Most diet plans were too hard for me to stick to long term; I would lose weight but I always gained it back the minute I went off the plan. I felt isolated, and physically I had knee and back pain, chronic GERD and asthma. My father, a physician who had seen me struggle my whole life, told me about the LAP-BAND® System and encouraged me to look into it. I learned that if you are ready and willing to commit to a new lifestyle, then the LAP-BAND® is right for you. I was scared at first that I would not succeed but I kept a positive attitude, followed the advice of my nutritionist and doctor very closely and soon the weight started coming off at a steady pace. I have lost 110 lbs and have never looked back. The thing I love about the LAP-BAND® is that it does not go away; it does not allow you to 'fall off the wagon'. It is a constant reminder that I made a decision to live a healthy lifestyle.