I think you should just follow your heart. I would have gotten banded two years ago but listening to others negative opinions discouraged me and I didn't get banded. I am now heavier than I've ever been. I decided again to do the band and I am truly blessed that my insurance is covering it so I will be banded November 4, 2010. I am currently on liquids and my starting weight was 272 (two years ago I was 245) I am currently 259 with the help of the liquid diet. With that being said, had I followed my heart two years ago, I may have already gotten to my goal weight today.