I am new to this forum but after recently having knee replacement surgery I found that these forums are life savers! Here is my question if anyone is interested in answering. I am seriously considering lapband surgery and have an appointment on Wednesday to have a upper GI series done to see if I am a candidate. The reason for the test? I had Gastric Surgery in 1980 (one of the first in the country) and that will complicate any attempt at the lapband. But the bottom line is that I am hoping I can have the surgery because I HAVE to do something. For the first time in my obese life I honestly feel that it is this or death. I have always considered myself to be fairly healthy, held down a great job and had an active social life. Suddenly I have turned 58 and my body has gone to pot! Details: I am female, married, 58 and weigh about 400 lbs. My weight has been between 300-400 since college. I did lose down to 230 lbs with the gastric and again on Phen-Fen, but mostly I have dieted and then just gained it all back. You know the drill. So, my question is....does the lapband work for us? How much can I expect to lose and how fast? I will be a self pay and the thought of going to Mexico scares me to death. Anyone had that expereince and if so, what did you do for followup and fills? I am thinking of just going to a well known surgeon in the Salt Lake City area and paying the price. Any thoughts?