Pixie,

I think discussion is healthy, and it's been great seeing the many sides of the issue.

When I first saw this thread, I jumped in because I've done a lot of research, and already knew that this was not going to be some quick fix. I think there is a perception sometimes that this is an easy way to lose weight, but it's not.

I agree with you that bariatric surgery should be used to treat obesity-related health problems, and not for cosmetic purposes. And if anyone seriously believes they will wake from the operation as a thin person, they need to do more research. There are loads of cosmetic surgeons who can reduce your fat, but a lapband will never be a cosmetic procedure. Obesity is a real health issue, and for every one person who does it thinking it will magically make them skinny, there will be 49 others who are doing it for all the right reasons. There is so much prep involved, that if you go into it believing it is a magic bullet after all the counselling and Dr's appts, then you're deluded and no one can help you with that anyway.

I guess what I'm saying is that while I don't consider myself an advocate of the lapband, I do believe it is a viable tool to assist in treating obesity, and have heard so many people tell me that all I have to do is eat less/move more to lose weight that I feel sometimes there is no empathy for those who've tried it all and have now taken this big decision to seek medical intervention for their problem.

So if someone is looking at all their available choices, because they've come to the point where they know they can't do it on their own anymore, then I do believe they should hear the pros and cons of all their choices, even if it's lapband surgery.

Good luck to you and TheBear too. It sounds like you've found a happy balance in your lives.