I was wondering if anyone here has shared at work that they have a lap band??

I did. I am not ashamed of having this procedure. I work in the hospital emergency room and I know of 3 people that have had lapbands. I found out that my Boss had Gastric Bypass 3 years ago and I never would have guessed, except by her eating habits I kind of suspected.

It's amazing what we learn when we open ourselves up. WLS is a common/popular option in this day & age, and when I mention it to various people, I also hear that they've got friends or family who had it done. As a matter of fact, when I mentioned WLS surgery to one of my old co-workers, she said that her mom had it & lost a lot of weight. That conversation was a turning point in my decision to move forward with the band.

Most people who do not have true weight issues, do not understand why we would do something so extreme over "simple" diet and exercise. I'm guessing that your mom is truly concerned for her child; surgery, foreign implanted device, etc. Sometimes it's hard to differentiate concern over judgement. I think you're right.....she will come around when she sees you becoming a much healthier...you

Thanks MRSINTO, thing is, she's also struggled with her weight all my life pretty much. That's why I said she suprised me, I thought she would've been more understanding. But I guess being a mom myself I do understand her concern.

I tell anyone who asks. I'm a nursing director and know many people in the hospital. Many people who want to lose weight as well. I figure that lap band is something new to a lot of people and some are afraid of it. I feel if I can be able to give information and be a motivator for weight loss with the lap band or in general it's a good thing. Everyone always has all sorts of questions for me and one of my staff members is having the procedure next week. I'm proud of her and my staff is proud of me. I also use it as a drive not to fail as well.

Thank you everyone. I am 3 days away!! My job involves entertaining clients; I am in hotel sales. Maybe that's why I am as heavy as I am. I guess I'm having water!