Hi, I'm a Journalism and Spanish major at UNC in Colorado. I am five five and weigh 250 pounds. I have been successful on diets in the past including my own, Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem and I'm ready to make it permanent!!

When I approach my doctor about the lap band, she said I am much too young for such a 'drastic approach' to weight loss. Although I have saved money for co pays, I cannot afford this surgery alone.

I am here looking for support, tips and life experiences of dealing with your doctor. I don't feel it's right I should have to convince a woman who has never had a weight problem (I asked ) to let me attempt to qaulify.

Anyway, I cannot wait to meet you all, I am proud of every single one of you.

Find a new doctor and call your insurance. My insurance says that you must be 21. If you contact a bariatric surgeon they can tell you a WLS friendly doctor.

You could consider writing a letter to your Dr. and demonstrate in the letter your knowlege of the lapband and what will be required of you throughout each step.

You are young and perhaps she does not believe that you have an understanding of the entire lap band process. The Dr. might think that you think it's an easy way to lose weight.

Convincing her you understand what's involved could make a difference. If not you can find another primary care DR.