Danielle - I am 50 and going to be banded on 3/5 (Monday). I have been heavy all my life and felt like I was an embarrassment to all family and friends. I have 2 sons, 22 and 20, who play college football and who I adore. With all the activites and games that go along with the football season the activites were mindboggling. Thinking that my sons were embarrassed to have me come to their games was so depressing that even medicine couldn't help. You would think that a mom whose 2 sons weightlift and live on Protein shakes would know better. . . well, I didn't. My boys knew more than I did. DO NOT let this be your life and miss out on all the fun years with your children because you feel embarrassed. If you want the surgery, GO FOR IT, don't listen to anybody. The only person who knows I am having this done is my husband (who is thin). If anybody asks I will tell them that I had my gall bladder out and that will justify the change in eating habits.
GOOD LUCK and reach for the stars . . . you are young enough to start your life over and meet that real nice guy who will let you be you.