I need a complete lifestyle change and I don't even know where to start. I'm trying to be less sedentary and park a little further back in parking lots or taking stairs instead of the elevator. I haven't seen much of a change yet though. I've tried diet pills and they don't do much. There are even some popular weight loss programs out there that I don't even "qualify" for. Many of my family members on both sides have either died or are currently suffering from obesity-related illnesses. From hypertension to diabetes to stroke to well..just about everything imaginable. Plainly put, I don't wanna die. I need some help. I want to make a lifestyle change, and I feel like the LapBand procedure is just the catalyst I need to set that change in motion. Any input or advice from anyone? It's greatly appreciated.

Thank you guys so much for your words. I did browse around the board some before I decided to join. There's a wealth of information here. Well, I made a bold step yesterday afternoon. I called my insurance company. Good news! Bariatric surgery is covered. I have certain criteria to meet, as with any health insurance, but the important thing is it's covered. I've only shared this with one of my friends and she's very supportive of it. I hope to go to a seminar one day soon and get more info on the surgery and go from there. Of course there's this wavering anxiety, but I think that's normal, right?