Hello,

I'm new to the site and it has been a great help in deciding whether lap band is for me.

I have done the 'every diet under the sun' and managed to lose 5 stones under Lighterlife only to put it all back on plus 3 stone. I've come to point that I think that the band will help me to control my weight with healthy eating and exercise - I have no doubt that I have the will power to do it with the band but not enough will power to do it without the band.

I was wondering - when deciding, how many people close to you did you consult? I have mentioned it to 1 best friend and they were shocked and another best friend and they are worried and think I should try another diet first :cry but said they would support me.

My family is in another country and I'm splitting up from my husband. I relucant to spend my time convincing others that this is right for me but not sure if this is something I should try and do on my own.

Has anyone tried to do this without immediate support? How have you coped? I'm a very independant person so I think I'll be ok on my own but was curious to what others thought.

Hello,

I'm new to the site and it has been a great help in deciding whether lap band is for me.

I have done the 'every diet under the sun' and managed to lose 5 stones under Lighterlife only to put it all back on plus 3 stone. I've come to point that I think that the band will help me to control my weight with healthy eating and exercise - I have no doubt that I have the will power to do it with the band but not enough will power to do it without the band.

I was wondering - when deciding, how many people close to you did you consult? I have mentioned it to 1 best friend and they were shocked and another best friend and they are worried and think I should try another diet first :cry but said they would support me.

My family is in another country and I'm splitting up from my husband. I relucant to spend my time convincing others that this is right for me but not sure if this is something I should try and do on my own.

Has anyone tried to do this without immediate support? How have you coped? I'm a very independant person so I think I'll be ok on my own but was curious to what others thought.

I told everyone under the sun.

In your case, it's up to you. In an ideal world, everyone would love you and support your decision to have life-saving surgery. But this is the REAL WORLD, where some people just can't keep themselves from making nasty, hurtful, ignorant and insensitive comments to people. If you don't want those comments, or are not strong enough to NOT CARE what other people think, DON'T TELL THEM!

Thanks Wendell - as each day goes I'm sure that this is what I want to do - I don't need the complication of other peoples issues - so I'm going to go for it!

Can I just say thanks to other bandsters for posting on this wonderful forum - it is such a help to know there are others that understand this mad, bad relationship with food you can have.

Thanks Wendell -quote]

You're very welcome!

I just got banded 10 days ago, and so far only my husband, my hairdresser and a client who is very discrete and unconnected with other friends knows. I will be going to dinner with a couple we are very close with tomorrow, and at this stage, of course, I am unable to eat anything, so I am going to see how the "I'm on a diet of just clear liquids" goes over. She hasn't seen me for a few weeks & I have lost over 25 lbs, so it will be interesting to see if she notices... I guess I want people to think I am strong enough to lose the weight without "help". Feel like we get judged and labeled enough just being overweight & it would be nice to feel accomplished without people saying "Oh, you know she had surgery". They don't realize that there is still a lot of work and discipline involved---they don't call it bandster hell for nothing. Good Luck & I am sure you will find your own path as to who you tell or not.

Hi Liz

I am also from the UK, Manchester area, I have been banded for 18 months now and just hit the 60 lbs mark. I have been up front from the start. I work in school and had it done during the feb half term, in Belguim, I had to let my collegues know due to not being able to lift for a while. I knew banding wasnt the easy way out, and it hasnt been, I still have 40 lbs left, but with the support of the people around me its helped. Its a very personal thing, If you need to talk feel free to get in touch.

Angie