I have posted a few times, but guess I should have introduced myself on here first. I'm considering having the lap band surgery. Haven't made an appt with the doc yet, but I work for a doctor and she agrees that this would be a good idea for me since I just developed diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, etc. I've tried every diet imaginable and feel that I gain back more weight each time and now am at my heaviest. It used to be that I wanted to lose weight to meet guys, now it is more about my health, which I think is a better reason to do this. However, I also feel like a failure if I go through with this. I see these shows and read articles about people who just set their minds to it and lost the weight, why can't I? I realize that there are a lot of reasons that I can't and that I'm not really a failure, maybe this is just how my fear is manifesting itself. Thanks to all of you who post on here and help us newbies understand how it all works! :thumbup:

Hi and welcome! You are not a failure for getting the lapband. Sure, there are people who diet and lose the weight. But, statistics show that a good deal of them gain the weight back again. Most of us have tried everything with limited amounts of success. So, we look to the band. It is a wonderful tool that still requires proper diet and exercise to be successful. But, by going with the band you are making the choice to be healthy and add years to your life. That is what is truly important.

Congratulations on your decision.

Thanks for the encouragement. I know it isn't really a failure, but all of these are things I need to come to terms with before I go for the surgery. That along with eating through the band and gaining all the weight back. I plan on making my doc appt on Monday so I can ask my millions of questions and get on with this! I am excited as I've been overweight my entire life. My doc asked me about my goal weight...I said I would be happy at 180...she was like, picture the last time you were that weight. I was like...it was in middle school and I was fat at that time!! So, not really what she was looking for...haha, but I got the picture! :thumbup:

I didn't feel like a failure getting the band. I felt like I was given a second chance. I knew that I still had to do my part and that the band was there to "remind" me to stop eating when I get that full sensation. It is the best decision that I have ever made. I feel so much better about myself and I encourage anyone who is battling with their weight to look into it. If you have set your mind to it, you will succeed. I wish you the best of luck with your decision and your journey.

By the way...where in Maryland are you from and what surgeon are you going to see? I'm a Marylander too.

Hi there....I'm in Ellicott City and I haven't had an appt yet, but I'm going to see Dr. Averbach...who did you see? Did you have a good experience? Thanks for the encouragement!

I live in Southern Maryland (Waldorf) and my surgeon is Dr. Fred Brody at George Washington University Hospital. I had a great experience with him, the hospital and his entire staff. I am almost one year out and I cannot believe the difference in my self esteem, my body, the scales and peoples reaction to me. You will really enjoy your band!!!