Hi All,

WLS has been in the back of my mind for several years now. About 3 years ago, I attended a seminar at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN to inquire about gastric bypass. I decided then that gastric bypass wasn't really what I was looking for, too evasive and too much risk (a friend of my mom's died due to complications several years after her surgery).

Enough of my background...here we are today and now and I went to see my new doctor for a physical this week. I mentioned I was signing up for a 4 month weight loss management workshop where they work with you on changing your lifestyle. She mentioned that lapband might be a good procedure for me since I am currently 6'0" and 334....around 154 from the high end of my "goal weight". BMI calculates at 45. No other underlying medical conditions, as I am young, but I have a major history of heart disease on both sides of my family and do already have a bit of a high blood pressure.

Just beginning to learn about lapband here to see if I should pursue this on the advice of my PCP

Welcome! I work in Nashville, but live in Clarksville. Have you looked at surgeons?

nope. I am still researching the process of getting lapband and figuring out a timeline because I most likely won't be able to have the surgery until December, as that is when work is slow and I can take some time off. Where are you getting yours done?

Welcome! This is a very good place to learn about the lap band. I would also suggest, though, that you do some independent research. Use Google to search for "lap band surgery", "lap band diary", "lap band blog", etc.... read all the diaries and blogs you can find, watch the surgery being performed on You Tube videos (there are post-surgery diaries there too). Go to a seminar if you can, and a support group meeting or two also if you can. It's a big decision and requires a committment to changing your lifestyle a bit.

It's good to see you here, good luck to you whatever you decide.

My surgeon is Dr. Steely in Clarksville. I know several people that have gone to him and they really like him. My pulmonologist is at Centennial (you may have to have a sleep study done).

I just joined this board about a month ago and I am addicted! I have learned so much. Everyone is very friendly, helpful and inspiring.

6 months gives you plenty of time to get everything done. Go ahead and start a Dr's supervised diet. Keep records of EVERYTHING! This will help with insurance approval. And ask questions...there is no such thing as a "stupid question".

Good luck on your journey!

Nance, thanks for the encouragement and suggestions of where to search...

JWRN - I am going to double check with my insurance, but I have BCBS of Tennessee and according to the Vanderbilt CSWL they don't require 6 months of a Med supervised diet, but they DO require you to lose 10% of your highest weight, which now means I need to track down 5 years of medical records and since 5 years ago I was in college, I didn't really have a PCP per se, I just used the student health services. Also, Jan 2007 - April 2008 I didn't have health insurance so I never really went to the doctor. I did use a clinic once or twice, but now I am worried I won't have adequate medical records.

I need to research them more, because i don't think their WLS program is very old, but Baptist has this nice timeline of steps on their website welcome to Baptist Hospital | Hospital Services | Metabolic Surgery Center | Surgical Steps

Nashville - I was there just a few months ago. I live in Singapore now and am having the lap band surgery on Tuesday. Can hardly wait. On this side of it, I am definitely convinced that this is the TOOL I need to lose weight. Would be glad to keep in touch and let you know how it goes.