I'm also 50 and scheduled for surgery in February. This has been a long and difficult decision for me too. I have done every diet, even had a band many years ago yet still I have failed and continue to gain weight. Turning 50 was actually the catalyst for me as I have become more aware of my health and mortality, I can no longer ignore the impact being overweight is having. I've done a lot of research and my feeling now is that I really don't have anything to lose by having the surgery. I'm going to work really hard at this and hope I'm successful this time.