Surgery, Self Control, or both?

For some, it may seem simple.  Watch portion sizes, exercise, count calories, count points, eat less, move more, etc... etc....

I've "tried" several things, but without success in losing weight.  Over the past couple of months, I've almost totally quit drinking pop.  Still no change in my weight.  Since lent, I've given up fast food (with exception of a breakfast on the way to a hockey tournament, and a salad and a few fries today).  Still no weight loss.

I've tried weight watchers, but hate trying to figure out points for everything!  I also hate going by myself.

For several years, I've considered surgery, such as the lap band, and am very seriously considering it right now.  I was doing some research last night about it, and here are some things I found out.

You may only eat about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at any given meal after lap band surgery

You should not drink while eating

"Lap band patients are advised not to consume any of the following: high-fat or dense breads and rolls, dried fruit, coconut, nuts, fried foods of any kind, pasta, popcorn, oranges and grapefruits with the membranes, spicy foods, milk, high-fiber vegetables, and meats with gristle"  (ehow.com)

Doesn't it seem like if I just did those things anyhow that I would lose weight?  I mean if I only ate 1/4-1/2 cup of food at each meal, I'd lose weight without surgery, right?

I wish it was that easy!  I wish I had that much self control.  But what gives a person more self control after surgery?  The fear of vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramping?

Why don't I just start exercising more?  I've tried that in the past, but maybe consistency is my downfall.

Maybe it's our lifestyle.  Maybe it's lack of accountability. 

The thing is, I'm not getting any younger, and I'm definitely not getting any healthier!  Sometimes I feel like I'm a heart attack waiting to happen! 

What if my Doctor told me that?  Would it make a difference?  Would I make changes then?

I have a 2 year old grandson, and when I have him over, I'm exhausted afterwards.  I have two more grand babies on the way this year.  I'm excited, and can't wait, but can I keep up with 3 of them?

I want to be a Grandma who's fun and who has the grand babies over all the time and takes them to do stuff like go to the zoo, and camping and things like that. 

I want to be around for them!  I want to get to know them and them to know me.  I don't want them to say "my grandma died when I was little, I don't remember her".

I need a plan that works and I need it now.  I need this time to be different!  I need to do this for me!
As much as I want to look better and wear a smaller size, it isn't about all of that.  I want to be healthy!

I looked at the weight watchers magazine in the store a few days ago, and thought maybe I should try again.... but I'll probably fail.  That doesn't work for me.  (negative thinking)

I've been reading the Made to Crave book, and I've learned that I need to turn to God, not food for comfort.  Now I need a plan. 

I know several people who have had success with weight loss surgery.  I admire them!  However, I also know someone who had full gastric bypass and has had several health issues. 
The lap band is safer, although you lose slower.  Your body does not have problems with malabsorption, but there are still some dangers.  Any surgery is a risk.  One of my biggest fears of having surgery is pain afterwards, especially long term. 

I also know several people who have had success in losing weight without surgery.  I admire them too!  But do I have what it takes?  I want to find that determination!  The motivation that makes me get up from my computer to go exercise, motivation to walk instead of driving everywhere.  Determination to make the right choices in what I eat, and to control my portion sizes.  To say NO to the wrong foods.

I feel like if I have surgery, I'm giving up.  I feel like I should be able to do this on my own.  But I haven't been able to.  Surgery would force me to make the changes that I haven't made so far. 
How long will I wait?  Will it be too late?     

Have you had surgery, or do you know someone who has?  What were the results?  What were the side effects?  Was it worth it?

I know I've posted before about this issue, and I apologize if it bores you.  It is something I struggle with, and I'm admitting here that I need help! 

Please share your thoughts in the comments here.

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Have a blessed day!