Hi everyone. I am very new also, I woke up two weeks ago and thought enough is enough. I started researching the lap band. I have a cousin, an aunt, a best friend, her mom, and her sister who all had gastric bypass, then her husband had the same proceedure, the same doctor, and died from complications. I was completely against it and knew I would never go that route. I've tried it all, from weight watchers to the prescription weight loss drugs without success. I was disappointed with myself, I felt like a failure. I have always been heavy and in my heart I know I cannot do it by myself. The last two weeks reading your posts gave me the strength to know it's ok to really ask for help. I have scheduled my seminar for Friday. I am very excited. I was a little disappointed when I heard of the 6 month waiting period (I work in my children's middle school) I thought I would just have it done through the summer while I was off, wham bam back to work. I am worried because my husband's company switched insurance companies back in October so hopefully that won't cause a glitch. Thank you for all your advise and support. What a blessing to have the site and each other!