Hello! I am from Michigan and just had my Lap-Band surgery on Dec 9, 2013 so I am a newbie to everything! I have been struggling with up and down weight ever since I had kids, my youngest is now 19. The process for me to be approved for surgery with my insurance company was a bit of a struggle. The first time through I was denied for lack of documentation although they didn't let me know prior just what they wanted. I started the six month process over again and was approved just after Thanksgiving. I was ready and opted for surgery now rather that wait until after the holidays.

I am a week and a half into the clear liquid stage and for the most part, I am never hungry! Getting bored with broth and thinned greek yogurt, looking forward to next week and adding more food to my menu! Pain has been relatively mild considering, I usually only take Tylenol once a day. The biggest thing is remembering that I can't do everything just yet!

I am a mom of 3 and have one grand-daughter. My oldest daughter graduated in the spring with her Masters Degree and just got her first "real" job. My son and youngest daughter are both in the Air Force, 4 years and 1 year respectively. My son has an 18-month old daughter that currently lives in Germany. This is my reason for wanting to change my life and lose the weight. I want to be healthy to be there for them and to travel the world visiting them.

I look forward to "meeting" all of you, I have lots of friend in my online military support groups and know the importance of connecting with others who "get it". I know that I will find that here. No one knows just what you are going through unless they have been there themselves.

Hi there and welcome! I have learned so much here -- there are a lot of knowledgable and compassionate people willing to answer questions or chime in about their own experiences. I have been banded six weeks so am new as well. It's the best thing I've done in I don't know how long and I only wish I had gotten it sooner as the last two decades have been one long struggle with weight issues. I am 52, live in NH where we have a lot of snow right now. This time last year I had never even heard of LapBand! I'm learning what it means to have a band -- have had two fills so far and go back Monday to assess for another. I think my surgeon is fairly aggressive. Right now I'm not hungry in the mornings so my first meal is "brunch" and I am enjoying good food in small quantities. We had a dinner party last night (my band is a secret) and I did fine -- delicious chicken curry and I just skipped the rice. Was not looking for more food or snacking later while we were cleaning up -- loving that release from food jail and having that appetite monster off my back. Best wishes to you -- look forward to seeing you on-line!

Welcome to the Banded Life! I had surgery September 11, 2013. It's the best decision I've ever made in my life. I just wish I had done it sooner I've really enjoyed the people on this site and I've learned so much. Good luck to you!

Thanks for the welcome! I have my first fill on Dec 30, so I am looking forward to that!

one of the first things i did after surgery was get my passport. never had one before. but i plan on going on vacation with my daughter whose husband is welsh. they visit wales every year and next time i am going with them. hopefully a bit thinner but a lot more healthy.

Good for you Terry! I have been to Germany twice to visit my grand-daughter. In March she is moving to England, I hope to be thinner and healthier when I visit her next. I know for sure that will make the flight much more comfortable too!