I have been considering WLS for a few years now. Obesityruns on both sides of my family. I struggled with my weight has a teenager andnever really felts comfortable in my own skin. Being harassed about my weighton a daily basis from school and family didn’t help my self-esteem either. Ilost enough weight after graduating high school and enlisted in the Navy were Iwas borderline weight standards the whole 6 years.

My weight increased after my enlistment, yet I really had no health issues relatedto my weight until the last few years. I thought about options for years, butwas always afraid of going forth with WLS. I have seen people who had great resultsfrom the various types of WLS, but I have also seen them fail. I have also beenaround people who have express that WLS is the "lazy way out" funnythese people never struggled with their own weight so how could they know?

I finally decided to have WLS and researched my options and decided with LapBand. The surgeon I am seeing was recommended by a few friends. I have beenhappy with him and his staff so far. I began this journey in June/2011. I wouldhave had my surgery approved sooner if I had not changed/added my primary insuranceand had to wait for my cards and their approval.

My surgery is 12-6-11. The day after my husband’s birthday.

Due to my exposure with people that had negative opinions about WLS I wanted tohide it at first. Then I realized why? This is for me, if I want the acceptmyself well "These people" would have to accept me and my choice too.I have had an overwhelming amount of support from the few co-workers, friendsand family I told prior to getting my surgery date.

Now that I have the date, I have told the rest of my friends and family.Nothing negative. All of them very supportive. Even a few were relieved I hadfinally made the decision.

And so my journey begins........

Good luck Lytha. It's great that you haven't had any negative feedback and I hope it stays that way for you.

I was stunned when my older son, who is starting to battle with his weight, told me that I had taken the "lazy way out" with band surgery. I did point out that it wasn't at all easy but the results were worth it.

cheers