Hi everyone,

I have been thinking of getting lap band on and off for a while, but have always been too nervous. I have autoimmune hepatitis and the combo of steroids/imuran has caused me to gain about 60 lbs in the last 3 years. I am off steroids but will have to continue my other medications for who knows how long and after all efforts on my own, I do not think I can do this without help. Finally after being told by 2 different dr's of mine that it is something I should really consider I went and meet with Dr. Luckey of Scales in Thousand Oaks. He was very nice and I have the first group meeting on Tuesday.

I am still very nervous about having surgery and hope that I get insurance coverage (I do have bariatric coverage but I need the pre-service review). I am very glad that there is this board available.

Hi Charlie,

Welcome to LBT. While I am not familiar with the specifics of your health condition, the sentence "I do not think I can do this without help" really resonates with me. That's what I said nearly a year and a half ago at 286 pounds (see my details below). The lapband leveled the playing field for me - gave me some quick success, helped me limit my curb my appetite and change my behavior around food. It's not a magic pill, but it's a powerful tool. I wish you the best of luck, Charlie - you can do it. Please keep me in the loop.

- Bandpal

Edited March 13, 200917 yr by bandpal

Hey Bandpal,

Thanks for the welcome. I am a girl actually..Charlie is my dog :thumbup: I know that this is not a quick fix, I have actually been very successful with weight loss before (60 + lbs with Weight Watchers etc.) Since I have been on meds though I have found it extremely difficult and frustrating and I have now had to grasp the fact that I might be on my medication for life, so I would like my weight to not be something I have to worry about. I worry more about my weight than my other health issues and that is why I have turned to this solution.

Hah! That's great! Sorry about the mixup. Charlie, and hello all over again! Your reasoning seems quite sound - even without the other issues you are facing, the sense of freedom I have at not constantly worrrying and being depressed about my weight is immensely freeing. I wish all that and more for you. Please keep in touch.

- Bandpal