Well I finally had a decent conversation with my mother about my upcoming surgery. She is going to support my decision but feels that surgery should only be done in life-threatening circumstances. She thinks I should try overeaters anonymous. I have looked into OA but the 12 step program just doesn't look like it would be for me. I held my ground and advised her this is a life threatening situation. Because although my weight only causes me physical and emotional pain right now I will most likely develop other issues due to being 100lbs overweight. However, after the conversation I started thinking about OA and trying to do this on my own again.....sometimes I feel like a yo-yo. I wish she understood more what it's like to be this way. Just needed to vent this today. I will go through this surgery and I will get my life back. It's hard when your support system isn't as strong as you'd like it to be.

Do you have support groups you can attend through your doctor? If not you really should ask him to refer you to the nearest group. It's very normal to have doubts. My husband said if the band is just a tool why can't you do the diet yourself? I told him the first few months I would be more or less on my own until I get the proper fills. I have been battling with weight most of my life- I have been on every diet known to mankind. I am tired of being fat and I really want to look good and feel good. I need more help than WWs can give me or Jenny C. or Nutrasystem, or Atkins, etc. Sure I can lose-but always regain. I need help and that's why I turned to the band. I hope you find a band buddy or a support group. The more your mom becomes educated the more she might be willing to support you.

I went back and forth quite a bit before my surgery. I felt like I was kind of giving up. Once I started feeling that way I thought of all the times I tried and failed. I finally decided to go ahead and have the surgery. Now that I have the band I am so happy. I have only been banded for 3 weeks but I am really starting to get a feel for the tool that I gave myself. When it comes right down to it just getting the band will not make you loose weight- you have to do the real work. Yes, the band will give you friendly (and sometimes not- so- friendly) reminders but it is me who makes the choice of what to put in my body. I think it's natural and great that you are really thinking about this and taking it seriously. Whatever choice you make- Good luck!

I went back and forth the first time I attempted. I chickened out thinking I can do it on my own. Its not always about overeating. I don't over eat as much as I eat th wrong things. I gained 30 pounds in the 3 years that past. Now I'm having the surgery to get the band and I can't be happier right now!

I was banded last week. I seriously considered canceling because I managed to lose 26 pounds before surgery. If I could lose weight without the band, why do I need the band??? Well, I figured out after a couple of cheats (my last suppers) that I will revert to my old ways without a firm reminder not to overeat for the sake of enjoying food. The band will still allow you to enjoy food, in fact I think I will enjoy more because I cannot eat as much. Each bite must be savored because there will only be a few. I'm glad I got banded.

Today I asked my mom (who was banded this past February) if she ever regretted getting the band, even just a little and she said no. Right after I got surgery I did think for a split second, what did I just do??? I think it's normal to go back and forth but in the end I know I made the right decision for me.

I didnt have much time to get nervous about the surgery as did research for over 8 years but suddanly booked a consultation and within 3 weeks was on the table.

I tried to be strong doing this all alone but I freaked out on the table. Joke was on me, they already drugged me and I never finished my i cant do this sentence.

I woke up the happiest person ever to be banded. I always thank my doc for drugging me and not giving me a heads up haha

Thank you everyone for your input. It was all very helpful. I know this surgery will be the key to getting my life back on track. I also know that I will be the one making the choices and the band is just a helpful tool to keep track of my portions....which is the biggest issue for me. I also have to keep reminding myself about all the times I have lost and gained it back. I know I can lose weight, but this time I won't be allowed to gain it back.

Thanks again