I am sitting here watching the biggest loser and the trainers motivate the contestants. I can't help but feel like a failure, like I couldn't do it on my own. Then I start thinking do I really need the lap band? Why can't I do it on my own? Am I taking the easy way out? I just want to feel good all around and I need a little help. This is why I chose the procedure. Surgery is Thurs. anyone feel this way?

One thing I can tell you for certain: the lap band is not the easy way out! We still have to make good food choices, and we still have to get exercise on a regular basis. It's been said so much, but it's true that the band is only a tool. It is very easy to "eat around" the band, or to continue drinking too many beverages with calories.

Think of it this way: an accountant can add and subtract, but they usually use a calculator. Does that mean they are bad accountants? Of course not, they're just using a tool so they can do what they do better. You're not a failure, you're just getting a tool to help you become a better you!

How did your surgery go?