Hi- my name is Bev and I'm considering having the lap band sugery. I've been on Weight Watchers SO many times (currently doing it again) and I do well until I get to the 40 - 50 pound weight loss and then I seem to lose my motivation. I've been overweight all my life and and tired of being this way. I have 7 year old twin boys and I'd love to run around and play with them, but my weight prevents me from doing so. I am tired of always being the biggest one in the room and having to be so self conscious. I've been considering having the Lap Band surgery for the last few days after talking with my husband. I have a degenerative spine problem and it is VERY painful. I also have a knee problem that gives me the blues. I know that no surgeon would even consider doing surgery at my weight so I need to take matters into my own hands and lose the weight somehow. I'm interested in the surgery but scared of actually going through it. I am not sure I could go through the period of not being able to eat solid foods. That makes me nervous to think I can't put food in my mouth and chew it......sad, huh? I LOVE food and hope that by having the surgery I can still eat. I know that I would have to watch what I eat when eating whole foods. I'm a sweet-a-holic and I am afraid I won't be able to eat cake, cookies, etc. Is that true? I'm hoping that by joining this community, you can help me understand better what this surgery entails, what I'm going to have to give up, what changes I'll have to make, etc. I'm interested in hearing about what all of you are going through who have been banded. I'm interested in hearing about what steps have to be taken to even get approved for the surgery. In other words, folks, HELP! Thanks in advance for any help you can give me in my journey to making my decision. Bev