not sure!!!

[mattie7632 24]

Everyone is unique. You might not need a support system but someone else might. But statistics show that people who have a support system tend to be more successful, in whatever it may be they are trying to accomplish.

As for this country being critical of overweight people, why that may be true but I think country has nothing to do with it, rather it's slender people are critical of heavy people. And I certainly wouldn't say that's across the board. I have slender friends who are great "support" systems for me.

[Acadia 20]

I don't believe it has anything to do with country. I said that the only people I know in this country are the people I work with and that they would not make for a good support because of their attitudes. And they are not in shape, they are all overweight, except one who was 250 lbs heavier until recently.

I agree that everyone is unique. However, the statement that the person without support hasn't lost as much and is making poor choices because they have no support isn't accurate.

As the attitudes of many people on here have proven, if they don't want to make the necessary changes, then only they are to blame -- even if they don't want to admit it.

That same attitude extends to groups who are getting a different procedure, they believe their choice is the only and right choice, when really the procedures require the same dedication.

I believe Cliff, who started this thread, will be successful if he chooses to be successful, regardless of the procedure he chooses. Each procedure has benefits and draw backs, but ultimately all of them require personal dedication and lifestyle changes.

[mattie7632 24]

Got it, sorry I misread the question. You're right though, we have to choose to be successful, therefore we shall

I don't believe it has anything to do with country. I said that the only people I know in this country are the people I work with and that they would not make for a good support because of their attitudes. And they are not in shape, they are all overweight, except one who was 250 lbs heavier until recently.

I agree that everyone is unique. However, the statement that the person without support hasn't lost as much and is making poor choices because they have no support isn't accurate.

As the attitudes of many people on here have proven, if they don't want to make the necessary changes, then only they are to blame -- even if they don't want to admit it.

That same attitude extends to groups who are getting a different procedure, they believe their choice is the only and right choice, when really the procedures require the same dedication.

I believe Cliff, who started this thread, will be successful if he chooses to be successful, regardless of the procedure he chooses. Each procedure has benefits and draw backs, but ultimately all of them require personal dedication and lifestyle changes.

[mball2011 0]

Hi Cliff, I am just now starting the process. I have my appt 2/17 for my consultation. I am a female, 44yrs old, on a diet since I was 11 yrs old, I am the only one in my immediate family that is obese, some in my extended family are though. I have been through some stuff the last 3 yrs, breast cancer the most serious, thank God it was non-invasive, so knock on wood, a little over 3 years cancer free. My other issues are GERD, borderline diabetic, not to mention everything hurts, aches and pains everywhere!! Huff and puff just walking to the car in the parking lot. I work with a girl who is 45, she had the lapband in September, she is down at least 40 lbs, also a friend in Chicago had about a month ago, she is down 27 lbs, I have gotten nothing but positve feedback from both, we are all close in age, all have well over 100 lbs to lose, the gastric bypass and sleeve seem too permanent, the lapband is meant to be a tool, and if you follow what you are supposed to do, and adopt new eating habits, I don't see how the other surgeries would be all that much better. I know people that have had the bypass and gained their weight back, look at Carly Wilson!! In any event, I am with you, I think the lapband is the best option. Good luck to you, Michelle.

Hi there,i also posted this in the men forum,but no responses,

this is my first post. i have a surgery date for the lap band on 01/27/2011, i just went to a post op meeting, and that most of the people there had the Gastric bypass or the Sleeve, i currently weigh 314lbs and 6' 2'' and would love to be down around 200lbs. but with that said the group didn't talk very highly about the lap band, that it is the hardest way to lose weight and easier to gain weight, and that very few will keep it of.. they were telling us future banders. go with the sleeve, now im really confused, thinking i might be making the wrong decision.. did y'all men or women go through this guessing game too???

thanks cliff