Hello from Massachusetts! I am a couple months into the comprehensive process my healthcare provider requires for lap band surgery. I start with nutrition on Thursday and behavioral medicine on March 10th. I am so excited!, and I can't wait to get my surgery date. I am only 24 years old, but have been overweight most of my life. I have held myself back so much since about the 4th grade when I started to notice that I was a lot bigger than the other kids. I won't even allow myself to date or make friends because I feel so self-conscious about my weight.

Right after my 24th birthday in August I decided that it was time to do what I have always wanted and shed these extra pounds. I have done my research and I know that the band is the right choice for me. My family is not too thrilled about my choice to have surgery. They think that because I am young I should be able to drop the excess weight with no problem, but they don't realize that I need help. Has anyone else had similar problems with their family or friends? Now that you have had the surgery, what do they think?

Welcome to LBT, there are a lot of great people here that will support you on your way. Glad to see you here!

Hey Onelove756:

Congratulations on getting started on your journey to bandland. I am from Massachusetts too - Norwood. I started by journey last year at about this time. I think I went to seminar in March, Doctor in April, various tests May and June, and got banded in July. As of this morning I'm 109 pounds lighter! I'd like to lose about 50 more, or whatever it takes to get to size 12.

My regret about my band is that I didn't do it ten or twenty years ago.

I have good wishes for you and I'm glad to see that you're taking charge of your issue to take care of the problem. Let me know if you have any questions as I've been in bandland for a while.

Take care.

Sue

Hi Onelove. I'm in Mass too...the Berkshires to be exact. I've begun the journey as well. All I have left is my psych eval and nutritional counseling and all test results go off to the insurance company. I have my fingers crossed. Welcome to the group. I don't talk much, but I've been reading a lot. There is a lot of great information here!

Hey My name is Danielle and I'm from mass too. I'm 22 years old and my bday is also in august (haha too funny). I just started the whole proccess. I have my nutritional consult on monday and then everything will be complete to send for insurance approval. I am very excited and nervous too! Can I ask where are u gettin the surgery done? Good Luck!

Welcome! You might want to check out the age related threads on the forum. There's a group for people in their twenties that might be helpful to you. Go to the main lap band page and scroll down to the "support" groups and you'll find the age based groups.

There are many groups here for support based on how old you are, how much you have to lose, how fast or slow you lose weight. Plus, threads about exercising, food, receipes etc. Check them all out and learn as much as you can.

I always suggest to newcomers that they read the thread about how the band works, particularly the info about "fills". Getting adjustments or fills can be a process and many seem to be confused or have lots of questions about that. I did too and found the info very helpful.

Good Luck on your new journey.

Hi ONELOVE, I'm from Mass too, South Shore. Congrats on your decision, I am a little under 11 months out and down to a size 10, no regrets here.

Best of luck,

Pam

Hi onelove...I'm from Mass as well--Western Mass. Congrats on starting the process...I started the whole process in August, and now I'm about 3 1/2 weeks post-op.

As to your questions about how family and friends have handled it...for me, the ones that know about it have been very supportive. I think they were more concerned about the risks of surgery than anything, but after talking with them and educating them a little bit about the lap band they could see why it was the right choice for me. So if you're facing opposition now, hopefully as you go through the process they'll come around and see the same thing too!

Hello and welcome I too am from MA...the south shore to be exactly. Just 4 months banded and STILL learning.

there are state specific forums as well as age ones. Feel free to ask questions!

Thank you all for the warm welcomes! I will be sure to check out the age related forums.

Hi onelove...I'm from Mass as well--Western Mass. Congrats on starting the process...I started the whole process in August, and now I'm about 3 1/2 weeks post-op.

As to your questions about how family and friends have handled it...for me, the ones that know about it have been very supportive. I think they were more concerned about the risks of surgery than anything, but after talking with them and educating them a little bit about the lap band they could see why it was the right choice for me. So if you're facing opposition now, hopefully as you go through the process they'll come around and see the same thing too!

That's their main concern, the risk involved with surgery. But, I think they will come around after the surgery is over. Thanks for your insight.

Another Mass person saying hi. I'm from central MA. I have had all my testing done and am now waiting till they feel they can submit my information for insurance approval. Do it now while you are young. I am 42 years old. I have been big all my life with the few times I starved myself down to a size 10/12. If I had known about these surgeries years ago I sure would have done it. Live life and enjoy. Good luck

Hi from Western Mass! I have an appt with my PCP and a dietician next week and my surgeon at the end of the month. My husband is the only who knows so far, but I am going to tell a friend of mine tonight. In terms of what to tell your family, the best way that I've seen other people around here explain the band is that it is a tool. It's not magic, it's not a short-cut, and it's definitely NOT the easy way out. If you've dieted and exercised before, at some point you succumbed to your hunger (or didn't listen to it). This is where the band steps in. And remember this is about you, your life, and your health. When your family sees you happy and healthy, they will most likely loosen up.

Good luck and keep in touch! What part of Mass are you in?