Bariatric surgery

[Pholus]

1. It's a hard decision.

I've been there with you but backed away a bit because I wanted to give it one more chance before doing something so drastic (not that THAT is working out so grandly mind you).

But then again you have the immediate health issues to consider and that is a big issue. So pursue your options. You have to do something...

If I had kept going I would have chosen the same as you for the same reasons. One of the criteria for surgery that I needed to satisfy was that I needed to have weight loss medically monitored for six months (weight watchers meetings count too). I was seeing some improvement from that so even that part of the process helps.

The one thing I'd add that I didn't see you mention is that the studies I've seen on the lap band seems to show that they lose effectiveness after two years or so. You have to go into it thinking it is a chance to give your health some breathing room and to more easily develop habits that will sustain you later because it is likely not a permanent solution.

We're in a hard place, one that not a lot of people understand, but it is good that you're on considering positive action -- best of luck!