:w00t: Hey everyone!!! I've been checking out this board for a little while now, and now it's time for me to become a part of the posting!

I had my Consult today in Jax, FL with Dr. Baptista. I have to do the 6 month supervised weight loss stuff prior to surgery due to my insurance (BCBS FL). So I have all of my appointments set for the next 6 months! My basics are... I'm 22, starting weight/BMI is 214.5/40.5 :blushing: So he set my goal to 132lbs, which means I need to lose 82lbs! I was VERY disappointed to hear that because I've just let myself go... but at the same time, VERY happy that I qualified for this surgery!

Congrats on your consult and getting started on your journey! Don't beat yourself up about where you are now, be excited that you're back on the right track. Three and a half months post op and about six months after I started this journey I can honestly say this is like... The best thing I've ever done for myself!

The 6 months will be over before you know it! I love my band! It's always nice to hear from people that are around the same age as me since I don't know anyone in my town that has gotten the lap-band. just like angie said don't beat yourself up about where you are now because this time next year you will be a whole new person!

good luck to you! i started out about the same BMI as you. six months before my surgery I was a 40 bmi, and when I had surgery I was at about a 36 bmi. (we know HOW to lose weight dont we? just not how to keep it off! or at least that was always my problem). so please please dont beat yourself up emotionally-- instead try beating yourself up in the gym! or if you arent ready for that yet, then focus on your eating -- i kept track of everything i ate on an online calorie counter. i still ate more than i should have to lose weight, but it was good to get an idea of what i was actually putting in my body. and it will make life that much easier for you when you are banded if you start getting in the right mindset in the months beforehand.

set some attainable mini-goals for yourself and you will be on your way! i am so excited for you!

Thanks to everyone for the responses!!! I am really glad I came across this site, it's like a support system whenever I need it!! I know this 6 months is going to be hard, but Dr. Baptista told me my goal at this point is to not GAIN... I don't have a specific amount of weight to lose, which does ease the stress a little bit. And like you said, Jane, I know HOW to lose it, I just can't keep it off lol. I am very excited and hope everything keeps falling into place!!! I can not wait until I get to the 132 pounds he told me I will end up being... I don't ever remember being that small lol.