PumpkinPanda

Thank you so much guys, I know you don't know me but I really feel close to tears. For the most part I've been able to just barely tolerate myself over the years...but now, I've really begun to hate myself. My family has a history of being obese. Some of my family members even have serious medical conditions. One day I just said to myself, "I can't live the rest of my life like this. Some people might not mind being fat, but I've NEVER been happy." I know it's time for me to do something about it. I don't want to get sick, and I'm tired of my weight being a mental and physical handicap. I'm ready for a lifestyle change and I've already taken a positive first step. Thank you for taking the time to respond!

I'm an emotional eater, mostly during the evening. Actually I suspect that I'm more than just an emotional eater...I eat when I'm not hungry, I eat when I'm painfully stuffed, I eat when I'm bored. When I'm not eating I'll think about eating and it will consume me. It's strange how when I'm upset about something, I'll eat and it magically washes most of the pain away. If I don't eat when my brain wants me to I start to feel out of control. Like if I don't stuff my face I will seriously go nuts, mentally anyway... So yup...that's my story.

Hello. I'm 21, 5' 3", 236 pounds. I'm the biggest I've ever been in my life, and I'm only getting bigger. I tried losing weight about five years ago, only to gain it all back in like a year. I've been thinking about the lapband for a few years now and I've just signed up to attend a seminar. Do you think the lap band is a wise choice for me? I'm at my wits end. I'd love to hear opinions. :]