I am a 41 yr. old mother of two grown daughters and one 2yr. old grandson. I have been overweight after my child birth years. I have exercised and tried every diet in the book with only a few pounds lost and the several pounds gained back. I am a type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol,a back injury and osteoarthiritis in my knees, elbows, shoulder and hands which makes it very difficult to move at all. I am presently weighing 217 from 230, which I did just by cutting back on a lot of high calorie foods. I guess my body is comfortable at this weight because I stay in this range. My husband is a ex-veteran and I have military health insurance. I called the insurance company and they explained to me the qualifications for the lapband. I do qualify according to the insurance, but I have to wait after I see the Dr. and have him turn in the paperwork and go from there.I have been doing research and educatiing myself on the before and after of getting the lapband. The seminar is the 29th of October and I'm excited about it. Not only will the surgery make me a healthier person, but it may help me buy some time on getting my knee replacement surgery.I will keep you guys informed of my journey and I wish each and everyone of you good luck and God Bless.:tongue_smilie:

Tamara C.

Welcome!!! Good luck to you. The surgery sure might help you buy some time on getting that knee replacement surgery, and it just might help out with your diabetes, high blood pressure, back pain and the high cholesterol too. I am not familiar with osteoarthiritis.... could getting the band and losing weight make that any better for you? You have 4 VERY important reasons to get the band, be healthier, and live longer - your husband, your daughters, and that angel grandson. I wish you all the luck in the world. Please do keep me updated with how you are doing and how things are going. Take good care of yourself!!!! Becky