**Newbie in ny**

Hey all, I am seriously considering WLS (lap-band). I have thought about it for many years in between doing Numerous other weight loss programs, I am young *21, and i have had alot of people tell me that i should be able to loose weight on my own. I can't, I have been overweight since day 1. I was 250 lbs in 6th grade and now i am between 320-330. I know that the surgery is not a quick fix. I want it to be a step towards my goal.(healthy lifestyle). I've heard that there are alot of stuff that u need to do. like pills and certain food? Do any of you regret it? Do u think its something that could help me? TIA, Kristen Middletown, NY

Hello Kristen Welcome to the board. My name is Tammy and I am new myself. I go to seminar on the 18th of this month and I am soooooo excited. Also a bit nervous. I have so many questions. Everytime I had a question I could not find an answer too I posted and so many wonderful people answered. I have found this is a great site. So far everyone is so helpful and nice, I love that there is no judging of others. And everyone is willing to help and share their life with us. If i can help you out in any way plus email me. Take care Tammy in Wayland

Hi Kristen, My name is Andrea and I too am new. I have already been to my seminar and am very excited and nervous about my journey. I go and meet with the doctor on tuesday. Everyone that I have spoke to about the surgery has been very positive. They all say they have no regrets. Good luck on your journey. Fell free to contact me at any time. Andrea

Hi Kristen. Welcome. I'm having RNY in two weeks. This site has a wealth of information. Also, there is a support group in Middletown that meets on the first Thursday of each month. It's a large group with people who have had every variation of the surgery that's available. If you want details, email me. Good luck in your journey. Cheryl

Kristen, Hun welcome to the board, there are some really great people here and so much support..... You found the right starting place....... I am pre-op so I can not answer your questions about regret but so many that I have spoken with would NOT change there mind in the end. Some have a rough time getting through but they said it has been so worth it... As others have already said, research, research and then more research..... knowledge is power.... hey someone here told me that not to long ago...... Take your time and find a surgoen, talk to him/her and see what they require.....I wish you the best of luck and please let us all know how you are doing along the way......~hug~ Take care Debra P

Hi Kristen, Welcome Kristen! Come on over to the Lapband Forum. You will find anything and everything there is to know about the lap band. I too am from NY and had my lap band surgery on 1/12/05. I have lost 25 pounds since then and will be losing a lot more (i just had my second fill and I am so restricted that I can't even swallow water that well). It's the greatest feeling. Having this surgery was the greatest thing I've ever done in my life. The only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. If you have any questions, you can email me whenever you'd like. Here's the link to the lapband forum: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts.html