My name is Heather and I am 22 years old. I am 5'3'' and weigh 290 plus pounds. I have tried many diets with effects only while on the diet. I have been doing the Alli program and have lost about 25 pounds but feel like the weight is coming back. I have seriously been considering the Lap Band System for quite some time now. My daddy died in May, and left my mom with quite a bit of life insurance money. She has since, decided to help finance this surgery for me. I haven't began the journey yet as I'm trying to quit smoking. I'm tired of feeling limited on the things I can do because of my weight. I feel trapped.

My name is Heather and I am 22 years old. I am 5'3'' and weigh 290 plus pounds. I have tried many diets with effects only while on the diet. I have been doing the Alli program and have lost about 25 pounds but feel like the weight is coming back. I have seriously been considering the Lap Band System for quite some time now. My daddy died in May, and left my mom with quite a bit of life insurance money. She has since, decided to help finance this surgery for me. I haven't began the journey yet as I'm trying to quit smoking. I'm tired of feeling limited on the things I can do because of my weight. I feel trapped.

Hi Heather, First let me say that I'm very sorry about the loss of your Dad. I think you are doing great and are on the right track. I too am still in the beginning stages, researching and talking with Doctors. However, I can share with you that I am 41 and my DH and I just adopted a toddler boy and the extra weight I am carrying is making it difficult to play with him (bad knees) and do alot of things that I would like to do with him. That is only one of my motivators but I mention it because I thought that I could handle being heavier and lose weight when I "had the time" Well alot of years have gone by and it's just so hard to lose now with my metabolism slower than when I was in my 20s and 30s. I think you would do great with the LapBand and I wish you all the best in your journey ahead.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Investing in your health is the best investment. I think all of us have tried everything! The band is the best thing I've ever done!

My best to you.

HI Heather,

I am sorry about your lost, I was self pay and went to Mexico. Dr Aveces sent me e-mails to watch with alot of information videos You might start there for the information. It is like anything else it is a tool, you are the one who makes it works. I have been band for 5 months and have lost 38 pounds. Good luck and I will be looking forward to see your posts,

Hi Heather!!! Welcome to the site. Sorry for your loss. You will find lots of info and support on this site. Best of luck. Donna

I've been doing some comparing of prices, and noticed that they vary quite a bit. They off the surgery here, but it seems awfully high compared to other places I have seen. The cost is the ONLY thing I'm concerned about because I don't have any insurance. I work for Sam's Club and the insurance they off doesn't cover bariatric surgery of any form. I know I have someone to pay for it, but I don't want to over pay just because the surgery is done here. Has anyone gotten their surgery done in Texas? I'm looking for a low cost high quality place, perferably where I don't have to drive very far. I live in West Texas.Thanks!

Hi my name is Trish and i am new to this site,I have been researching the procedure and have been realizing that this may be for me,I have been overweight most of my life and like others it isnt easy carring this weight around.I will be attending the information session here in P.A on 9/11 and i am so looking forward to getting my new journey started,I would love to hear from youu all and would love to form new friendships,,Thanks Trish