I am new to this site, so please be patient with me. I have been doing some research on the lap band surgery and have a few questions. I haven't even approached my doctor about it yet, but plan to on Monday when I have an appointment (I'm embarrassed). I don't know what he'll say. My weight loss goal is 80 pounds. He may say I don't even qualify, but I went to the dr. last week and my blood pressure was 164/104. I know my weight has a big thing to do with it. My BMI is 35 and with the health risk of high blood pressure, I worry if I don't do something, I may be at huge risk. He has told me in the past that the reason I have so much trouble losing weight is because I am on an antidepressent. Well, I watch what I eat, excercise, etc. I just don't see any other way. Can someone advise me if maybe I shouldn't ask the doc about it.

No...you ask...well, tell your doc you'd like the procedure. He will hook you up with a referral or whatever.

If he won't....find someone who will.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks much! I'll talk to him Monday. I think I just needed someone to tell me! Thanks again.

welcome Moe. the band is a great weight loss tool!

Unless you have insurance that requires it, you don't need permission from your primary care doc to get the band. At least, I didn't. So if your doc, on Monday, says "oh, you just need to exercise and eat a little healthier", you can still pursue banding.

Start looking for a center in your area and go to a seminar. They are usually pretty up front about what insurance companies work best with them and you can ask if they've had patients approved who have your insurance. (your employer might also block it, but at least it's a starting point).