Hi Everyone. I am BRAND new here!! :smile:) I found this site in doing a web search on the lap band surgery. I am contemplating getting banded and feel that this is the right decision for me. I am 26 years old, 5’1” and weigh 230. From what I have calculated I have a BMI of 43.3%. I have been struggling with my weight for the last 8 years now. I have tried everything from Weight Watchers, in which I did loose 50 pounds, kept it off one year and then gained it all back. I have tried the gym, and even spent $2,000 on a personal trainer. I feel that this is my only last hope in this battle. I found out that my insurance covers this procedure and now am more excited than ever. I am not sure quite what the logistics are or if it will be a pain to get the coverage but they told me that they cover weight loss surgery, etc. I am going to the informational meeting this coming Monday.

I am just wondering who else is looking into this and what others experiences have been with insurance. How has the lap band worked for you? The only part that I am scared about is the diet afterwards. Do you still have the cravings that you did before hand or do you not have the desire with the shrinking of your stomach. I plan on really watching my diet after I have this done, as from what I can tell you pretty much have to. My spouse is 100% supportive do you think that he should come to the meeting with me to get a better understanding of the procedure or can he just come with me to a dr. appointment before hand?

I am sorry that I have so many questions!!

Also one more thing. Is there typically a waiting list for this? Why did you choose the lap band over gastric bypass?

I am a female, 41, 5' 3 " and weighed at my most 218. I lost 50 pds one summer years ago on Slim Fast but also gained it back.

My insurance was for the surgery since I have other problems due to the weight. Sleep apnea was causing heart problems which in turn was caused from my weight. I was banded 11/27/07 and have lost 25 pds so far. Cravings are not near as bad as they used to be for me. I get hungry but it's not as bad. If your hubby will go with you, then yes. My hubby didn't leave my bedside at all. For three days, he was in the hospital with me. He also went to my preop visit and post op visit. Waiting lists really depend on your location and the doctor you find. I chose lap band because there isn't as much cutting or risks involved. Good luck to you dear!

Your spouse absolutley should go with you. I was banded Nov 30th of 2007 and my spouse has been my supporter. I have lost 20 pounds in the first 6 weeks. Not hungry at all but during the recovery I had issues as I had not found this site yet. Now I feel that I could give some advice on what not to do right after surgery.

Patty