Hi everyone, well this is my first posting and I must say its fantastic getting to see all the photos and read all the stories from people who have gone down the lapband road. To cut a long story short I came here to the U.S four years ago and fell in love with the woman of my dreams. We got married and now I'm here to stay. Unfortuanatly since being here the weight has just piled on and with that the depression has set in. I was always a big person but living a life which I know enjoy has made me larger than ever. I've thought about doing this for some time now and approached my doctor who said maybe I just needed to exercise!!!! As if I hadn't thought of that!!! I thought then it may be wise to approach my insurance provider, NGS who I guess have to say have been unsupportive. So now I'm here trying to find the best doctor to do the lapband. I have the funding in place but not for American surgeons. I've narrowed it down to a few, Dr.Joya being one of them. Any advice from anyone would be fantastic in deciding where to go. I would also like to see some advice from the men on this site. There seems to be lots of women here but a short supply of men. I'm wondering are things different?, do we get different pains?, do we lose weight the same as ladies? I have loads of questions and would love to see loads of advice. One last thing, how long is the norm from when you contact the surgeon to when you can have surgery, is there a long wait?

Like I said its great to see all you wonderful people and I'm really looking forward to making a life changing decision. Congratulations to you all...Gordon

Gordon

I've asked the same question, Where are the Men? I have been approved for the Surgery 09-28-05, Pre Opt on 09-19-05, I will let you know when I get there, Don't know about food yet, but liquids seem to be what I hear?

I just Hope I heal up fast, you know us Men can't stand pain, thats why God let Women have Babies!

Danno

There are lots of men on the site. Jack is a great source of support and a good laugh too. He is very funny and wise too. Look around, search for any questions you may have, or post and see all of the info you will recieve. Most of the information will be the same for men and women but if not I am sure the men will speak up and let you know. ~Mandy

I would imagine too that many men just dont seek out the kind of support a forum offers. Lots of women love to blab their most intimate details to anyone but my husband thinks I'm a nutter the amount of time I spend on my couple of forums.

Jack and JohnQPublic come to mind right away. Yes, there are a lot of women here but there are some men as well.

Welcome to the LBT!!!

I'm not a man, but I would like to welcome you anyway! LOL! Good luck to you!