Hi all -- I am new to this site and have found it both very helpful and confusing ... I am going to call today to make an appointment to talk to the surgeon everyone in Las Vegas seems to recommend to start the process. I'm afraid I won't be eligible or my insurance company will turn me down, that people will judge me for not doing it on my own, etc. It appears from everything I read everyone is happy they took the leap and are happy with the surgery. I keep thinking I'm a failure because I can't seem to lose it on my own. It is very depressing. I think the fact that I have yo-yo dieted my entire life my body is to the point that it's like "YOU do what you want, I'm done" and I just don't lose no much, no matter what. Anyone in Las Vegas going through the same experiences? Anyone know what I'm talking about? Thanks for your time ...

Angel, talk to your insurance company and see what kind of coverage you have for WLS and then ask what surgeons are on their approved list. That way you don't start out with a doctor who isn't on your insurance. Your feelings right now are completely normal, I assure you. Many of us here have gained and lost weight so many times and many of us had given up until we made the decision to get the lap band. There are days when you'll still be frustrated but there will be so many days you wake up happy with your decision...especially once the pounds start falling off. If someone hasn't fought this battle, they don't have a clue what kind of efforts you've made, what kind of misery has come from the efforts that ultimately failed...and the feeling of surrender. But you're starting down a new path, a path so different that you can't imagine. I've lost 50 pounds so far this year! That's pre-op, post-op and regular diet combined When was the last time I lost 50 pounds? When was the last time I lost have of that and wasn't already struggling to not fall off the diet wagon? Yeah, we've been there! Good luck and keep us posted.

Until you're banded you will have no idea at how much work is involved with being banded. It is constant effort. It is not easy.

My friend ask my why I just didn't put as much effort into losing weight before my band as I do with it. The answer is simple.

I have been on diet after diet and I gave up when the weight didn't come off easily. I did not have self control and felt helpless. With my band I am excited about losing weight because I KNOW if I do the right things I will see the results. I have hope that I didn't have doing it all on my own. Plus my band has taught me to slow down when eating and it keeps me from binging and eating excessively.

I am a believer in looking at situations positively; you can believe getting banded is a failure or believe it will lead you to victory. My band is giving me my life back and if you see that as failure then the band probably isn't for you.

Hi all -- I am new to this site and have found it both very helpful and confusing ... I am going to call today to make an appointment to talk to the surgeon everyone in Las Vegas seems to recommend to start the process. I'm afraid I won't be eligible or my insurance company will turn me down, that people will judge me for not doing it on my own, etc. It appears from everything I read everyone is happy they took the leap and are happy with the surgery. I keep thinking I'm a failure because I can't seem to lose it on my own. It is very depressing. I think the fact that I have yo-yo dieted my entire life my body is to the point that it's like "YOU do what you want, I'm done" and I just don't lose no much, no matter what. Anyone in Las Vegas going through the same experiences? Anyone know what I'm talking about? Thanks for your time ...

Hi, I understand being scared and confused. At first it seems like alot to absorb, and you really do hear alot of pros and cons about it. But when it comes to advice, this is the place to be. There are alot of really super people here that are willing to help, listen, and be your support. Don't be afraid to ask. And don't worry about those who might judge you for not doing it on your own. It isn't the" wave a wand and the fat is gone" magic that some people would like to think is. The lapband is a tool, which helps you to conquer your goals. You still have to do the work, but but with help. It's a buddy system, but your buddy is wrapped around your stomach giving you encouragement. God, I babble to much... Anyway, Welcome, and I look forward to chatting with you.

Kim

Camden, Michigan

dont feel like that everyone has there own opinion just remeber that your the most important person and you are doing this to help yourself have faith and be strong everything will be good and I wont mention your ins since you already got alot of good advice from other members so I just wanted to tell you that your not alone in feeling like this I went throught the same thing and I did it and it is hard but its working out good luck and god bless

Hey everyone -- Thank you for your replies. I really appreciate it.

Kimmie -- I don't think the lap band is going to be easy -- and I'm ready to do the hard work. I guess what I was trying to say is I sometimes feel like I've failed because I'm not able to do it on my own -- not that resulting to lap band surgery makes be feel like a failure --- if that makes any sense? I know what I mean, and I think everyone else who replied knows what I was trying to say.

Anyway, the surgeon - Dr. Teng -- is on my insurance and I'm set up to attend one of his seminars on the 22nd of April (now that I won't be in a 3-week trial--settled yesterday- whew!) ... He requires attendance at the seminar as the first step and provides all the paperwork that needs to be filled out before a one-on-one consultation with him. I will be calling my ins. co. on Monday to see what their requirements are ...

So, I'm on my way on a new journey and I am thankful to have found this site and look forward to sharing my experiences and hearing all of yours!

Thanks again! VegasAngel