Well, I've been checking out the postiing here for a couple months and have really been impressed with all the friendly people and great information! I've started completing the pre-op requirement for my insurance (it takes about 6 months) and am exciting to be on my way to getting the lapband.

I was suppose to have the bypass done about a year ago but just a few days before the surgery I was told my insurance requirements weren't all complete. At that time it took alot of soul searching to make the decision to have the surgery. I was a 43 year old single mother with 3 kids. I thought "what if something goes wrong... what if I develope life threatening complicatoins... am I really willing to go through all this just to lose weight?" To end up so close and than not have the surgery was really discouraging. :cry In hindsight I think it was probably for the best. I really didn't want to have the bypass. I had researched both and wanted the lapband by the surgeon only did bypasses.

Well, I was finally able to change insurance co.'s and now have a surgeon who does both bypass and lapband. Since I've only lost a whopping 15 lbs in the last year (with still another 100 to go) I know that I have to do something. I am so tired of being tired! I really want to be able to do things with my kids... maybe go for a hike?? Take a long walk on beach?? Maybe a marathon shopping spree??

I just hope I'll be as successful as alot of the folks who've posted here. I feel like I've learned alot from reading all the posts (complications seem to occure more often than I thought). I'm very glad I have such a knowledgable community that I can talk to along the way.

Congrat's on your new journey!

Best wishes!

Hi Kellim and:welcomeB:

You probably have read a few horror stories, but I am sure most people will tell you that there are more good times than bad. People will post questions here about PBing etc because they know that others have been there and can offer advise. The nurse where I will have my banding done (hopefully soon) has been banded and she says she only PB'd once.

I think you did the right thing not having the bypass. If you were not sure or felt uncomfortable about it then you did the right thing not going ahead. The surgery you have has to be the right one for you. Many people have had the bypass and for them it was the right choice. Personally I would prefer the band as it gives me more control (and I am a control freak which is why I hate being obese).

Good luck with your journey and keep in touch

:cheer2: