I am so excited, I have made the desion to do this after much research. I have read so many entries, but I have not read anything about what I should do/ask/know about before going in this first visit. I am not sure I will weigh quite enough though, I'm 5'7 and about 240, I am self paying. Is there anything I should do to assure that I qualify. I will go to Mexico if need be... I will be going to the Gastric Band Institute in Chattanooga. Thanks in advance for any advice or wisdom!

I don't know what Dr. you're seeing, but I've seen Dr. Ponce there for a second opinion on something and really, really like him. They're a good group...really have their act together. I don't know if you qualify either...but they will tell you. They're not the type of practice that would do it if they genuinely believed you didn't. I didn't go to them pre-op, but there are many people who have who will likely chime in. Also, maybe try the northgeorgiabandits group at yahoo... lots of them went to Dr.Ponce...

Good luck to you!

Cindy....Based on your height and weight, your BMI (body mass index) is 37.6. That number should be enough to qualify you based on weight. Do you have any co-morbidities....like reflux, joint pain, sleep apnea, etc.? These are also qualifying factors. I would just go to your appt. and see what they say. I was banded in Mexico and while it was fine, I would have preferred to have been banded in the US.

You could ask about co-pays, length of hospitalization, pain control after surgery...that's all I can think of right now. Good luck.