I'm really excited for the lap band but the majority of my friends and family are urging me to not get the surgery. I've been overweight my entire life. I weigh 330 pounds and I'm only 21. My parents won't take me to the appointments( which is 2hours away). I'm so ready to start a new life but it seems that no one is supporting me. What should I do.

I was very surprised that some of the people I chose to tell weren't supportive. My best friend believes that I can do it with diet and exercise; I asked her how long she'd known me and when she answered, I asked her how long I'd been dieting and exercising. There was a long pause - and then she said that if was going to be a tool for me and was going to help some of my health problems, that was what was important.

I guess what I'm saying is that you can't let other people influence your decisions. You have to do what is right for you, and if you've researched this, discussed it with your doctor, and feel that its right - then DO IT. You will have lots of support here -all you have to do is ask.

Thank you for the support. I talked with my sister today and laid down the facts and she decided that she's going to be in it with me from now until finish. She's taking me to all my appointments. I think with the support of this website and my sister I'll be fine. I also think that once my parents see how I feel once I start losing weight they'll be on my side. Again thank you all

That's awesome! You're going to do great at this...and tell your sister that she's the best sister in the world for standing with you. :-)

My mom was against me having surgery too. ANY surgery. it was just because she loves me, and was afraid of the risks of surgery. My sister had by pass surgery in Sept. my mom saw how well she was doing and came around. she was there with me in the hospital supporting all the way. just took her a while to change her mind.

one of my friends was also against my getting surgery and wouldn't talk to me about or help withkids for preop appointments. Hoping I wasn't go through with it. was very strange, She finial confessed she was worried i would get skinner and she would still be overweight. what was she suppose to do then? She was scared,

Anyway, ignore the negitive comments and do what is right for you. I had surgery a week ago and feel great.

What a great sister you have! With her support and the support of everyone here, you're going to do great!

Lol I think that's happening with my friend too. I'm sure they'll come around. I've already made up my mind and its honestly unchangeable now. I'm just ignoring all the negativity and counting down the days until my next appointment