I am 45 years old and live outside of st. louis, mo, actually, a small town in Illinois. My BMI is 36 and I desperately want the lap band. Certainly not as much for cosmetic reasons as I do for health reasons. My mother was a brittle diabetic, diagnosed about the same age as I am now. AFter that came her congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, obesity, and multitudes of other problems. My father, brother, and sister have high blood pressure. Although I don't have these things yet, I suffer from depression related to the inability to lose this weight. I've tried everything a million times. I am an RN and by the end of my shift, my legs, hips, and back are killing me. The older get, the harder it is to do my job and I've only been a nurse for 3 years. I am going to my primary care physician in two days and so hope that he will help me. Is anyone out there in my same situation?

Hi my name is Holly and yes im in the same situation!I also have a BMI of 36.8.I have Gerd and high triglyerides.I have been over weight all my life and im hoping and praying my INS will feel for me and say yes.I have Cigna OAP and i've heard they r very tough to work with but im not going to stop till they say yes lol.I have almost all my test done and my doctor will be sending all my info over in about 2 month.Please keep me posted on how your first visit with your doctor went.

Yes, I had almost exactly your situation. I am older than you (51) and already have HTN and high cholesterol. Heart Dz and diabetes are so strong in my family and I have fought my weight all my life. So many people are focusing in on what I will look like when my weight is off, but honestly I am focused on what I will feel like. I am also a nurse and can't imagine working for 14 more years while being overweight. Best of luck to you!

So have you had your surgery yet?