hi. i am considering the lap band for myself but leery of making a bad choice. i am currently 210 pounds, 5 ft 1 and have been struggling for years with getting my weight down. obviously with no success. i want to be healthier and i want to feel good about myself.At the moment i dont.i need to lose at least 85 pounds but not sure if making such a drastic choice is me finally taking charge or me being lazy. im also afraid my insurance will turn me down. i guess i just need someone to tell me that the lap band is a safe successful idea. im so sick of looking in the mirror and seeing flab and flab and more flab.i never thought i would have my weight be such an obstacle in my life. ive seen all the success stories on here and im hoping if i do choose the lapband i will be one of them.

Welcome!!

The lap-band is a tool and if you work the bandster rules, you will be successful! I was just banded on Wednesday and I know this is the best decision I have ever made for my health.

I would suggest going to a seminar at a clinic near you, but you don't have to commit to using the doctor at all. I didn't have insurance approval, I went self-pay. I can't give you any advice there, but you can call them and see if they cover weight loss surgery. If they do they will probably require a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with current health issues. You might also have to follow a supervised diet for 6 months or so... some want a year.

Good luck! Look around here - you will find tons of support!!

Hi Rose. Im from S. Jersey. I think you are making a good decision. I am 5.2 and weigh 205 and have dieted all my life and lose and gain. I chose this surgery because of the smaller risk and complications and the recovery time is less. I could lose the weight, I have, but keeping it off is an impossibility. Regarding getting approval, read your insurance guidelines. My BMI is 37-38 and my doc isn't sure if he can get me approved even though my ins says 35 with one or more comorribity which I have - high chlosteral. If you are over 40 BMI you don't need extra health risks. Every 5 lbs is a BMI, so if you are close, gain the extra few pounds prior to going to get a consultation. Once you get consultation you'll have to follow the diet so you need that room to lose. That is my problem right now. I am borderline, but I have to show compliance to the nutrition plan so I have to lose weight but if I do, I go below guidelines. I wish I knew that because I wouldn't have lose the 13 lbs I did since January. It would have been an easier approval. I know it sounds strange to tell someone to gain, but getting approval is a game and you have to play to win! They make it so difficult and it shouldn't be. They are saving lifes with this surgery and others and probably costing them less in the long run. I wish you well and hope all goes good for you. It will be worth it in the end.

Rose I totally understand how you feel. I have battled my weight basically my entire life. I have chosen the lap-band surgery after over five years of researching and thinking about it. It was not a flip decision but rather a very well thought out one. I am taking charge of my life. I am happy I have finally made the decision and look forward to my surgery on November 24th. You can't worry about what others say, if you feel this is what will give you control then I say go for it. I am also from NJ (monmouth county).