You're not alone. Many people on this site are self pay, including myself. Ive been researching the Lap Band for years and while my surgery is not until September I believe it will be the best money I've ever spent. For the cost of what is essentially a used car these days I cannot fathom not going for it. But everyone has to decide for themselves. Look around, read the posts and forums. Everybody faces some challenge with their band, nothing is perfect.

Thanks so much. I am feeling a bit inadequate at the moment. Like all the times I tried to lose weight I failed and I shouldnt have to resort to surgery to lead my way in this battle. Having all klinds of feelings right now. And yes, I was gonna get a convertable car, but decided that I would still be fat in the car. So I opted to pursue this surgery. Still scared.

I am about 5 weeks after surgery right now. I looked into the surgery two years ago and decided against it. My best friend got it at that time. Two years later, by BFF is 100 lbs less than where she was at the time and I was exactly where I was 2 yrs ago. It was at that point that I decided I needed to the do the surgery, whether or not I liked it. 5 weeks in, i'm 16 lbs down. It was realizing that I had been trying on my own for 2 yrs with no change. I lost 20 lbs here and 20 lbs there, but I'd gained everything I'd lost back. I needed a change. Of course, i am still adjusting mentally as well. For example, reading this lets me know that I can't count on the band to be what makes the difference...it's a tool that I can use to maintain and help me. But....it is still a mental change I have to go through. If this is what you need, i think you are making a good decision.

Wow...congratulations on the 20 lbs. Makes me feel better already. I too looked into and then scheduled the surgery about 3 years ago and then chickened out. And the mental change is HUGE...I am 49 and live with spouse. He will be my greatest challenge I believe. The first 4 weeks will be very hard I think. I am realizing our whole lfe revolves around going to the grocery store and " whats for dinner" ? No wonder those are the most hated words that can be spoken. I live on a farm and am very active, but that doenst make me lose weight oddly enough with all the work I do. It baffles me sometimes. I hope that my home life with hubby can adjust accordingly. If it were just me to fend for myself, I wouldnt be so scared about that either. There is a racetrack of emotions going thru me right now and not sure how to slow them down. Thanks so much for the comments and I am feeling alittle better with each post of comments.