Hey everyone. I haven't even gotten as far as posting my intro yet so I'll give a little background info here. :thumbup: My name is Randi, I'm 23, and I have 2 beautiful children. Two beautiful children who assisted in adding almost 60 lbs to my body over the past 4 years. (gulp)

So I tried to read to the FAQs, but honestly, I'm just way too ADD-ish to focus long enough to get through it. I blame exhaustion.

Soooo basically, I'm 23, 5'3 (almost), and just over 280 lbs. (ugh). I want to look into getting the lap band because I have yo-yoed back and forth between 210 and 280 since I was 18 and can't ever seem to get less than 210 and I can't seem to keep it off once I get there.

I don't even know where to start. So I'm wondering how all of you got started, what did you have to do with your family doc before being referred to a surgeon, did you have a lot of trouble with your insurance company (I have southern health), how long from the time you initiated the talk with your doc before having the surgery?

LOL I have a lot of questions I suppose so any help would be appreciated. My mom had gastric bypass about 10 years ago and has had nothing but trouble from it so I know I don't want to go that extent. I love of the lap band is done laproscopically (sp?) and how it's reversible if need-be.

Okay, done writing my book. I could go on for HOURS, but I'll spare you all the neverending questions and mind wandering.

Thanks in Advance!

What I did...google Lap Band and read up on it (there is a website)

I went to a seminar

I read several local surgeon's web pages

I am reading the book "Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band"

I've thought about it since 2001 when the band hit the market

I tried all other avenues I could think of, including a behavioral therapist for 10 months.

It's a HUGE decision...

I went to me family dr telling him I was interested in getting LB. He was not for it. So I did my 6 mo supervised diet with him, just to prove I had a hard time losing weight. After I lost a few #'s in 6 mo. He realized that I was serious about LB. He gave me a recommendation letter for ins purpose and I was on my way to see the surgeon. I met with him at the end of Jan 08 and had surgery Mar 24, 08. Good luck in your choice. I'm sure you will find all your answers here.

Hi, I started reading about it over a year ago. As others have suggested I read everything I could on the internet. I spent hours here reading the good the band and the ugly! You can search subject at the top of the page. When I was pretty sure I wanted to go through with it I asked my cardiologist. He was very much for it but stressed that my life style must change in order to have it work. That it is a very good tool. I then asked my OB/GYN and he too was very supportive and told me it would be great for me. After that I just went for it! Friday is the day! Good luck!

I too like many had thought of wieghtloss surgery for yrs. I had this Dr. # for 5yrs. I went to the seminar 2yrs ago. Wasnt ready. This past summer I am finally ready. I researched found a dr. who does both the gastric and lapband here in my town. Made an apt went for a consult. His office set up my other appts that day. I had the cardiologist and Pulmonary the next day, got a letter of necessity from my primary at the end of the week. Saw the nutritionist 2wks ago, just waiting on approval. I read the dr background. I asked alot of quest. Write them down as you prepare for your appt so you are ready to ask. Most ques I had where answered during the consult before I had a chance to ask. Good luck.

Maranda