I just wanted to say HI to everyone on the site and introduce myself. I was in the chat room yesterday but realized I had never actually introduced myself yet. I am a 28 year old female from Louisiana. I had been debating having the surgery for a year or so and then last Friday went to a seminar and decided I was ready. My insurance doesn't pay for it so I am paying for it myself. I just called this morning to make my first appointment and my first inital appointment for pre-op testing is scheduled for Monday October 15th. They told me it shouldn't take too long since I don't have to wait on insurance approval. I am more than ready. I would do it tomorrow if they had an opening LOL..... Well... okay.. I just wanted to introduce myself and say HI =)

Welcome - I too am new, have attended seminar and see doctor next week hope to be done asap. Most sound more than happy with the procecdure - some not so happy. I pray I am one of the lucky ones without problems.

Hi Darby! My name is Jennifer. I am looking to have the LBS. I too am from LA. How funny. Anyways, I am very nervous but I think I am going to do it. Did you go straight to a bariatric Dr? or did you have to be reffered by your physician? I hope we can talk more. I am looking for someone to talk to.

Welcome to the world of lapband - Read Read Read - good and bad - don't let the bad scare you - but know that you can have complication but the arent the norm. Know that the band will do 25% of the work and the other 75% is up to you. It is a great tool, please read all you can - ask questions - you will still have head hunger issues that have to be dealt with - You are going to be making a life sytle change - this is not a diet that you will be on for a few months - but a whole new way of life. Healthy food choices - exercise - eat slowly - chew - you gotta follow your doc's advice - you gotta follow his rules - you will find every doc that you read about on this site seems to have diff instruction.

I love my band... Would do it again - read all the at goal post - ask these people what they did to get to goal -

Good Luck on your journey...

Hi Jennifer !!.... how are you... yeah I just went straight to a braiatric surgeon. He does the surgery at our local Women and Children's hospital. I had been debating it for over a year and then last Friday my mom had said that she would help me out whatever way she could but that she wanted me to look into going to a seminar. I got online and low and behold there was a seminar Friday night. I would have done it without the seminar b/c I have done some much research on my own and know so many people that have had it done but my mom felt better knowing I had gone. So.... I got to work this morning and I am telling you 8 am on the dot I called to make my first initial appointment lol. I was kinda bummed that I had to wait until Monday but that's okay. I know that sounds so impatient but I have just been going back and forth over it for a year. So..... have you ever been to a seminar or have a doctor in mind ?.... I would recommend going to a seminar. I enjoyed being able to listen to the surgeon talk about everything. There's a doctor in Texas that everyone goes to because it's kinda like an in and out kinda thing. He also has an infomercial on tv around here and they say that HIS seminar is like a used car salesman trying to sell you lap band surgery lol.. Well the surgeon's seminar that I went to I was very impressed. He didn't try to "sell" anything so to speak. He basically told you the factual information and said we needed to make a decision if it was right for us b/c he didn't know us like we do. I really liked that approach much more than someone trying to push it down my throat so they can make the mighty dollar. So..sorry I rambled I am just SSSOOO excited about all of this. I think I am driving everyone at work nuts with my anxiousness lol... So write me back if you get a chance. I would love to talk to you more. =)

Welcome to both of you.!!!The band will really help you to not be so hungry, but you still have to watch WHAT you eat. You also have to exercise.If you continue to eat ice cream and other soft foods that will slid thru the band you may not do so well. If you eat right and exercise it will really make a big difference for you. I really love my band. Donna

LOL..that sounds hilarious about the doctor in Texas.... What is his name, just curious bc I am having surgery on 10/16/07 In Dallas with Dr. Fox. I love Dr. Fox... He is great. VERY VERY strict, but great! He has actually refused to do surgery before bc the patient didnt do the preop diet! Now that means business!!...lol

Hi Jennifer !!.... how are you... yeah I just went straight to a braiatric surgeon. He does the surgery at our local Women and Children's hospital. I had been debating it for over a year and then last Friday my mom had said that she would help me out whatever way she could but that she wanted me to look into going to a seminar. I got online and low and behold there was a seminar Friday night. I would have done it without the seminar b/c I have done some much research on my own and know so many people that have had it done but my mom felt better knowing I had gone. So.... I got to work this morning and I am telling you 8 am on the dot I called to make my first initial appointment lol. I was kinda bummed that I had to wait until Monday but that's okay. I know that sounds so impatient but I have just been going back and forth over it for a year. So..... have you ever been to a seminar or have a doctor in mind ?.... I would recommend going to a seminar. I enjoyed being able to listen to the surgeon talk about everything. There's a doctor in Texas that everyone goes to because it's kinda like an in and out kinda thing. He also has an infomercial on tv around here and they say that HIS seminar is like a used car salesman trying to sell you lap band surgery lol.. Well the surgeon's seminar that I went to I was very impressed. He didn't try to "sell" anything so to speak. He basically told you the factual information and said we needed to make a decision if it was right for us b/c he didn't know us like we do. I really liked that approach much more than someone trying to push it down my throat so they can make the mighty dollar. So..sorry I rambled I am just SSSOOO excited about all of this. I think I am driving everyone at work nuts with my anxiousness lol... So write me back if you get a chance. I would love to talk to you more. =)

Hello and welcome. Im also new and looking for people to talk with. I am going to my 1st seminar on thursday. Im hoping everything goes well with my insurance. YOu will get alot of information from this site. Take care and good luck!