Hey, the name is Joe. I'm 6'4"1/2 (yes i'm VERY tall) and i weigh around 402lbs. I used to be 430 but im glad i was able to lose some weight but that was awhile though. Im currently looking to this surgery due to the fact that its harder for me to run at times cause of my feet and that the doctor said i may have developed asthma although my breathing has been fine. If there is anyone who has gone through the surgery that i can talk to PLEASE email me at joe_60618@yahoo.com or AIM AOL : AiAnimator

i would really would like to hear from someone about it. Thanks!

Hi Joe, I just wanted to tell you My 16 yr old daughter just had her lapband done on 4/1. She is down 20lbs already.. She is already feeling better about herself. Some think 16 is to young, but I also had the lapband done and am very happy with it, and knew if it was available to me at 16 I would have had it done. I wish you the best. If you need to know more on how she is doing I will give you her e-mail address.

hey yes its 10 :50pm central time. I got home about an hour ago. But i wanted to thank you for all the responses, i've read em all and learned from you guys thanks! If u have AOL AIM instant messenger im me at : AiAnimator

we can chat online and what not. So right now my mom is trying to see if she can take a half day. How i knew was by watching maury and they showed it. There is actually northwestern medical center that's in downtown chicago where it takes place and there is the wish center thats near chicago. I mean come on it's chicago! lol .

So im very excited to look into this. I hope everything will be ok...

Hey if you are going to pay for this thing then by all means do what you like. If it is an insurance deal you need to consider whether or not you ewill be accepted. You are young. Also this is not a magic bullet but a tool for you to use/ there are many reasons we are obese. Genetics, and pschycological reasons, etc..... You know what I mean. There are menay here who find they dont just waste away to nothing after surgery. Some do I didnt. I'm 219 now from 280 really. 08/03 is when I was banded. Ever since September of 03 I been exercising. The last year I've been really active. I have had months with a level weight well really one year I bounced up and down 226-232. Now you may think that isnt much to lose but 50 lbs that stayed gone is good for me. Pick up a 50 dumbbell and tote it a minute you'll see. I had a fill and really started hammering my cardio, like 45 5 times a week. Now I'm 219 or less I hope.

Think long and hard. Have you put everything you have into self control and exercise. Surgery is serious business at any time. Is there other reasons or avenues you need to explore first.

This was my solution and I am very happy with it so I am not trying to discourage you. Just think about it.

OH dont get me wrong i DO have a bally's membership and would work out 3 days a week for 2 hours but then i injured myself and found out i have signs of asthma so i've been taking advair and feel a lot better though so it could be recovering from a cold. Tis the season. But i looked at other options like lipo...um no... then gastric was going to be my second choice but i researched it and didnt really like it enough to find it less riskful.

Of course with any surgery there is risk but i heard this is around 20-30 min procedure so to me it doesnt sound so bad. I do not have the money so yes insurance is the only way for me but even though im younger u have to remember im over 400lbs. And some people were under 300 or even above it but its like im at a HUGE disadvantage because even if would lose 100lbs i would be considered morbidly obese ...

im NOT looking for a quick fix ...that would be lipo...i want to live and eat healthier. I am confident insurances will be me applicable for surgery and in time im sure i will have it. That or even take out a loan if i have to.

i mean i know im tall so i kinda look "normal" but the face remains 400lbs and for a teenager is bad. I'm going for this no matter what. I dont like eating food all that much and in fact i eat slowly. So i could care less about eating nothing but Jello and wheat for the rest of my life. My friend Walter who has a really bad stomach had nothing but chicken soup/sandwiches for a year and he still is on em.

I mean i realize u cant eat all the junk food but when ur working out its not so bad cause u dont care for that food and actually i dont but when ur a college student with a few bucks i would go for mcdonalds $1 menu get a burger and parfait whereas paying $4+ for a sub sandwich. But if i use the surgery in conjunction with healthier eating and exercising i know i can accomplish a lot. Plus i got a LOT of weight to lose anyway so i know ill make sure i use it to the highest i can. But thank you for giving me a heads up.

Way to band buddy, Bobby! Good thoughts for Joe there...

Good answer Joe. You will do great, I'm sure. research, prepare, think, ponder, check your motives, do reality checks often on your eating/exercise habits, all that stuff you are doing and you will be better prepared for the changes. Keep us posted on your journey and good luck. I think you will be just fine!!!!

Joe-

I just want to commend you for talking about all of these things. You are a brave, strong man and with research and reflection you'll do great with the band.

I also want to say that I think it's fantastic that your Mom is really in your corner on this. I sure hope insurance will cover it for you.

You said "And some people were under 300 or even above it but its like im at a HUGE disadvantage because even if would lose 100lbs i would be considered morbidly obese ... "

Let me just tell you right now that it's not about a number on a scale or a doctor's chart. If you lost 100 pounds you wouldn't beleive how different you would feel. Don't think that you have to get to a certain weight to be concidered a success...

Good luck!

Megan

hey, if anyone is out to talk to i know my mom and me would like to talk to those on the phone if they live in chicago...773 or 312 area code!

I know that u feel a lot better losing a lot of weight but when ur still considered heavy it brings u down. My mom is going to check with the docs monday or tuesday and call to schedule the next seminar which is may 17...before u know it ill be banded! lol i love that word...