Hullo! My name is Leah and I am new to this site. I'm trying to come to a decision as to whether or not I should have this procedure done. I'm 45, 5'3 and about 265lbs. I have all the usual problems that obese people have, apnea, high blood pressure and sugar, arthritic knees, etc. Does it really work? I have spent so much money on other weight loss programs, I'm afraid that I'll spend loads of money on this and then fail miserably. I would love to be able to take a long walk, paint my own toenails, buy clothes in any store I want instead of a specialty store. You know, just live normally. There aren't any doctors in my area that do lap banding. I've heard a lot about the doctors in Tiajuana (sp?). Does anyone have any good/bad experiences? Any other recommendations? I live in Lawrence, Kansas -- the Kansas City area.

hi, leah

yes, it works, but, it takes a lot of determantion on you part, but, you will love it,

you will soul search yourself, and cry, and laugh at yourself, you'll see people in a different way, you'll will know who your friends really are, and as you lose the weight you will become more determan to keep losing the weight, know matter, how, up you are and how, down they are, you will find your strengths and your weakness. but, the weight will still be going down.

you have come to the right web site. cause, here there are a bunch of

bandsters as we call ourselfs.

that care , and know were you are going and were you've been in this operation.... so i hope this helps you and you can make the right decision the bandsters will still be here.

we care. and you will have a lot of other questions. still ...

take good care of yourself and your health,

we've been in your shoe...... :think

-----------------------------------------------

margie

band on4/5/04

295/259.4/-35.6

moved to PA

HEAL THE MIND AND THE BODY WILL FOLLOW :Bunny

Leah, only you can make that decision for yourself. Please do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before you do anything. There is a ton of info. here you can "search" (as well as other websites). I can honestly say it has given me my life, freedom, and health back. I'm taking 1/2 the prescription meds. for different health problems (which have all greatly reduced). Best of luck to you!

hi again leah,

marie, is right, sorry, i was caught up in the thrill of this site, that i completly for forgot . there were others in the net. sorry, and there is really loads of information out there, you need to look for, yourself.

sorry, marie , just lost my mind there for a minute, was thinking with my heart not my head.

thanks and sorry,

Margie, no need to apologize! I loved your post! I'm a "heart speaker" also. Getting our health back is something to get excited about and to want to share that good fortune with others.