Hello,

I am 25 years old and I weight 232 pounds. I have always been overweight but in the last year I have gained a great amount of weight. I have reseach doing the lapband and debated doing so for over a year, but what finally push me into action was my mother been diagnose with type two diabetes and my doctor telling me that since I qualify for been morbidly obese the chances of me been diagnose with it are higher. My grandma died of diabetes si my greatest fear is ever getting it. That made me decide that I needed to do something about it before it's too late for me.

I went to my doctor and he recommended lapband to me and I found my surgeon thru a friend that was banded last year. My surgery date is on dec 6 and as must know im quite nervise about it, but I know is a step I must take to a healthier me. I hope you guys have any advise for me that can .calm my nerves

Hello and welcome to the LBT forum! Congrats on your decision to take hold of your life and get healthy with the help of the Lap Band! You are the same age I was when I decided to be banded and my mother also has type II Diabetes so I definitely know where you're coming from. If you ever have any questions feel free to message me, I am about 19mts out from being banded and 100lbs down, tho not yet at goal but progressing. The best advice I can give you is to educate yourself on all aspects of being banded- everything from the mindset you will need to be in,the dreaded pre op diet , the surgery itself risks & benefits, the recovery period- which I think we all can agree isn't the funnest time on the lap band journey, the discipline it will take to stick to the rules and follow your post op diet instructions without much help from the band because it can take a while to actually achieve a comfortable level of restriction that will keep you from over eating. So basically get educated and stay realistic! Dont compare yourself to other people on here or beat yourself up if you get off track or dont lose as quickly as they are because we are all different and we all do different things. Understand that the band is a tool and not a cure, it will not stop you from eating 3 bowls of icecream (a "slider" food) you have to have some self control as well. Remember the excercise and healthier food choices is the key to most of the success stories even with the band. Keep in mind that healthy permanent weight loss is slow and consistant- don't deprive yourself for faster results or you will find yourself yo-yo dieting. Surround yourself with positive supportive people who don't judge you even if they dont have all the answers. And finally stay connected to the lap band community for advice and motivation that only a fellow bandster can give. Find comfort in that your surgeon comes recommended from a friend and you have an instant support system in that friend. Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! I wish you the best of luck!!