Hi, My name is Mel. I'm 54 and I am 65 pounds over weight. My BMI is 35.4. I have tried dieting and always gain the weight back plus more. I enjoy exercising and work out 3-4 times per week. I'm interested in learning what it's like to go thru the experience of adjusting to a lap band. I'd love to hear from you.

hi mel & welcome, here you will find lots of Q&A in the forums, & meet friends along the way..

have you talked this over with your doctor?..

i love my band, even though im only 7 weeks post op, but my weight is coming off & ive learnt alot about my band,, its the best thing i have had done with NO regrets.. im starting to get my life back... :confused:

Welcome! If I were you I'd contact my insurance to even see if the procedure is covered, and if so, attend a seminar. There are also some really great books out there...check on Amazon or your favorite book store. And finally, look around this site and others like it. It's a big decision...but a good one for some of us!

Hello,

I will be banded on April 16th. I'm doing it for the same reasons you mentioned. Lose weight, gain it back plus some.

I'll bet that next to the secondary medical and health issues associated with obesity, most people have been banded because they too have struggled with the yo-yo diets and frustration of losing weight and then regaining with added pounds.

Check with your insurance to see if the surgery is covered and what the criteria is.

Straight up; what it all boils down to is Banding is forced portion control for those of us who are unable to reach and maintain a healthy weight on our own. I confess, I fit into that category and I know the consequences of my current weight, so I'm happy to have this surgical option.

Best wishes!

Hi and welcome. Hope you find out all you need to know here. You should be aware that some insurances don't cover the surgery unless you are 100lbs.over weight with other co-morbidity issues ie. diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc. It certainly is'nt an easy way to go but it sure gets results. I call it my surgically implanted conscience. Good luck.

Hi Mel

Weight Loss Surgery is Surgery.

Research on your part is required.

A good book to start with is Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies

The Band is only a tool to help with the hungriness you are still required to eat the proper food in the proper amount and exercise to be successful.

If you still think this for you? I feel you steps are Insurance - Good Doctor - Nutritional Consultant - Licensed Psychologist is a MUST