Hello all, I am new to the site and was just browsing. Im glad to have a place to come to for support. I have battled obesity for a long time and Im only 22 years old. Im ready for a healthy new lifestyle and hoping for confidence I have pretty much never had. I will have my surgery next week and it really has not hit me that this is real...I have wanted a healthier life for so long. My lap band surgery is being covered by my insurance, which is bcbs of illinois...i had worried about being approved by them because of some post's i read about on this site beforehand. However, I received my approval within 6 days and couldn't be happier that wait was over. I am of course nervous about surgery since i have never been put under before...the only other surgery I had was a c section with my daughter. I welcome any advice from my fellow bandsters as I am sure I will need it. Wish me luck, for I know already that i am blessed!