Hello everybody!!

My name is Lynette and I am 18, nearing 19 years old. I am from Knoxville, TN. I have fought obesity for as long as I can remember. I am 5'4 and 279lbs, I have researched lapband for the past year or so. Before a trip earlier this year, my sister brought it up and said my mom, her, and I should all get the surgery done as we are all overweight and have tried to diet and failed many times.

I kind of let that thought go for awhile and on the 3rd of July, I ended up in the ER with two kidney stones and a massive kidney infection. I also found out that I had a slightly fatty liver most likely due to my weight.

Then my sister told us that there would be a seminar at an area hospital and we told her to sign us up. I go tomorrow and am so interested in what they will say! They also talked about pre-approving there, so wish us luck! I have gone through these forums and everyone seems so nice and open. I hope it is that way for me. Thanks!

Welcome and I will keep my fingers crossed for you and your Mom and sister. It is a wonderful tool and I love my band. I didn't have to do a preop diet because I had to pay cash for mine in Mexico and they don't require it and I'm 5'8" and was 280 pounds surgery day and they said my liver was fatty too when they got in there. They said since I've lost 80 pounds in the past 12 months that should help the situation.

Welcome and if I can help you in anyway just let me know. Feel free to ask questions we're all in this together and help each other here and this is the best place in the world for support.

Hugs,

Good luck...I hope that all goes well ...I hope you are pre-approved and can have the surgery right away....OUCH on the KIDNEY STONES...I have had four of them over the last couple of years, and I know how painful they are...the most terrible pain I have ever had...and I have had open heart surgery and two children....

Thank you!!! I actually was 272 today, I don't know where those 9 pounds went but YESSS!!

I went to the seminar today and it was amazing. Luckily, I have done so much research on it and knew I was well informed, but learned a lot of things today and learned their requirements. I can't gain any more weight than I was today before my surgery, which now I'm worried about any food I eat.

I have a lot of forms to fill out and need to call my insurance. I am so excited though!!

Good for you! I'm 29 (scheduled for surgery this Wednesday) and how I wish something like this was an option for me when I was still in my teens. I am incredibly happy and excited for you!

All the best!

I'm so excited for you! I'm 31 and will have my band placed on Aug. 23rd. I only wish it would have been an option when I was 19! I guarantee you life will be a lot different as a "normal" size person in your 20's with dating and jobs. I've always been up and down, and I'm tired of losing and then gaining it all back. Thats where I think the band is going to come in handy for me. Helping me keep it off after I struggle to lose. You will have such a easier time as a smaller version of yourself. How lucky to have a mom and sister to go through it with! What a great support system. Keep us posted! Good luck.