Well today I went to speak with my Dad and he is 100 percent against me getting the lapband! He says its the easy way out! Just eat less and excerise more! I give up!

My Dad IS the reason I got WLS. He died at 59yo weighing 400+. He had tons of complications due to his weight.

@ ErinSue

Let me tell you a little story... I knew a man who for years made those types of comments. He told his daughter continuously that it's "willpower, " "commitment," "all in your mind", or worse personal "weakness"and all other kinds of ignorant bullshit commentary. This guy told his sister in law every Christmas when seeing her eat how she should check out the vegetable tray, and complemented his niece on her wedding day ( same woman's daughter) on her small frame as guaranteed future happiness for her husband. Total jerk this guy, years later this guy found out he had a hyper thyroid. Weight loss was easy for HIM. He did find it to be incredible that other people had difficulty as he had to eat continuously and still maintained his weight.

My point with this long story (that should have been shorter) is those people aren't you. They may not truly understand. Your happiness, your success is all you need to concern yourself with. As I am finding out, there are lots of people who do understand and will support you through the journey.

Lead him to LBT.com we'll tell him how easy it is.lol

I want to say thank you to each and everyone of you! Hugs all around!

Erin,

It sounds like your dad isn't supportive because of lack of knowledge. If his support means that much to you try to get him to go to your doctors appointments with you or read up on the lap band and how it works, the rules and lifestyle to be successful. You might fine he comes around with a little education.

Bottom line is you need to do what is right for you. If your dad can't support you find the support elsewhere, other family members, friends, this site, etc.

I wish you the best success and if you need support please come here. There are some fabulous people here that will love and support you every step of the way. ((((hugs))))

No you don't need his blessing but I understand how important it can be to gain parental support. He needs some education. My dad was against it until I explained to him how uncomfortable I was with my weight that I could barely walk up the stairs without gasping for air, always worried about whether I could fit in a chair, hard to take a bath and get out, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. I explained I could continue on the path of yoyo diets but that I was unhealthy and needed help. He also watched a documentary on I think 60 minutes or one of those shows and learned that it is safe, effective, and more and more recommended for weight loss. He has become very supportive and wants to help (to the point of annoyance). He still adds in little digs about all he has to do is stop eating when he has a few pounds to lose. I just tell him he is fortunate to be able to do that. Funny thing is he has been obsessed with my weight as long as I can remember. I did not ask for his approval but rather just old him what I was doing after the appointment was already scheduled. Good luck and I hope you make the right decision for yourself and not allow others to keep you from being a healthy happy person.