I am 30 years old ang weigh 350 lbs, my weight has always been an issue for me. I have tried Weight watchers several times and other trendy diets, that only start out successful. I plan to get the lap band but I am only at the very start of the process. The University of Iowa hospital has recieved my application and confirmed w/my insurance company (Blue cross blue sheild of IL), at this point I am waiting for them to call me for an appointment for an evaluavtion.

One wuestion that I do have after reading through various comments and blogs is.. what does it mean to get filled?

Is there a certain amount of weight that you are required to loose before they follow through with the surgery?

Any other comments or advice for my?

I am excited but, feel like I may have a long journey just to get to the starting point of all of this.

Welcome and while you are waiting; do as much more research as possible to make sure that the lapband is for you. Nobody can make that decision but you.

The lapband is a ring that goes around the upper portion of your stomach. The ring has a balloon on the inside so that it can be tightened and untightened. In order to do this, saline fluid is put into the balloon. That is what a fill is.

Your insurance company and surgeon determine whether you have to lose weight or not.

You'll see the word "tool" a thousand times while you read. The lapband is only a tool. The lapband doesn't make the weight magically disappear. YOU have to do that. The lapband basically makes it so you feel full with less food and don't overeat.

The lapband will not work unless you are ready to change your lifestyle and do what is required to make it work.

Welcome and good luck! The waiting is HORRIBLE! Once you make the decision to go for it then having to sit back and wait while everything else gets done is terrible, but you'll make it. Use this time to read read read and ask us anything that pops into your mind. I'm early in the journey but will be the first to jump up and say "if you're ready to do the work GO FOR IT!!!!!"

Again, good luck! We're rooting for ya!

So... I had my evaluation today to start the initial process for lapband. Walked away kind of disappointed. Doc says my BMI is too high and would not recomend me for lap band. Instead we are looking at gastric bypass, I still want it so bad but, now a little more nervous bout the surgery. Looking right now I could possibly have surgery April/May.