Well, my name is Melinda and I am new to this whole scene. I will be 32 in two weeks, in fact one day before I get banded. Am single and have been with the exception of one terrible relationship, for most of my adult life. I have always blamed my weight as the reason men don't pay attention to me. When they do look my way, my thought is always "they can't possiblely looking at me". It is amazing the way that weight can grab a hold of your life if you let it. I am excited about the surgery, but at the same time scared. The last time I was down in size was when I met the asshole. So they are warning me at the program that something we need to prepare for is that with weight loss comes new types of attention we may not be accoustomed to. Well whatever the case may be, thanks to this forum, I am able to have this surgery knowing there there are people like me to chat with. Honestly, finding this site has been the best part of this process so far!