Hi I'm Bronte and I'm 21 with a two year old son. I've tried pills and diets under the sun and nothing works so I made an appointment this morning to speak to a surgeon. I weigh 240 @5ft 7in so I'm considered obese. I'm just so nervous what if it doesn't work. What if something happens. I'm scared but truly want this!

It has been an awful long time since I have come into the site, which has no one on the chat room, I noticed your question..I was scared too..I bought the book..Weightloss Surgery for Dummies, It was my bible and I have lent it out countless times, It is really a book and its 16 dollars well spent, it tells about all the operations, what to expect, diet and insurance questions, its full of ideas, recipes. I found it to be my best tool. They have it on line too.. I got mine at Books a Milllion. I started at 305 three years ago, its been slow but I am 52 with lots of other matters going on RA for one,205 now and I am the same size I was when I was 18..I never regretted my decision one time everyone around me had bypass and many were sick beyond words..the chat room here was my support group the first two years and something today brought me in, I hope all goes well for you If I can help let me know..hugs..

It is kinda scary to make such a drastic decision, but if you know it's right for you, the only thing to do is go for it. If only we had a crystal ball, we would know how it would all turn out in the end, but we have to live for TODAY and so that's how I made my decision...all the time I would have spent wonding "if" I am now living a much happier and healthier banded life. Check out my blog and I tell you all about it!!

I think everyone on this site and anyone having LBS, has felt exactly the same way. Even after surgery, that same thought keeps going through our heads, "I've failed everything before, am I going to fail this too". The answer is, you fail when you give up. Refuse to give up.

My advice to you or anyone looking into LBS, don't rush it, learn all you can before hand. You will get great insight into this surgery right here. You'll learn from the ppl rocking this and also from those making mistakes. There's always something to learn.

This whole journey is a learning experience, for everyone.

Good Luck on your journey!

I'm in your shoes. My biggest fear is that this will not work for me, just like everything else. There is a lot of money involved even with insurance. But there is a little voice in the back of my head that just keeps saying what if,what if it works, it works for so many. I know I'll always wish I would have done it while I have the chance,so I'm going through with it. I figure as long as everything works out and nothing gets in the way then it's in gods hands. Have to say though I'm still scared but excited too. Good luck with your decision.

what if the surgery works and you lose weight and get well?

I was scared when I first got the band. And as someone said above, you fail when you give up. I gave up getting to the weight I wanted and then everything went to hell. Just listen to your surgeon, do what feels right for your body, and never forget that goal. I'm trying to get back on the train and it's hard.

I'm in your shoes. My biggest fear is that this will not work for me, just like everything else. There is a lot of money involved even with insurance. But there is a little voice in the back of my head that just keeps saying what if,what if it works, it works for so many. I know I'll always wish I would have done it while I have the chance,so I'm going through with it. I figure as long as everything works out and nothing gets in the way then it's in gods hands. Have to say though I'm still scared but excited too. Good luck with your decision.

I had to face the "what ifs" b/c if I didn't, there was no "what ifs" about it, I was going to die way to young. What if this surgery works and I live a lot longer, enjoying my life, my grandkids, my future. I'm so happy I faced my what ifs. My life has changed so much in 7mths. The journey has not always been easy, but it has been doable.

Its not about willpower, its about want power!

So happy you're facing your "what if's"

The best thing I have done for myself in many years. I wish the Band was around years ago or that I knew about it. You are young to enjoy a wonderful thinner life with your child and be able to run and play with them. I waited until 61 1/2 for the Band. I don't take any of my meds anymore. I do take vitamins and minerals which are needed I was told. Every doctor/dietitian have their own say on this, what to take and how much.

​Go to the support groups at the hospital even before the surgery, they are very helpful.

Good luck with your new journey and welcome to LBT!

Congrats on speaking with the surgeon! Its a wonderful first step. and a step closer to your dream if you allow it to become your reality. Don't let the what if's of fear and the unknown consume you.. if you want it go for it!!

But what if it does work? Think about that. The glass should always be half full.

That was me.... on the outside lookin in at all the banded ppl. It took me an little over a yr to get the process going. I tried different diets & programs in the meantime but it wasn't enuf. I needed permanent results. I was scared up til they said ok take deep breaths while on the operating table. Lol. Today I'm 1week post op & im finally not scared. I'm ready to finally start living... you must know in your heart that this journey is for YOU. Its not for everyone.

I love it when all people talk about is you failing but sometimes the band fails I had mine placed in Sept 2012. it worked for me but the whole time I was very ill back and forth to the DR. ER Urgent Care finally I got so ill that they had to remove the band last Thur I will continue with my journey but its not always something ou doso make sure you ask all the right questions and remember 1-2% failure rate is not due to the person that has the band. The thing they had never told me in any of my appointments is that sometimes your body will reject it. Also I would recommend going to a lapband specialist that you see your surgeon regular not his NP or anyone else the place that I went my insurance rated highly and I met the surgeon the week of my surgery for about 5 mins (long enough to shake hands).

I lost over 70 lbs so I know the band works but just do the research and pick the right Surgeon and it should be ok.