I'm hoping to be banded at the end of April. I've done all my research, lurked on this forum, consulted with a great doctor and I'm going to a support group tonight.

Other than surgery/recovery my biggest fear is that I will fail. I've failed at every other diet I've ever tried and what if I make this huge investment (self-pay), have major surgery, put my family through my recovery and then I can't make it work? What if I lose weight and gain it all back in a couple years? I'm sure others have had the same thoughts, I could use some advice from long-term bandsters!

I felt the same exact thing, but I knew this was different, this time I had a real device that would help me and it does.

I can't answer long term for you because I'm not there yet, but this has been the least I have weighed in over twenty years and at my age it was getting harder and harder to lose weight at all.

You're right though, I think it will always be a battle to keep the weight from coming back, but I really believe this time I have a chance. I would never have thought that four months ago.

What if you CAN?

I don't think anyone here would have resorted to WLS if they could be successful dieting, and keeping the weight off.

And remember, you're never a failure until you quit trying.