Online forums and even in-person support groups can help a lot with pre-op and post-op support, including advice and encouragement. But what can be even more inspiring and helpful is knowing someone in person who got the surgery and lost a lot of weight, and can walk you through everything.

For me, that person was my friend. He didn’t hold my hand so much through the process, but what he did to was provide a living, breathing example that the lap-band COULD work. And it did. I knew if he could do it, I could.

So I’m wondering, do you have a weight loss surgery role model, maybe a friend or family member, who inspires and helps you?

I don't know anyone in person who has had weight loss surgery but I am inspired daily by the people on this site. Like others, I'm so grateful to have stumbled on it one day while doing research. Some of the people who really helped me in the beginning have moved on now (Carolina Girl, Missy, Tomander, SillyAuntDi, Joanne) but others are still here: Jim1967, Go Walking, B52, ParisShel, Just Watch Me, Catfish, TMF, JFC, LisaCaron, Julie, Sharpie, Debbie, Jack, TerryDumont, LipstickLady, ALEX B.!!! Missing some old friends who may come and go -- EnjoyTheTime, ChasingADream, HealthyNewMe, IntelIrish, Leepers... Eeek, I know I'm leaving out SO people but thank you all. And now that I'm a couple of years out I find I am really inspired by the new people coming in and also by people who have had other kinds of surgeries than me. Whenever a long-term Bander pops up I am so happy. There are people on here who I don't "know" very well who have helped in funny little ways. The exercise encouragers, the guy who termed "sport eating," people who provide links to hard research, others who make it fun to be in a forum.

@@Daisee68

You are such a sweetheart and a pretty awesome role model yourself!