Well I'm going through the process all over again I was approved back in 2006 and about a week before my surgery I was admitted into the hospital. I was in so much pain and after all the test came back, they diagnosed me with LUPUS so the surgery was cancelled. I tried again back in 2010 but this time for the gastric bypass. I had no idea that doctors dont do patients with LUPUS. When the doctor told me that he does not operate on patients with LUPUS my feelings were so hurt, but he recommended the lap band. At that time I had heard some awful things about the lap band and plus my sis-n-law had to have hers removed due to food poisoning and slipage of the band. Now I'm back at it and I have heard and read some positive stories about the lap band. I'm gonna go for the lap band, just waiting to schedule my visits for the psychiatrist, and nutritionist. Please pray for me that everything works out. The Dr knows my condition and stated that he has done the lap band on people with LUPUS so that has lifted my spirit To all the bandsters, thank you for your stories!!!! Good Luck to everyone on their journey....