I am only 5'1" and weigh 200 lbs. Hoping to hear some stories from bandsters that needed to drop less than 100 lbs. to reach a healthy BMI.

Hoping to be banded in April!!

Glad to see your question. I am 234 lbs at 5'3 I was having doubts due to being the smallest in the room too but I feel so bad. It is hard to walk, can't exercise due to multiple problems or wind up hurting myself when I do. I go Monday for my first apt. The insurance approved the beginning phases and I have to go thru a 3 month period before they would consider final approval for the surgery. Thanks to all of the people who post replies, this really is a good place to get good information!

:biggrin: OK, now I know some of my questions I want to ask but if any one has any good advice on what I need to ask my doctor it would be appreciated!

Hi - On questions to ask

1. Going to the seminar first - that helped me to focus on what I really wanted to know.

2. I found that another site Obesityhelp.com had a great series of questions

Questions to ask your surgeon

While not all the questions worked for me - it was a great starting point.

3. The doctor will NOT persuade you to one surgery over another - that is for you to determine and for the doctor to confirm as a good route to take. While some facts are strong for lapband some are just as strong for gastric bypass. Know your facts.

4. Ask the doctor how many lapbands he/she has done and since when. How many have failed. How many have been replaced. Ask if they are using the NEWER band on the market. It's softer.

5. What type of support is offered after the surgery - and for how long.