Okay so the closer July 20th gets, the more I'm starting to 2nd guess whether or not I should get this done. I'm feeling like a failure, like there's something else that I could've done instead of this. I'm actually feeling kinda pathetic with my decision now. I've never had surgery and knowing that at 19 I'll have 5 scars marking me every day reminding me of how I failed and couldn't do it is making me feel really low:(

I guess my only question is, do you think you're ready for this? I would also recommend reading The End of Overeating, which describes ways the food corporations make foods addictive. Maybe it will help to shed some light on why you are the way you are.

I was 23 when banded, and I welcomed the help with open arms. I have tried many, many diets in my life and have been obese since age 7, so I knew that if I didn't do this that I would spend the rest of my life struggling with weight and ultimately regret passing up the chance to change my life in a good way.

I think you should look at how incredibly brave you are for taking your life into a healthier direction! Failure? I think not! You are using your courage to start over and give your life a chance to be happier and healthier inside and out! Change that second guessing to excitiement! This will be your time to shine!

Please don't second guess yourself. I can say It was the best decision that I ever made for "me". Oh I only have 3 small scars.

Hi Motivated,

Don't feel down on yourself about this. Look you are making the best decision for you and more importantly your health. I myself am not banded and my surgery is scheduled in just 13 days. Of course I am nervous and scared. This is a normal feeling you are having. Listen, I put the surgery off two years ago and litterally gained 60 pounds MORE! I know this time around I need a little help, and the band will be that 'push' we need to jumpstart us off so we can finally succeed in losing weight and keeping it off. I don't know about you but I am sooo tired of the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows. All that yo-yo-ing just makes you feel like a failure alone. Most importantly, no matter what you will stil have to work hard with the band 'remembering its just a tool'.

Now, as far as surgery is concerned from what I know its less invasive, and the suregery itself is not long (you can expect to be in the OR for about an hour) Scars, don't even worry about it! In time they fade and heal very nicely. I have a long scar on my hip from having my hip replaced and honestly you can't even notice it. And that was a pretty heavy cut I had. Lotions and oils can help smooth out the scars and before you know it will be transparent as into your own skin. Don't forget, these are minor incisons not huge big ones.

Lastly, your scars will not be a reminder of you failing, but a reminder of how you took control of your own health, and for that reason you should be very proud of those scars...

(((hugs)))

-Patty

Y'all almost made me cry, especially you Patty. Everyone's words are exactly what I needed. I can't thank y'all enough

Motivated1, it's totally normal to have second thoughts. I'd worry about anyone who wasn't. This is a BIG decision and requires you to make changes to your eating habit for a lifetime.

I can say this with 100% honesty: I was banded at 38 years old and I wish so badly the band had been around and I could have got it at 19 years old like you. Then, I wouldn't have had to spend to spend my entire adult life fat and miserable. I commend you for taking control of your health now while you're young, you're assuring a much healthier and happier adulthood for yourself.

The scars are the least of your concerns. I'm just over a year out and you couldn't find my i cision areas wiyh a fine tooth comb! They are completely invisible at this point.

As for your mental state right now...... I would really be SURE this is tne right time and that you are ready to make the changes neccessary to be successful. Good luck to you!