Hey everyone! Before joining your fabulous site, I did a little exploring and saw some of you ladies' before and after pics. You guys look sensational and you should all be so proud and overjoyed of what you have accomplished. Kudos!!!

I have already selected a surgeon. I will be using Dr. Keith Chung in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Although I do live in Texas, it's just a hop, skip and a jump across the Sabine River to Louisiana (about 35 miles). Right now, I'm doing most of the leg work trying to get one doctor's information to the other. I am very lucky because this surgery is going to be close to my 28th birthday and it will be my parent's gift to me. Wow! What a present, eh? Anyway, I've done as much research on the Lap-Band as I think may be physically possible and have jotted down several questions for the doctor when I get my first appointment. Overall, I think I am very well prepared for the surgery and at this point, it's just a matter of letting everything run it's course!

Well, all is going well. I have my first appointment with my surgeon on March 14th. I'm excited, yet nervous. I know I don't have anything to worry about, but I guess everyone has these feelings. I'm hoping that I can get the surgery done fairly quickly since I don't have to wait for insurance approval. We'll see, I guess.

What a wonderful, loving gift from your parents!! As far as how long, since you're a cash pay - that will really speed things up for you. He will probably have a few pre-op tests for you to do. Then it will depend on his surgery schedule. How much weight would you like to lose? Our sweet Paula on here lives in Lake Charles. Please let us know how your initial visit goes. I know that you're so excited!

Our sweet Paula...

ahh Marie, I think you have me confused with someone else!

Hi Geochic, and Welcome to LBT.

So, youre going with Chung??? I agree with Marie, paying cash will definately speed things up.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Since I live in this area, maybe we could meet.

Good luck and God bless you~

Right now I'm at 267 lbs. I'd really like to get down to around 150 lbs. Getting down to that weight would alleviate most of my health problems. I thought about going with Dr. Spiegel, but he was more expensive and the nurse practitioner at my doc's office used him and didn't recommend him (she's having a lot of trouble). She had heard good things about Dr. Chung and recommended for me to use him. Though he prefers to do gastric bypass (his specialty), he also does Lap-Band. I guess at this point its just a matter of being each doctor's gofer and playing that dreadful waiting game. I'll let ya'll know what's going on as soon as I find out anything.

Welcome! And, yes our Paula is a real sweetie, don't let her fool you!

There is a lot of information on this board, please browse through the old and new posts. Please keep us posted on your journey too!

sounds like you have done your homework & than some. What great parents & know they must be so proud of you for taking this step. I wish you luck - keep us posted.