New here and need anwers

[peacequeen 434]

Hi,

My name is Karen, I'm 45 years old and have struggled with my weight my whole life. I'm 5'6" and currently weigh 261 pounds, my highest was 277. I've tried every diet, under the sun. I've tried fad diets, weight watchers, taken pills and supplements, tried hypnosis..etc..nothing ever works for long. I am now disabled and can no longer do alot of excercise so just dieting is not really working..once over 40 I can't just go without eating for a few days and lose 5 pounds like I did as a 20 year old. You have to work harder as you get older and without being able to really excercise,,it's been almost impossible for me. I have several conditions that have limited me but I feel if I get some of this weight off, it might help. My neurologist is the one that mentioned I might try Lapband. I have not been to a seminar, spoken with a surgeon or taken any of the steps for the surgery yet. The only thing I've done is try to educate myself,,reading alot. I called my insurance company and they will pay most of it but I will also receive medicare in April so I'm hoping I will have little if any out of pocket expenses if I qualify for the surgery. Anything I need to know financially? I guess why I'm here is that I'd like to know where to begin and what to expect. What's it like for others? I'd like to hear from anyone about anything since I know nothing. I'd especially like to know how long it takes from the time you begin the whole process till you have surgery. How hard is it to qualify? I have an autoimmune disease, will this hinder me from being able to get the surgery? My illness is stable right now, I feel like if I get some of this weight off, it might help my condition. I'm sorry I have alot of questions. I'm scared and excited at the same time. The thought of being able to walk a steady pace and play something other than cards with my kids and grandkids is so appealing to me. I hate the way I look and feel, I really want my life back.