Hi my name is Amanda I live on the Outer Banks and I am seriously considering being lap banded. I have struggled with losing weight and staying healthy my entire life , I was seperated last year from my husband of 8 years and I have a 4 year old . I currently weigh 229 ,I'm 5'7 and about to be 30 ...... Soooo what I want to know is Am I eligible? Will blue cross and blue shield cover it? What are the worse side effects? Mortality rate? How long does it take to be active afterwards? and any other important information you may have! Thanks for taking the time to read this ; )