Hi everyone,

I've been reading information on here for a couple months. I'm almost 5'8, weigh 240. BMI of 36.x, if I remember correctly! I usually weighed about 160-170 until I had my kids. I've been stuck between 207 (lightest since 2004) and up to 248 last summer. I have high choles. and I've had hypothyroidism since my last child was born in 2004. My mom is fairly thin at 5'9/170 pounds and she is already borderline type 2 and that scares me.

I've joined/rejoined weight watchers many times, attempted diets, etc. I can't honestly say, "it doesn't work for me" b/c I believe it could work for me, but I just can't seem to do it. I keep telling myself that I wouldn't consider lap band until I could say with a clear head that I followed a plan (weight watchers is usually my choice) to the letter and it didn't work.

So...I had three babies, two of which were almost 11 pounds and c-sections. I had a large flap of skin.....I had a tummy tuck two years ago. I weighed 219. I was (and am) comfortable with having that surgery before I lost weight due to the largeness of the skin flap...and I needed surgery for an umbilical hernia. (double the fun!)

Now...I am disgusted that I have gained 20 pounds since that surgery and I need to get myself in control. I fear that I will continue to gain and gain...and that is why I'm now contemplating lap band. I feel I need a drastic change....a constant and permanent reminder...that I must eat properly.

I'm fairly certain my insurance won't cover it, and besides my bmi is on the low side. I've been thinking of going to Mexico. I just had a friend get one done 2 weeks ago in Monterray. I've looked into a couple doctors down there so far.

Well, there is my long introduction...just wanting to hear from people and how they came to this desicion...I already feel guilt about spending this kind of money on myself again and I haven't even told my husband I'm thinking about it b/c I fear that no matter what he says, I will get my feelings hurt. Weight is such a senstive subject, the poor guy can't win.

Thanks!

Hi,

I feel your pain.

I'm from Wichita & am having my surgery tomorrow in Topeka. It cost more than Mexico, but is a lot cheaper than in Kansas city. The self pay cost is about $12,500.00. I'm having it done at Tallgrass surgical center. You have to attend a seminar, they have them on the 2nd Saturday of the month. You pay for your initial appt. which is $250.00, but is deducted from the total cost. So far, I've been very happy with them. I guess the real test is tomorrow. I'm packing now & we're going to spend the night in Topeka tonight. Wish me luck & I wish you good luck with your decisions. Every one that I've talked to said that it was the best decision that they ever made and that they don't regret spending the money for it at all.

Hi,

I would try your insurance before you look into other options. My BMI was below 40 as well, but I had high blood pressure and back pain so I was approved. I thought they would not approve me, but they did! Give it try, and if it doesn't work, then look into the other options. Good luck!