Sooz

There are many people I love unconditionally, and it's sad to think that they might avoid parties and get-togethers because of self-esteem issues. I can't say much though, since I do it myself. I traveled 3000 miles to go to my 10th HS reunion. Do you think it's coincidence that I was 50 lbs thinner at that time than I had been in high school? I know my loved ones feel the same and they act baffled when I avoid pictures, etc.

Hephania, I am 55 years old and new to this.. don't even have a surgery date set up yet, but just to share some feelings... I remember being your age at the beach one day in shorts and a tank top, planning yet another diet with a girlfriend, both of us vowing to never be "fat and 30". Dozens of diet plans later, my weight (and self esteem!) yoyo'ing like mad, I was finally there - fat and 30. I am not sure I would have been brave enough to commit to lapband surgery at your age, though I am quite sure I would have led a happier and healthier life. At 55 I feel like I don't have a lot to lose socially, meaning limiting myself at parties and basic food fests. I'm sure there will be times when I will feel deprived and sorry for myself, but I am looking forward to a new life, healthier both mentally and physically. I refuse to be fat and 60! :biggrin:

I do both. I overeat with big meals plus snack in between. This is why I know I have to do something, and I have a feeling the lapband may be the tool I need to keep me in check.

I was chubby in grade school, as well as the tallest kid in the class. I obsessed on food even then.. my head was always in the fridge or I would be begging my Mom for subs, pizza, ice cream, whatever. Any time I had pocket change I would dash to the store and buy candy bars, 4 or 5 at a time, and eat them on the way home. At meals I took lots and always cleaned my plate!

"Only a tool" scared me too, but the replies here have been reassuring. Thanks!

Thank you so much for this. I have been seeking the silver "magic" bullet for weight loss since adolescence. I am now 55 years old and the physical limitations are kicking in big time. Being on a strict budget for years, and being co-dependant (in my case taking care of others needs and letting myself fall to pieces) I didn't research gastric surgery knowing self-pay was out of my realm. Recently I was bequeathed a small inheritance and I now consider this little nest egg my "life savings." I want to be sure that this is it, that the lapband is the answer to my prayers. I would feel horrible spending all of this money (on myself!) and failing yet again. I have been poring through this forum, reading success stories as well as disappointments written by people who expected more. I don't want to be one of those people, so it is good for me to know going in what to realistically expect. I have been to the seminar and have an appointment later this month for consultations and physical(s).

For the same reason I put off having a pap smear for years. I am proud to say that I finally made that appointment and saw it through. Best of luck monkeymama! I wish I was as close to my surgery date as you are. :thumbup:

My family and friends know I plan on getting banded. I am not sure if I will volunteer the info to others, though I imagine it will be common knowledge via the grapevine whether I like it or not. My only qualms about too many people knowing is a direct result of self-esteem issues related to being a heavyweight for so many years. I guess I shouldn't care that there are some who will think of me as an out-of-control glutton who's only hope of some self-control is this surgery, should I?