This is my first post....the first day that I've found this site. I have considered this surgery for several years. Diets have never worked in the past but I thought I should try again. After trying to adhere to Weight Watchers and also attending Herbalife classes for the past 6 weeks, I have determined that I am not going to do this on my own. So I attended another bariatric surgery seminiar in Nashville, TN, last evening and will be attending the lap band support group on Monday night. Losing weight is very hard for me, but keeping it off is impossible. I feel I have control over other areas of my life and I am very disappointed that I can't seem to get this under control. However, I am determined that I will not live the remainder of my life in this fat body. I was never overweight until after the birth of my last child at the age of 30. Since that time, I've steadily gained until I find myself at 260 lbs. Never would I have expected that this would be MY life!! I have met most of the requirements for surgery with just the surgeon, psychologist, and dietician consults left. Hopefully, my insurance company will approve me in record time so I can get this going. I have had several friends who have had lap band surgery and a few that have had the gastric bypass. Over time, it seems that the lap band patients are able to maintain their weight loss because the band can be filled or reduced as needed. Unless my surgeon recommends differently, I think that is the procedure I will have. My husband and I have decided not to mention my surgery to anyone. We feel that it is really no one else's business, but also I didn't want to deal with all the negative comments and horror stories from those who have not walked this journey. I do intend to stay in a support group. I think I need that involvement from those who have "been there". I hope your surgery has gone well. I've been told that the discomfort is just temporary but the results are well worth it. Saying a prayer for you.