Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but have found a wealth of info so thank you. Here's my story/question: I've been overweight almost all my life. I managed to lose 30 lbs in high school from a horrible low/no fat diet regimine my mom put me on after seeing a nutritionist; gained a lot of it back. Got to college; was a poor student so lost a LOT of weight and actually got down to about 165; family thought I had an eating disorder or something. Fast forward about 8 years and now I hit 278 at my highest (I'm only 5'5, mind you). Was sent to a diabetic dr (not diabetic) who stuck me on 2 BP meds due to my family history, have developed sleep apnea, suffered with depression in the past, and generally hate what I see when I look in the mirror...

Long story short (too late, I know), a dr suggested the lap band to me during a checkup; though I've comtiplated WLS it scared me and I always saw it as the "easy way out". Mentioned it to my husband who informed me I could do what I wanted but he'd have no respect for me if I took this route. Got an equally negative reaction from one of my sisters; have stopped talking to family about it. Everyone seems to think it should be so easy for me to lose weight if only I was "more dedicated". While I manage to lose about 10-15lbs with diet and exercise, I never seem to get past that mark. No one seems to understand how hard this journey has been for me and I'm tired of trying only to fail. So here's my question (I know, FINALLY...lol): how do you get your family to support you, and was it a difficult decision to make to have the surgery? Part of me thinks this will force me to be disciplined with diet/exercise, but then looking AT the restrictions wonder "If I can do all that, couldn't I lose weight WITHOUT the surgery"? I don't know. I'm trying to schedule an appointment with my dr, but just feel really unsure about it all right now; thanks in advance for your time and for letting me vent. :eek:

I'm scheduled for surgery 11/11/10 and went through the same contemplation that you are fight with. I have lost and gained 80+ plus pounds at least 8 times in my life. When I was attempting to figure this all out, the one thing I kept thinking about is I know I can do it alone, look at how many times I have in the past. Then I began thinking about things a little differently; the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing time and time again and expecting a different result. I can't do this too my body again (lose and gain the weight back). I have to change the end result. The weight is taking it's toll on my body and life can be so beautiful. Don't get me wrong, I wonder everyday if I'm making the right decision for me, but I have to feel like living again.

Probably not the best advice, but I recognize the where you are in evaluating your world. Best of luck to you, in what ever you decide.

Ok, when you get to the point that you are depressed about your weight all the time and hate what you see in the mirror, it's time to do something for yourself. :thumbup:

I was so so depressed and had tried EVERY DIET!!!!:tt2: It's just something that people that are not overweight just don't understand. Before I had LAP-BAND® done I thought it was the easy way out too. Well I definately have a different outlook on weight loss surgery now. It is really not the easy way. LAP-BAND® is a wonderful tool but you still have to be dedicated to a lifestyle change.

If you choose LAP-BAND® your family will be with you when they see how happy and healthy you are becoming!!!:eek:

Put you first and everything else will fall into place!!!

Good luck to you!!!!

You guys have made me glad I joined this forum; thank you for your kind words and sound advice. You're absolutely right; part of my problem IS putting the opinions of others first...time to do something for me for a change. Will continue to try on my own until my dr's appointment and see what happens, but think I'm officially over the fence. Good luck to you all and I wish you continued success!