Thanks so much for the reply! My hips are the main reason I'm looking into this. I have never had trouble with them until recently, and like you, I think getting this extra weight off would help tremendously. And yes, the things we put our bodies through sometimes.. oi vey!! lol
I haven't talked to my rheumatologist or a surgeon yet, but I am going to a lap band seminar this Thursday, the 13th. I am kind of just going to have a starting point and see if I'm even a candidate for the surgery. My BMI is at 41 right now, so technically, I should be.
Again, thanks so much for the encouraging reply!