As I sit here reading all of the post I cant help but think just how scared I am. This is such a huge lifestyle change and I am only 23. However I know this is something I need to do. Any advice on how to truly prepare for what to come after I am banded?

Don't be scared!!

Life only gets that much better after lapband!! I was 18 when I had it done, I'm now 21 and am so greatful everyday that I had the courage to go through with it! You'll have your ups and downs but for the most part it'll be all worth it in the end!

Have fun with it!!

Hi Jamie

I just wanted to say though I do not have even the lap band surgery

approved, that it is okay to be scared. It's totally normal, BIG changes.

I cant tell you what it will be like after the surgery since I have not been

there myself but change is necessary because the alternative is a lot

SCARIER. Rule your Mind or it will rule you. Sending good energy your

way, Own the challenge, you will do great!

It is scary no matter what your age - I was 36 and whilst I'd always insisted I wasnt an emotional eater, when push came to shove, and I was on the verge of the surgery, I realised I was about to let go of a very old and very dear friend and coping mechanism. What pushed me forward was that I thought, sure I could not have the surgery, but if things were goign to change, I had to say goodbye for that friend, regardless.

You're not as young as you might be. By 23, I was able to resist peer pressure and not feel like I had to drink heaps and eat junk food just coz others were. I mean, i did it, lol, but because *I* wanted to, not because I had to fit in. You will be able to lead a normal social life only now you will eat and drink like the thin girls we always admired and hated at the same time. This is the best thing you could possibly do for yourself, you're heading off a raft of health problems before they happen, whereas most of us have to experience the beginnings of them (and of old age) before we act. Deep breath and have faith, this will be wonderful for you!

I was 20 when I had my surgery and I am 21 now. I have had the band 8 months and have lost 71 lbs. I get married this sunday and I have a two year old little boy. I can NOT even begin to explain to you what the lap band has done for me, or how it has made my life so much more amazing. I feel as though I am the luckiest woman alive. It is NORMAL to be scared. I was scared but I looked at it as though it were a life or death situation. I needed this surgery. I wanted this surgery. My son benefitted from this. I am so proud of the decision that I made and you will be too.

I would like to give some advice before I leave though. PLEASE do everything in your power to stick to your diet. I have seen so many friends with the lap band eat wrong and work around their band and become miserable or have to have their band removed so they gain their weight back....I have worked REALLY hard at my diet and I still have days where I slip up. For the first 3 months of my band i didn't cheat once. NOT ONE TIME. I had faith in myself and I knew that I had a goal to acheieve. Please do your best to keep your head in the game and do this the right way. =) it WILL be worth it in the end.

WOW! Thank you so much everyone for all of these post They really did make me feel better! It's almost time to start my pre diet and I am so so so excited!!!!!!!!! Thanks again!!!!!!

im new to this site so im not sure how to go about this but im am 22 waiting to get approved, i am nervous because of the surgery and all the things that could go wrong. but i know this is something i need to do. weight has never been my best friend so im hoping to find a happy medium with it. but i know this is for the best as im 23 and weigh 270 (not a good look). but i just cant wait to see a skinnier happier me.