Hi! I am so glad to have found this list! I am a few weeks away from banding (July 23). I'm 53 years old, 5'3" and 206 pounds, a self-employed mother of one, and vegetarian. My main excercise is "aerobic knitting" (which hasn't helped get the weight off at all!). I'm looking forward to learning from all your experiences.

Ellie's mom

Hi there! I'm the same age, same height, but weighed more than you when I started. I've lost at least 42 pounds (I haven't weighed myself in about a month). My surgery was March 4, 2008 and I haven't regretted my decision for one minute. I hope that you have a great experience experience too. SS

Thanks, SS! Congratulations on your weight loss -- you're an inspiration. My dr said that because I have "so little to lose" (90 pounds is a little?!) to expect only about a three pound a month weight loss. I was a little disappointed but three pounds is three pounds -- hopefully my loss will be more like yours. Keep up the good work!

Ellie's mom

Hi Ellies Mom:

I am your age and have 90 pounds to lose, as well. Getting my surgery in late July. Would be great to have a "buddy" since we are so similar. What do you think?

Hi Gail: That would be great - thanks for asking! Will your surgery be in Vancouver? That's a pretty part of the world; my mother-in-law lived just outside Seattle for many years. What date is your banding?

Ellie's mom

Hi SSDown and other 50+: I am 53, 5'4", and weigh 224. I have been waiting to see my surgeon and saw her today for the first time. I am qualified for the surgery, but my surgeon suggested gastric bypass because she said most people my age don't lose very much with the lapband... as little as 10 pounds! She also pointed out that you MUST exwercise 45 min x 5 days a week in order to assure weight loss, and that the avg. loss in a good band is about 1 pound per week. In the end, we both agreed on the band and now I will get mine in late July... but now i am worried. Since you have lost so much, what advice would you give me for success. I am dedicated to making this work but wonder if I should have chosen the other??? Encouragement, anyone??

well after the mandatory 3 month diet/exercise appointments all my paperwork will be submited next mon/tues.:thumbup: i have humana insurance and my patient advicate tells me it might take 3-4 weeks for approval! tell me it isn't so! i read this site alot but have yet to hear from any bandsters who have humana insurance. Anybody out there have humana and maybe can tell me how long the approval will take.