Been lurking for a while, but I thought I'd make my big debut and say hello.

My surgery date is 12/12/08, and I'm getting really, really apprehensive. I know, everyone says it's hard work... but really, how hard is it compared to going without the band? I've been fat my whole life... Surely this is going to be a huge help, no?

As a self-pay, I've got all these doubts bouncing around in my head about if I'm doing the right thing for my family. I mean, we can afford the payments, but what's the cost-benefit analysis? Would the money be better spent elsewhere? I don't know.

My primary reason for doing this is my diabetes. I don't want to die relatively young like my dad did. My wife and kids deserve better.

Plus, I'm a wuss when it comes to pain and I'm scared of the recovery.

If anyone's interested, I blogged about my decision to do this.

Thanks, everyone!

Okay. Take a deep breath and really think this through.

Do you want to get healthy? Do you want to be able to run and not be out of breath? Do you want to go shopping and not go to the plus size section? Do you want to become more active? Do you want to live long and healthy enough to play with your grandchildren?

I payed cash for my surgery as well and I have not regretted it for a minute. I have been banded since 9/5 and I have never been happier. You have to realize that this is for your health. You need to make yourself healthy. My dad has diabetes and believe me, you do not want to age with diabetes. I have lost about 50 lbs and I am more mobile, I have tons of energy and my life has changed. Your life will change too.

H

One of the big things that pushed me to get this surgery was the diabetes risk. We have a lot of history of it in my family. I had gone in for my annual check-up and learned I was borderline diabetic. That was enough to finally kick me into high gear and decide it was time to do something.

Thanks to the band, diabetes is no longer in the picture for me. Your right, your family wants to have you here with them for a long, wonderful, healthy life.

As for the pain, the surgery itself is really a breeze. You are in and out before you know it. The recovery isn't that bad either. And, in the great scheme of things, it is all worth it for the improved quality and longevity of life that you will have.