So I am new to this group-joined this morning. The short of my story is that I, like everyone else, have had numerous failed weight loss attempts. I have thought about lap-band for a while.

After dieting for my "physician directed weight loss program", I lost around 70lbs. I have gained some back...going from my heaviest of 296 to my smallest 230 (this morning I weighed ~245).

Yesterday, to my surprise, I was notified that my surgery has been approved.

Because I lost so much weight on my own, I am suddenly conflicted not knowing if I should keep up the work I am doing or if I should move forward with the lap band.

This is a lifelong decision and I am terrified.

For those of you who have already had the surgery...

Was anyone else really scared going into this?

I am 24-y-o....are there other members my age who have done the surgery?

Anyone else around my same weight who has done it---Do you regret it?

If there was one thing that you wished you had known prior to surgery, what would it be?

Would love to hear your thoughts...

Sarah

I was second guessing for a week if I was making the right choice and thank god I did it I was at 285 when I had my surgery 3/30/09 and I am now 241 with 2 minor set backs but I would do it all over again this was the best thing that I could have done for me.

CONGRATULATIONS on your approval Sarah! I've lost big weight many times (I was a toothpick at your age, but gained with each of three pregnancies). I wish I had done this 20 years ago and saved myself those years of yo-yoing up and down the scale, getting bigger each time. I'd say I was more excited than scared, but anyone who says they weren't at least a little scared is crazy. "I wish I'd know"...how 'real' not feeling hungry anymore is...I had some doubts that it wouldn't work for me. Best decision I've ever made. Good luck! -BG

Congratulations! I'm 26 and I was banded on Aug 7. On the day of my surgery I weighed 202 lbs, I am on the lower end of candidacy. I was not put on a pre-op diet or anything like that. I too have tried sooo many diets that resulted in failure. I know how discouraging it is. The most I ever lost on a diet was 18 lbs, it took me two months I was eating nothing and worked out 5 days per week. Despite this weight loss, I learned that I have a horrible relationship with food, I was living to eat not living to eat. Eventually I gained the 18lbs back plus some. To stop this vicious cycle i knew i had to do something drastic. For me the decision to get the lap band was the best one i have ever made. The band literally gave me the will power that i never had before. I was so scared to vomit or get sick that i only put things in my mouth that were specifically allowed by my surgeon. I feel that this in some way reprogrammed me. After a week the cravings went away and I didnt wake up thinking about all of the food I want to eat. I know I couldn't continue eating the way I was because I was getting bigger and bigger each year. I don't think you should fear that you might not be able to eat normally anymore because our "normal eating" isn't normal. We need to change our relationship with food and remember that skiny people eat they dont starve. Its okay to indulge once in a while but be sure to stay focused and on track. I wish you the best of luck on your journey, I know it will be a sucessful one this time.