I've been considering having the lap-band for about 6 months. I have been heavy almost all my life. I have had 3 successful "diets" in the past - but have always regained all the weight and more. In 2004 I lost 150 lbs in just over a year - felt great - looked great - swore it was gone forever - Now it is 2007 and and I have gained back 100 lbs and refuse to gain anymore.

I cannot do it on my own - I need this tool to help me control me. I have been lurking on this site and another one for a couple of months and have attended a seminar in St. Louis - New Start which is with St. Alexius. I turned in my insurance info today and hope to be on the quick road to a surgery date. I realize that it can take months to be approved, but I hope to be one of the lucky ones and breeze through all the steps.

I want to thank everyone for sharing on this site. It has been very helpful in my decision to go ahead with the lap band. If there is anyone from the Quincy, IL area who could share info with me that would be great. I am concerned about there not being a local support group and I believe it would be very helpful to have local folks to get together with.

Thanks for "listening" - hope to get more familar with the site and "meet" some of you.

Mary

Hi Mary, welcome to LBT!! :welcome2:

Hi Mary,

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you're banded in no time!

I was a "lucky" one who got referred for the Lap-Band (for the second time, I had been approved 3 years ago and chickened out) and 8 weeks later I had my surgery! It was a different insurance company, and it still went right through with no problems what so ever. So, I am wishing the same good luck and problem-free journey for you!

Hi Mary, welcome to LBT! I wish you a speedy approval process

You might try beginning a thread in the IL sub-forum of the USA Local Lapband Support forum. I bet there are quite a few people in your area.

Or, try groups.yahoo.com and do a search on Lap Band Support - last I checked there were over 200. There's bound to be one for the greater St Louis area and they might have local support group meetings you could attend. (we do here in Houston)

I was banded in Oct 2005, and I find it very helpful to be able to come to LBT and find others going through the same journey.

All the best,

Karla

Welcome to LBT! Good Luck in your journey!