Hi all~ :Bunny

I'm new. I found this site through Obesity Help. I'm so glad the I found it. I am a member of a few message boards, but not one like this. Most of the others only have RNY Patients. You can never have enough support though...right?

Anyway, just thought I'd tell a little about myself and where I am on the journey to WLS.

Well, I'm 28, live in North Dakota and I've been researching WLS for a few years now. I actually researched the RNY procedure for 3 years. I thought I found a surgeon I wanted to go with in MX, but the financing part wasn't working out so well. Which might sound kinda funny because it's must cheaper South of the Border. LOL. I did try to get health insurance a few years back too, but I was denied because of my height/ratio. I weigh 310 and I'm 5'6. I wasn't too sure of the Lapband Procedure...probably because I didn't research it as much as I did the RNY. But one day, I said, "What the heck," and I started to gather info on it. I'm glad I did. The only thing I was worried about was finding a surgeon here in ND that would do the fills for me instead of traveling back and forth to MX. Tonight, while reading I did find out that there is a Surgeon here in ND that will do the fills for people who get there Lapbands elsewhere.

I did find 2 surgeons in MX. I know there are more but I was happy with what the other patients had to say of these 2 surgeons. I know when I do find the money for my surgery, it probably won't be too hard for me to pick which I want to use.

Anyway, that is where I am on my journey. I'm sure I could have said alot more because once I start typing, I can't quit. Haha. But I'll keep it a little short...well not too short.

I'm happy to have found this site. Hope to get to know some of you and I look forward to the support and I cannot wait to give support in return.

See ya!

Hi DolphinGirl! I found this site a few months pre-surgery, and I don't know what I would have done without the support of all the wonderful people you'll find on this board. Good luck with your journey, and welcome!

HI DolphinGirl! I am also new!! and from N.D. I am having surgery on Oct. 20th in Bismarck. I am self pay also... Good luck in finding financing..you can do it.

Welcome to Band Land!

Good luck on this wild & crazy adventure!

Congratulations! It sounds like you have done a good job researching and looking at your decision.

I was banded in May in Bismarck. I have been very happy with my dr and his staff. I looked into Mexico but made the decision to go locally for a few reasons: the first year of fills was included in the price, local dr and care, etc. The price difference was about $2500 - less than the amount I am going to save on my taxes.

If you have any questions, feel free to pm me. My sister and a cousin have had the bypass and another cousin and myself have the band so I know a little about the comparisons between the 2.

Good luck on your journey. Celeste

Welcome Jolene, this is a awesome support forum!

Thanks for all the welcomes!

I think I'm going to like this site alot. One reason being is because there are actually other people from ND here. Another reason is because I am a moderator to another forum like this, but I am the only one who has even considered the Lapband Procedure, so this board will sure help me out even more.

Last night I stayed here for about 3 hours just reading past posts. Today, I think I'll do some more catching up.

Again, thank you for the welcomes.