Hey everyone!

My name is Melissa and I'm 20 years old. I'm working towards getting banded with Dr. Ben-David at Shands at the University of Florida. I've already been to my consultation and also to my psychiatry evaluation.

I'm really nervous about everything. I am trying to be positive but it's so hard sometimes. I'm not use to not being in control of things like this and it sucks to have to have insurance make the final decision. I will seriously cry my eyes out if I don't get approved.

I was told by Dr. Ben-David to try and lose 20 pounds by surgery which is yet to be determined when and I'm having a really difficult time trying to lose weight. I'm so scared that he won't operate if I don't lose anything!

I'm one to worry about pretty much anything and everything. I've never wanted anything more in my life and if I don't get this, I will be devastated.

I know how you feel! I started to research the lap band when I was about 20 and I kept on thinking about it and than I would get scared and decide not to do it. I wish I would have done it then because my insurance paid for it then! Now I have to finance it myself. Don't be discouraged if the insurance company won't pay for it though. There are many alternatives to paying for the surgery. Personally I am getting a 0% interest credit card to pay for it where payments will be about 200 a month. I just graduated from USF and got a job a Geico so thankfully I will be able to pay for it. If insurance doesn't workout I'm sure you can also go that route....just no new car for a few years...oh well I'd rather drive a crappy car and look hot!!