hi i'm claire, i also have two children 6 & 3 and have struggled with my weight since i turned 18 (now 30), they found i had pcos which doesnt help, i also excercise and have been dieting ever since! infact i have dieted my self from 10st up to 15st which never made any sense to me! i finally plucked up the courage and asked my husband and parents to help me fund the surgery and as they know how low i get over my weight they agreed (husband not quite so easy, just concerned i suppose) i was banded on the 23 of june 10 days ago, i havent lost much as yet due to swelling but feel so positive that i have done the right thing and cant wait to move forward with my life. so i know how you feel and its down to you to make the decision, but i'd say go for it ( if youre like me you probably dread the next 10 years feeling trapped in a body you dont deserve, and now i know i dont have to yipee!!!) :)