Hey!

My name is Taylor, and I live in Washington, D.C. I really want/need to get banded. But, I don't know how to start this process. Any Pointers?:tongue2::confused:

First make sure you have insurance coverage for the surgery or that your folks are on board for paying the $15,000 or more it could cost out-of-pocket without insurance. Then see your primary care doctor to discuss (and I'm hoping that he/she is well-informed and open to the surgery). Get a referral to a surgeon covered by your insurance (ask the insurance company for names of docs and then ask your primary if he/she is familiar with any of them). Most require you attend their free seminar first, then a consultation. My doc doesn't require the seminar and will do a combined informational visit/initial consultation all at once. From that point, the doc's staff will lead you where you need to go.

Just relax. Everything will happen just as it should. Talk to your mom and dad first and do alot of research on doctors around the area. find one whose right for you! I'm 18 and was banded on november 19th 2009. and it was the best thing i have ever done for myself. :]

Hey Taylor,

I suggest that initially (if you haven't tried it already), ask for primary care doctor for a refrence to a good nutritionist and dietician. It would be cheaper and maybe you could loose the weight without having the surgery.

I had the surgery a week ago and I'm regreting it. Make sure you do your research!! You'll be in pain (it hurts where they put the port(the thing they put silicone injections in)) and you have to follow a special diet for a month (2 weeks of no solid food, only liquids. 1 week of mushy food like mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. 1 week of returning to regular food)

I highly suggest exhausting all your options before really considering the band

hope I helped and good luck!!!

--Amber

Hey Amber,

You gotta give it a bit of a chance. The pain will go away and you get to eat real food, your lucky if you only did the special diet for 4 weeks. I was on clear liquids for 3 weeks pre op and couldnt touch even mushy food for 4 weeks post op. I had my band done in november and have one fill since then. The pain is gone and i can pretty much eat all the food i used (significantly less amounts of it but the same foods) It really comes down to how bad did you want this. Taylor, she is right though, you should try anything else first. surgery is a big deal. its not a magical cure it does take work. i have to take an obnoxious amount of vitamins everday and drink protien shakes. i HATE protien drinks. with a passion they are probably the most disgusting thing i have ever had to force myself to drink repeatedly. but to me, this was worth it.

aw, thanks so much for your supportive words, people like you really make me think I can do this, but its harddddd!!!

but as they say, the harder the battle, the greater the victory? something along those lines...lol

Well im glad i can help. and i assure you, you can do this! but if you ever have trouble remembering that or just need someone to talk to, feel free to message me, email or even text me or call me. This is all new to me too but i think the more support you have the easier it is. I get my second fill on the 18th and im totally stoked :] When is your first fill?