Hello, this is my first post. I'm 30 years old (female), I weigh about 225, have no health issues other than being overweight. I recently met someone who had the band done at the end of April and I've been fixated on doing this ever since. My insurance will only cover 50% and then only $5,000 towards anything after (can I appeal this for them to cover more?). My fiance's covers 80% and all necessarry appointments thereafter. I've been overweight since I was a child, I was always active, played sports but was always bigger. I've gained about 60 lbs (12 years) since high school but can't remember ever being less than 170 lbs (I'm only 5'2''). I want to do this for myself, for my future children, for my fiance, I want to be thinner and just comfortable in my own skin. My fiance supports me and even tried to get me added to his insurance but his HR person said we had to be married first (is this true?), he's also worried that I'm looking for a quick fix...which I am but again I've been heavy all of my life. I've read the boards and all of the horror stories and I'm scared that I will be one of these people that has plateaus or doesn't lose any weight and regrets ever doing the band. I don't drink alcohol (maybe a glass of champagne every 6 months), soda, juice, don't snack, rarely eat junk food. I only drink water by choice. I don't eat sweets, never buy sweets for home, I only eat bonless skinless chicken breasts, lean red meat, ground turkey and even make whole wheat pasta. I work in an office all day and honestly think I'm just lacking excercise but I need some "help". I've dieted when I was younger, would work out twice a day a the gym, I currently have been paying for a gym membership for the past 4 years and do go but still can't seem to take off the weight. Will the lapband work for me? I'm desperate to be the person I see in my dreams and just be comfortable in clothes and be happy on the outside. I just want some real feedback on what to expect so I'm not disappointed or putting all of my eggs in one basket. Thank you.

Hi. I think perhaps you need to slow down a little and do alot more research before you go forth with the band. Yes, its true that you have to be married before you can get on your fiance's insurance. I know it sounds really exciting at first, but its really hard work along with the band helping, it won't fix it. It sounds that all your habits are quite good, so maybe more, longer trips to the gym would work. If you still feel like this is the only thing that can help you, definitely do it. I'm really glad I did.

It is sure no quick fix. I was banded July 9th, and have no resistance, so far its just like any other diet. My first fill is August 16th, but even then Im told it will probably be my third fill before I really on average get to that sweet spot that will stop me from eating as much.

Another board folks were all telling me to practice eating the bandster way, even though I dont have any resistance yet from my band. Its all will power.

You say if you were banded then you would go work out at the gym. Why would having a band or not having a band change if you would work out at the gym? Either you are going to or not. Some lose weight and never get to the gym.