Hi Everyone!

This is my first post.

I had a consultation yesterday with a screener and surgeon.

I live in Canada. This is considered elective surgery and not covered by the medical services plan. I will have to pay about 17K out of my pocket to have the surgery, nutritionist, psychologist and follow up.

Surgeon said that I was a good candidate and it is my choice to move forward or not.

I currently weigh 220, am 5'6" and am 50y/o.

I have been this weight (give or take 10 lbs) for over 10 years....that is when I finally quit smoking!

In the past two years I've run four half marathons and was able to train and run/walk them. I want to do another without all the weight.

The surgeon said that I could expect to maybe get to 180...but not to expect too much more than that. This was disappointing to hear as my goal would be 150.

I feel completely stuck. I've done all the weight watcher etc. and even the Biggest Loser ranch in Utah. and still am above 200!

Currently on meds for bp and cholesterol...don't want diabetes too...which is what I fear.

I don't want to do this surgery and then look back and think ...why didn't I just try harder to be more successful?

I feel embarrassed and ashamed for allowing myself to get to to this point. It is a vicious cycle...

I also don't want to tell anyone about doing this....oh man...I'm so confused.

I've been doing a lot of reading about the lap band and need to know if people are truly happy? Regrets?

The fact that you have a piece of plastic inside your body for the rest of your life is pretty freaky!!

I don't know what to do.....

any and all responses are very much appreciated.

I got the band in Nov. and I am glad I did. One thing others haven't mentioned is you have to go back for adjustments. OK maybe some do. You have to go back to have fills to make your band tighter, sometimes it might take 3 or 4 trips in to have fills. I am on my second one and still need more. I get them about every 3 to 4 weeks.

Keep reading this forum and you will learn all that. Educate yourself and then go for it. Good Luck girl

Oh by the way, I am 72 and wish I had had this done years ago.

I am also in Canada. I was just banded this past Thursday. My surgery cost 16,000, but I get loads of follow up care included. I have thought about and read about the lap band for at least 7 or 8 years now. In that time, I gained 60 pounds. It's your decision. You can lose how ever much you want once you have it.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

I have been doing a lot of reading and research over the weekend and tho not 100% I'm defiantly leaning towards having it done.

Yesterday I was walking through the mall and they had this cute little dress displayed in a store....my first thought was that I'd never be able to wear that and boy wouldn't it be nice to just slip into that...

These are the thoughts of a woman who doesn't want anything drastic, just to fit in and be comfortable in her own body...maybe I've found the answer.

Thanks again all.