I've thought about doing this for over a year, and I've finally scheduled surgery for mid-October! I know this is something I have to do (and I want to do), but I understand that it's a huge, life-changing step and I'm a little freaked out. I would really appreciate talking with a friend who has gone through or is going through the same thing.

I'm hoping to lose about 150 pounds. Here are a few of the things I hope to be able to do if I can acheive my goal:

-Take up Krav Maga (an Israeli form of martial arts) as regular exercise.

-Eventually go on a year-long camping trip through Africa.

-Wear pretty clothes.

-Surprise friends who haven't seen me in a long time.

-Establish more respect at my workplace.

-Cut my hair short. (It would look terrible on me now!)

-Be healthy!

Please hit me up if you're interested! I'd love any support anyone has to offer!

Hey girl. Congratulations on your date. I too have been looking into lapband and fighting insurance for about 10 months, so I feel the pain. I am just inches away from a date; I've done everything on my part, and now I am just waiting to hear from insurance, but I have a 41 BMI and two comorbs, so the surgeon told me I "shouldn't worry about denial" but I am still terrified. Most likely, I will be a late-October bandster or possible an early November one. I can't wait to find out. I have been surprised with meeting bandsters at nutrition classes etc how non-serious they (some, not all) are about the band. I am taking this incredibly seriously, I have a journal where I've set up meals, shopping lists, and my thoughts trying to prepare myself. I know I won't be perfect, but I do know I will be succesfiul. I am hoping that I will be one of the people who feel this is "much easier" than I thought, because I'm expecting it to be a battle that is well-worth my time. I am a full-time college student and live in Denver. If you ever want to chat, email me and I wish you the best!