Howdy,

I just thought I'd make a "hello" post and see who I can meet here. I'm just starting this lap-band journey, made the appointment for the consult today. My current BMI is 38, so I'm not really sure if they'll consider me.

The main reason I'm thinking of doing this is that I've struggled with my weight since age 15 and diets (Weight watchers mostly) have maxed out at 20 pounds lost every time. I like all the healthy food, but I just eat too much and I'm always hungry. Was this anyone else's reasoning?

My mother died at age 41 of diabetes complications and weight 350 pounds. What really scares me is that I'm spot on track of her weight at my age.

My concerns though mainly have to do with the fact that I'm so young. What kind of changes has everyone experienced after the surgery? Is there anything you can't do anymore? I guess it just freaks me out that I'll have this for the rest of my life (even though I know that it can be removed if something really bad happens).

Who here has had a baby after the surgery? How did that go?

If anyone has anything they think every "newbie" should know, I'd love to hear it. I guess I'll update after my consult, which is at the end of Nov. because the doc is out of town.

Jennifer in Texas

Hi Jennifer

I don't think you are that young for banding. You are old enough to understand that this is a lifestyle change and a permanent change, anyway.

I was in your shoes with eating mostly healthy but always being hungry and started out wanting a band, but ended up getting a sleeve because it seems the best at hunger control. Stop by the sleeve forum if you are interested in finding out more.

On the baby front, a bunch of people on LBT are pregnant right now! Plus my niece, who has a band, just had her first kid. She looks great and baby is perfect (according to the Granddad -- my BIL -- anyway).