Hi, I'm Beth. I'm struggling with the decision of whether to have surgery and, if so, what kind. When my diet goes well I think I can do it on my own. Then I think about 50 years of trying and my weight is becoming an in-my-face health issue. My husband will support any decision I make, but is very dubious about the surgery. Everything I've seen here is that no one seems to have any regrets. I'm open to any opinions anyone would like to share.
Beth
Full Version: Facing Choices
Hi Beth, I am fairly new here too (LRNY-10/23/07) but, I guess it's ok to wish you a very warm welcome. I, like you, have struggled with weight for many years. I dieted, excercised and even did the phen-phen thing. I thought long and hard before taking the big step. It was painless and I would do it again in a second. It is a great tool. I feel full all the time, so I don't really want to eat much. I have lost 55 lbs. in 6 weeks. It just falls off. I know that I will have to work at it to maintain once I reach goal but, it has been a breeze so far. It is a big decision and one that you will have to make yourself. No matter what you decide, you will have a ton of support here. I send you best wishes and luck, Ed
Hi Beth:
You have come to a great place for information about WLS. I am only slightly ahead of you on the journey and I'll be happy to share my thought process with you.
I am soon to be 58 years of age and have been fighting my weight since somewhere around my first trip to the "Huskie" section in about the fourth grade. It has been an off and on problem for many years. Up, down, up, down, up more, down some, up more. You know the drill. It has been a lifelong struggle. However, I have been lucky with my overall health in that my only comorbidity factor is sleep apnea which I have had for about 12 years or so. The CPAP has been a real blessing.
I have lost weight on Atkins, Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, and Medifast. I have also regained the weight after each of my successful periods. Portion control has always been my biggest problem. I am not a big sweets eater. I actually enjoyed Atkins because, like most guys, I'm good with meat, meat, and more meat, plus eggs and cheese...
OK. I think that pretty much dials in the picture. Now, for the decision making phase.......
Three year ago I was working with a wonderful lady who had open rny and over the next year plus lost 205 pounds. She has kept the weight off for the entire time, plus or minus 5 pounds, and has become very active in the local support program. About 2 years ago, a second lady with whom I worked had lap rny and has lost 110 pounds which she has kept off. About 4 months ago, a third lady I worked with had lap rny and has lost 40 pounds in her first two months post op.
All three of these friends said it is without a doubt the best thing they have ever done for themselves. I stress done for themselves, because all three have been emphatic that this surgery is for you first, and your family second. The first two friends have also been emphatic that although it changes what/how/when you eat, it also is only the "tool" that the surgeons stress. All of the non weight related problems they had before the surgery are still there. As one said, "it's kind of like the old saying that money can't buy happiness. The wls won't buy your happiness, but it will be the tool you need to become healthy and to allow you to once again enjoy everything life has to offer." I'm just passing along what was said to me, but they certainly helped me in my decision making.
Fast forward to what type of surgery I decided to have. I decided on the lap rny over the lap band for several reasons, but the biggest reason was very simple. It would REQUIRE me to adjust the way I eat. If I overeat or eat the wrong foods, the pouch will promptly bring it to my attention. I actually enjoy excercise, but my weight has caused me to not be able to do all the things I like and want to do. After surgery, I know that as long as I eat what I should, exercise like I want to, and keep in touch and use the support of all the wonderful people in this neighborhood, I will be able to live the rest of my life in a healthier and smaller body.
None of this is to say that I am not nervous or apprehensive, because I am. But, everyone here has said the same thing: It is worth it. I believe them and trust this is the best decision for me.
I don't know if any of this will help, but it's how I got to where I am and where I hope to be in the future. This is a big decision for you to make. I encourage you to do as much research both here and elsewhere as possible. Check the library here for a lot of wonderful articles that will answer so many of your questions. Read, read, read, read, then pray, talk, and ponder. Good luck on the process. I'm not the worlds best on warm fuzzies, but please know in my heart I know where you are. Everyone in this neighborhood does. Best wishes.......
You have come to a great place for information about WLS. I am only slightly ahead of you on the journey and I'll be happy to share my thought process with you.
I am soon to be 58 years of age and have been fighting my weight since somewhere around my first trip to the "Huskie" section in about the fourth grade. It has been an off and on problem for many years. Up, down, up, down, up more, down some, up more. You know the drill. It has been a lifelong struggle. However, I have been lucky with my overall health in that my only comorbidity factor is sleep apnea which I have had for about 12 years or so. The CPAP has been a real blessing.
I have lost weight on Atkins, Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, and Medifast. I have also regained the weight after each of my successful periods. Portion control has always been my biggest problem. I am not a big sweets eater. I actually enjoyed Atkins because, like most guys, I'm good with meat, meat, and more meat, plus eggs and cheese...
OK. I think that pretty much dials in the picture. Now, for the decision making phase.......
Three year ago I was working with a wonderful lady who had open rny and over the next year plus lost 205 pounds. She has kept the weight off for the entire time, plus or minus 5 pounds, and has become very active in the local support program. About 2 years ago, a second lady with whom I worked had lap rny and has lost 110 pounds which she has kept off. About 4 months ago, a third lady I worked with had lap rny and has lost 40 pounds in her first two months post op.
All three of these friends said it is without a doubt the best thing they have ever done for themselves. I stress done for themselves, because all three have been emphatic that this surgery is for you first, and your family second. The first two friends have also been emphatic that although it changes what/how/when you eat, it also is only the "tool" that the surgeons stress. All of the non weight related problems they had before the surgery are still there. As one said, "it's kind of like the old saying that money can't buy happiness. The wls won't buy your happiness, but it will be the tool you need to become healthy and to allow you to once again enjoy everything life has to offer." I'm just passing along what was said to me, but they certainly helped me in my decision making.
Fast forward to what type of surgery I decided to have. I decided on the lap rny over the lap band for several reasons, but the biggest reason was very simple. It would REQUIRE me to adjust the way I eat. If I overeat or eat the wrong foods, the pouch will promptly bring it to my attention. I actually enjoy excercise, but my weight has caused me to not be able to do all the things I like and want to do. After surgery, I know that as long as I eat what I should, exercise like I want to, and keep in touch and use the support of all the wonderful people in this neighborhood, I will be able to live the rest of my life in a healthier and smaller body.
None of this is to say that I am not nervous or apprehensive, because I am. But, everyone here has said the same thing: It is worth it. I believe them and trust this is the best decision for me.
I don't know if any of this will help, but it's how I got to where I am and where I hope to be in the future. This is a big decision for you to make. I encourage you to do as much research both here and elsewhere as possible. Check the library here for a lot of wonderful articles that will answer so many of your questions. Read, read, read, read, then pray, talk, and ponder. Good luck on the process. I'm not the worlds best on warm fuzzies, but please know in my heart I know where you are. Everyone in this neighborhood does. Best wishes.......
Beth:
Sorry, I forgot to put in my response that my surgery is scheduled for 1-15-2008. I'm looking forward to actually being a "Big Loser".
Sorry, I forgot to put in my response that my surgery is scheduled for 1-15-2008. I'm looking forward to actually being a "Big Loser".
Hi Beth
YOU are the only one who can make this choice...you have come to the right place to research about this lifestyle and be encouraged as YOU decide...The library has tons of great information and reading members blogs will really help you understand the life a bit better.. For me its been the best thing I did for myself I would do it again in a heartbeat....I face challenges daily but I now live a life that I could not before so the demons that I deal with are worth it I guess thats what I'm saying....The tool we receive is wonderful but it does not work alone we have to work it....Good luck as you decide and I know that here you will have all your questions answered just reach out and someone will respond......hugs
YOU are the only one who can make this choice...you have come to the right place to research about this lifestyle and be encouraged as YOU decide...The library has tons of great information and reading members blogs will really help you understand the life a bit better.. For me its been the best thing I did for myself I would do it again in a heartbeat....I face challenges daily but I now live a life that I could not before so the demons that I deal with are worth it I guess thats what I'm saying....The tool we receive is wonderful but it does not work alone we have to work it....Good luck as you decide and I know that here you will have all your questions answered just reach out and someone will respond......hugs
Hi, Beth!
Welcome to the neighborhood!
I hope we can be of encouragement & support as you make your decision.
I had my RNY on 10/23/07 after about 10 years of trying to decide. I agree w/ the guys, learn as much as you can in order to make an informed decision. This is major surgery & carries all of the risks that any major surgery does. No one who tells you that surgery is the easy way out knows what they are talking about. WLS requires huge changes in your lifestyle and the way you think. One thing I would say is that you need to go to informational sessions for any of the surgeries you are considering and any surgeons you are considering. Learn about them & about the doctors. I believe finding the right surgeon for you is of utmost importance. Having said all that, if I had found my doctor earlier in my 10 year search and had known all I know now, I would have done it earlier. Even 8 weeks post-op I know this was the best decision for me.
Another thing, even while you are undecided, find out your insurance plan's requirements. If you have to be on a supervised diet for 6 mos to a year, now is a good time to get that going.
Good luck in your journey.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
I hope we can be of encouragement & support as you make your decision.I had my RNY on 10/23/07 after about 10 years of trying to decide. I agree w/ the guys, learn as much as you can in order to make an informed decision. This is major surgery & carries all of the risks that any major surgery does. No one who tells you that surgery is the easy way out knows what they are talking about. WLS requires huge changes in your lifestyle and the way you think. One thing I would say is that you need to go to informational sessions for any of the surgeries you are considering and any surgeons you are considering. Learn about them & about the doctors. I believe finding the right surgeon for you is of utmost importance. Having said all that, if I had found my doctor earlier in my 10 year search and had known all I know now, I would have done it earlier. Even 8 weeks post-op I know this was the best decision for me.
Another thing, even while you are undecided, find out your insurance plan's requirements. If you have to be on a supervised diet for 6 mos to a year, now is a good time to get that going.
Good luck in your journey.
HI Beth, and WELCOME! I'm very glad that you are looking at lots of info BEFORE you make the final decision.
Unfortunately, no one can help you. We can only tell you what it's been like for us. I have a feeling though, that if you're posting here, you're already "decided" and are about to make the plunge.
This surgery has been a miracle in my life, but I was ready to give up my obsession with overeating. Beth, I can tell you that there is so much more to life than eating! I love the way I relate to food now, I enjoy it MORE than before surgery. I actually TASTE it now.
I love how active my life's become. I love the new me.
BUT..the surgery does NOT change the fact that life is hard, unfair and unpleasant sometimes. Some people are nicer to you when you're thin, but others are meaner to you when you're thin. The surgery doesn't make life better in that way. It just makes you thinner. The rest is up to you. If you've somehow got the idea that if you were only skinny, life would be great, I'm here to tell you, it just ain't so!
But if you've got the attitude that you're ready to quit overeating and that you want to be healthy with the rest of the life you've got to live, you're ready for surgery! Get in line and sign up! Here's what you must commit to if you're really ready:
eating a lot of protein at each meal
taking a bunch of vitamins and minerals
exercising every day
not allowing junk food to creep back into your life
buying a bunch of new clothes (they can be 2nd hand though)
You also need to be very aware that surgery isn't going to FIX the hard facts of life on this planet. It's just going to help you lose weight. I've found that losing weight isn't a guarantee that life is great. But I can tell you honestly, it's no harder to deal with life as a thin person than as a morbidly obese person. I'd rather be thin!
Hope that you know that no matter what you decide to do, we support you 10000%!
Best wishes.
S=)
Unfortunately, no one can help you. We can only tell you what it's been like for us. I have a feeling though, that if you're posting here, you're already "decided" and are about to make the plunge.
This surgery has been a miracle in my life, but I was ready to give up my obsession with overeating. Beth, I can tell you that there is so much more to life than eating! I love the way I relate to food now, I enjoy it MORE than before surgery. I actually TASTE it now.
I love how active my life's become. I love the new me.
BUT..the surgery does NOT change the fact that life is hard, unfair and unpleasant sometimes. Some people are nicer to you when you're thin, but others are meaner to you when you're thin. The surgery doesn't make life better in that way. It just makes you thinner. The rest is up to you. If you've somehow got the idea that if you were only skinny, life would be great, I'm here to tell you, it just ain't so!
But if you've got the attitude that you're ready to quit overeating and that you want to be healthy with the rest of the life you've got to live, you're ready for surgery! Get in line and sign up! Here's what you must commit to if you're really ready:
eating a lot of protein at each meal
taking a bunch of vitamins and minerals
exercising every day
not allowing junk food to creep back into your life
buying a bunch of new clothes (they can be 2nd hand though)
You also need to be very aware that surgery isn't going to FIX the hard facts of life on this planet. It's just going to help you lose weight. I've found that losing weight isn't a guarantee that life is great. But I can tell you honestly, it's no harder to deal with life as a thin person than as a morbidly obese person. I'd rather be thin!
Hope that you know that no matter what you decide to do, we support you 10000%!
Best wishes.
S=)
Welcome!
You've gotten lots of good responses here to your post. I can tell you that you just need to read all that you can and absorb the entire reality of it all. Once you've done that, you'll be ready. I was ready when my time came and I had a full year to get used to the idea. I would not have traded that waiting period for anything!
I had the RnY procedure. I had an easy recovery and have been dedicated to following the rules. That is so very important!
You've gotten lots of good responses here to your post. I can tell you that you just need to read all that you can and absorb the entire reality of it all. Once you've done that, you'll be ready. I was ready when my time came and I had a full year to get used to the idea. I would not have traded that waiting period for anything!
I had the RnY procedure. I had an easy recovery and have been dedicated to following the rules. That is so very important!
Hey Beth, I thought of something else that I think is really important. Almost everyone I know who has lost the weight absolutely HATES the loose skin that they have. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you're going to be left with a lot of loose, saggy skin. Not too cute. Some people get it cut off, but then there are scars. There is no way to get around it. I'm only bringing this up because I have heard a couple of people say that if they would have realized how much they would hate the extra apron of skin, they would have chosen to stay fat. I know that sounds goofy, but wait until you see it hanging off of you.
To my way of thinking, getting my health back was way more important than the cosmetic concerns. Being thin is an added bonus to me. I do have a little loose skin, I would like to get a tummy tuck someday, but it's several thousand dollars that my insurance will not cover. Personally I'd rather spend the money traveling to Italy and Greece and China...
However, I think that with my clothes off, the extra skin is not very attractive. Fortunately, the only other human who ever sees me in the all together is crazy mad in love with me, and is blinded to my saggy baggy elephant tummy. None the less, I am very aware of it. I'll be honest with you, it does bug me. It does not bug me enough that I wish I were still MORBIDLY obese!!!
That word MORBIDLY holds a lot of significance with me. That's a friggin' DEATH sentence. A horrible way to die. Now I know that I will die someday. I'm not even particularly worried about when. I do want to live for a while first--not go out encased in a tomb of blubber. So there you go.
The loose skin is a huge issue for many post wls people. Some people look WORSE after they've lost the weight! But if you're worried about your health, and about getting a chance to really live, I think the choice is clear. Lose weight and live. You can always stuff the extra skin in a pair of stretch pants...
To my way of thinking, getting my health back was way more important than the cosmetic concerns. Being thin is an added bonus to me. I do have a little loose skin, I would like to get a tummy tuck someday, but it's several thousand dollars that my insurance will not cover. Personally I'd rather spend the money traveling to Italy and Greece and China...
However, I think that with my clothes off, the extra skin is not very attractive. Fortunately, the only other human who ever sees me in the all together is crazy mad in love with me, and is blinded to my saggy baggy elephant tummy. None the less, I am very aware of it. I'll be honest with you, it does bug me. It does not bug me enough that I wish I were still MORBIDLY obese!!!
That word MORBIDLY holds a lot of significance with me. That's a friggin' DEATH sentence. A horrible way to die. Now I know that I will die someday. I'm not even particularly worried about when. I do want to live for a while first--not go out encased in a tomb of blubber. So there you go.
The loose skin is a huge issue for many post wls people. Some people look WORSE after they've lost the weight! But if you're worried about your health, and about getting a chance to really live, I think the choice is clear. Lose weight and live. You can always stuff the extra skin in a pair of stretch pants...
Thank you all for the support. I can't believe the rollercoaster this decision is for me. Your messages moved me to tears. It is particularly ironic that I am finally with someone who loves my body the way it is and has helped me come to the point of loving my body when my health forces me to find a way to do this for me. And because of that, this time I know whatever I do IS for me.
I would find it particularly helpful to get feedback from anyone who is doing lapband only.
Thanks again,
Beth
I would find it particularly helpful to get feedback from anyone who is doing lapband only.
Thanks again,
Beth
Hi Beth and WELCOME!
Of all places you could land while trying to make this decision...THIS is probably the BEST place you could be. I too like you felt the same way. Some friends of mine had had the surgery and were trying to encourage me. I remember oh too easily thinking "NOPE! I can DO THIS ON MY OWN!"
Well, 2 years after that...I decided. I COULDNT DO THIS ON MY OWN! It was the best decision I every made in my life. It's an amazing journey as well as one with ups and downs. I was fortunate and have had NO problems. I will be 4 years out on Feb. 19th, 2008.
While this continues to be an amazing journey....only YOU can make this decision as someone posted earlier.
However, You WILL know when and if its for you! It is definitely a lifestyle change and one that forces us to learn and listen to the good, bad and the ugly of who and why we are who we are and how we got to be obese in the first place. For me....and many others i'm sure...dealing with the reasons behind the weight gain will help to KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF!
I wont say it's a constant BATTLE but it is constant...and in my own words....as long as I stay CONCIOUS the weight stays off!
I wish you all the best and please know that WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!! EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!!
Julie aka: Sunshine (I sure miss my sunshine icon
Kaye) lol...
Of all places you could land while trying to make this decision...THIS is probably the BEST place you could be. I too like you felt the same way. Some friends of mine had had the surgery and were trying to encourage me. I remember oh too easily thinking "NOPE! I can DO THIS ON MY OWN!"
Well, 2 years after that...I decided. I COULDNT DO THIS ON MY OWN! It was the best decision I every made in my life. It's an amazing journey as well as one with ups and downs. I was fortunate and have had NO problems. I will be 4 years out on Feb. 19th, 2008.
While this continues to be an amazing journey....only YOU can make this decision as someone posted earlier.
However, You WILL know when and if its for you! It is definitely a lifestyle change and one that forces us to learn and listen to the good, bad and the ugly of who and why we are who we are and how we got to be obese in the first place. For me....and many others i'm sure...dealing with the reasons behind the weight gain will help to KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF!
I wont say it's a constant BATTLE but it is constant...and in my own words....as long as I stay CONCIOUS the weight stays off!
I wish you all the best and please know that WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!! EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!!
Julie aka: Sunshine (I sure miss my sunshine icon
Kaye) lol...
Hey Beth from another....
My only regret was that I didn't have the surgery sooner.
Oh, I'm a bandit. No not a crook, a lap-bander.
My only regret was that I didn't have the surgery sooner.
Oh, I'm a bandit. No not a crook, a lap-bander.
Hiya from yet another Beth!
I, like you, came to this site looking for info and trying to figure out if surgery was for me. With the info I found here and the support i recieved here I was able to make my decision and am now over a year post-op! No regrets here!
Only you can make the choice and the best route to a decision is to be as informed as possible! Look in the library, read old posts and ask any and all questions you may have. Even if you feel a question is silly there is another lurker out there who is wondering the same thing so you'll be helping them as well as yourself! Best of luck in making your decision my new friend!
I, like you, came to this site looking for info and trying to figure out if surgery was for me. With the info I found here and the support i recieved here I was able to make my decision and am now over a year post-op! No regrets here!
Only you can make the choice and the best route to a decision is to be as informed as possible! Look in the library, read old posts and ask any and all questions you may have. Even if you feel a question is silly there is another lurker out there who is wondering the same thing so you'll be helping them as well as yourself! Best of luck in making your decision my new friend!
Beth,
Making the decision is a roller coaster. I was hopeful and scared, happy and so depressed. It is a big decision and is hard. I think it should be, to make sure that you are up for the way that you are going to have to change your life. We will offer all the advice that you can and support you in whatever decision that you make, but you have to make it. Take lots of time to read and ask questions. Be very informed for your decision.
Making the decision is a roller coaster. I was hopeful and scared, happy and so depressed. It is a big decision and is hard. I think it should be, to make sure that you are up for the way that you are going to have to change your life. We will offer all the advice that you can and support you in whatever decision that you make, but you have to make it. Take lots of time to read and ask questions. Be very informed for your decision.
Thank you all for all the encouragement. We are traveling - our daughter just graduated boot camp today - and I am beginning to loose my resolve on eating healthy while we travel. Getting to a computer and re-reading all your great messages really helps. Hubby and I go to a WLS seminar Dec. 29. I am determined to get to a healthier weight. Saw an orthopedic surgeon just before leaving on this trip. I will need a hip replacement, but they don't want to do it at this weight...and I don't want to stay in this much pain.
Thanks again for bolstering me up,
Beth
Thanks again for bolstering me up,
Beth
Hang in there BETH! Remember to just DO WHAT YOU CAN DO and most importantly....RESOLVE to NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP ABOUT IT!!!
You'll get there....and you've already started by researching and trying to do your best!
You'll learn even more at the WLS seminar and that will motivate you too!
Just LIVE IN THE MOMENT and enjoy being with your family for now!
THINKING OF YOU!!! Julie
You'll get there....and you've already started by researching and trying to do your best!
You'll learn even more at the WLS seminar and that will motivate you too!
Just LIVE IN THE MOMENT and enjoy being with your family for now!
THINKING OF YOU!!! Julie
I hope that when you meet with the surgeon, s/he can give you some good data on the differences between all the surgery options. I know lots of people who have had great results with the LapBand, as well as with the Roux-en-Y, the Duodenal Switch and the Vertical Gastric procedures. From what I've seen, lapband patients tend to lose weight a little more slowly than RnY patients, but there are really good things about losing weight slowly. I believe it forces you to really have to learn to live in the world of real food a lot sooner than a procedure like RnY or DS procedures that rely on malabsorption to help force dietary change. So there is plenty to think about.
I went in originally to get the Lap Band. My surgeon really didn't try to sway me one way or the other. I ended up deciding to have the RnY and I'm very satisfied with results. I think I could have been successful with any of the procedures. I decided to not get the lap band because I live so far away from my surgeon's office and going to get adjustments to the band with any frequency would have been very difficult for me.
So, I hope that this gives you some help. I am sure that lap band people will be happy to answer specific questions for you though. If you've decided to have the surgery and are trying to narrow down your choices, I hope that you'll take your time and look into them all. There are so many options now--good ones.
Best wishes as you continue your research, and congrats to your daughter on finishing Boot Camp!
I went in originally to get the Lap Band. My surgeon really didn't try to sway me one way or the other. I ended up deciding to have the RnY and I'm very satisfied with results. I think I could have been successful with any of the procedures. I decided to not get the lap band because I live so far away from my surgeon's office and going to get adjustments to the band with any frequency would have been very difficult for me.
So, I hope that this gives you some help. I am sure that lap band people will be happy to answer specific questions for you though. If you've decided to have the surgery and are trying to narrow down your choices, I hope that you'll take your time and look into them all. There are so many options now--good ones.
Best wishes as you continue your research, and congrats to your daughter on finishing Boot Camp!
Hey Beth,
I was also like you trying to decide if I should have it done, and if so which procedure to do. The deciding factor for me was I went on an Alaskan cruise in September and for the first time in my life, I felt like a handicapped person. I need a knee replacement on my left knee and they don't want to do it as I am too young. My Dr. had advised me to lose weight before I started having problems with the other knee. Plus I have several other problems, high blood pressure, high cholestrol,osteoarthritis, diabetes runs in my family although I don't have it as of yet. Both my parents ended up in wheelchairs before their deaths and I decided that was not for me. So like several other members I am having this done for health reasons, the weight loss is just an added bonus. I've been married almost 33 years, and my husband is very supportive of whatever choice I make.
I started out wanting the lap band done, but after going to a seminar and found out about the maintenance required, I started thinking about the gastric bypass, as we live almost 50 miles away from the Dr. After meeting with my PCP and the weight loss Dr. They both agreed because of my knees and the amount of weight I need to lose,150 pounds, that the gastric bypass was the way to go because you lose weight more quickly, and that's what I need.
It is very important to have a strong support group around you. The only person who has had a negative reaction to this is my 21 year old son. The reason is because he has dropped close to 100 pounds over the last two years of college and he does't understand why I can't do it also. He has become very athletic and runs alot. I am limited what I can do in the way of exercise because of my knees. I do belong to Curves which helps alot. I had water therapy after the second surgery on my knee, so got involved in a water exercise class through the physical therapy department at my local hospital.
I'm starting the countdown to my surgery. I received all the preop stuff in the mail, I have all my vitamins and minerals so am anxiously waiting. The holidays are making the time fly by. My surgery is scheduled for Jan.14, 2008. Hope this has helped you somewhat, I'm sure you will make the correct decision for you.
Happy Holidays to One and All,
Denise
I was also like you trying to decide if I should have it done, and if so which procedure to do. The deciding factor for me was I went on an Alaskan cruise in September and for the first time in my life, I felt like a handicapped person. I need a knee replacement on my left knee and they don't want to do it as I am too young. My Dr. had advised me to lose weight before I started having problems with the other knee. Plus I have several other problems, high blood pressure, high cholestrol,osteoarthritis, diabetes runs in my family although I don't have it as of yet. Both my parents ended up in wheelchairs before their deaths and I decided that was not for me. So like several other members I am having this done for health reasons, the weight loss is just an added bonus. I've been married almost 33 years, and my husband is very supportive of whatever choice I make.
I started out wanting the lap band done, but after going to a seminar and found out about the maintenance required, I started thinking about the gastric bypass, as we live almost 50 miles away from the Dr. After meeting with my PCP and the weight loss Dr. They both agreed because of my knees and the amount of weight I need to lose,150 pounds, that the gastric bypass was the way to go because you lose weight more quickly, and that's what I need.
It is very important to have a strong support group around you. The only person who has had a negative reaction to this is my 21 year old son. The reason is because he has dropped close to 100 pounds over the last two years of college and he does't understand why I can't do it also. He has become very athletic and runs alot. I am limited what I can do in the way of exercise because of my knees. I do belong to Curves which helps alot. I had water therapy after the second surgery on my knee, so got involved in a water exercise class through the physical therapy department at my local hospital.
I'm starting the countdown to my surgery. I received all the preop stuff in the mail, I have all my vitamins and minerals so am anxiously waiting. The holidays are making the time fly by. My surgery is scheduled for Jan.14, 2008. Hope this has helped you somewhat, I'm sure you will make the correct decision for you.
Happy Holidays to One and All,
Denise
HI Beth!
Im new also. I just had LRNY in Oct. I did have some problems but it's a decicion I would make over and over. This is up to you completley. Try not to listen to much when people are negative. Although it's true that it can be risky you have to decide if its worth the risk which is there but not really high at all. It was not painless for me and I had a complication and was in for 10 days. I never thought it would happen to me. BUT, I have to say, Im sooooo happy I did it. When I was deciding I realized that we dont have control of everything in life so we cant make our decicions solely based on fear and risk factor but instead with our head and our heart. I have gone from 232 to 194 in 8wks and look like a whole new person already. Hope you have some $ for new clothes, lol. I just want to encourage you to do what's best for you cause it's your life. Best wishes and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!
Im new also. I just had LRNY in Oct. I did have some problems but it's a decicion I would make over and over. This is up to you completley. Try not to listen to much when people are negative. Although it's true that it can be risky you have to decide if its worth the risk which is there but not really high at all. It was not painless for me and I had a complication and was in for 10 days. I never thought it would happen to me. BUT, I have to say, Im sooooo happy I did it. When I was deciding I realized that we dont have control of everything in life so we cant make our decicions solely based on fear and risk factor but instead with our head and our heart. I have gone from 232 to 194 in 8wks and look like a whole new person already. Hope you have some $ for new clothes, lol. I just want to encourage you to do what's best for you cause it's your life. Best wishes and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE(Julie S @ Dec 22 2007, 12:31 AM) 
Hang in there BETH! Remember to just DO WHAT YOU CAN DO and most importantly....RESOLVE to NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP ABOUT IT!!!
You'll get there....and you've already started by researching and trying to do your best!
You'll learn even more at the WLS seminar and that will motivate you too!
Just LIVE IN THE MOMENT and enjoy being with your family for now!
THINKING OF YOU!!! Julie :female:
You'll get there....and you've already started by researching and trying to do your best!
You'll learn even more at the WLS seminar and that will motivate you too!
Just LIVE IN THE MOMENT and enjoy being with your family for now!
THINKING OF YOU!!! Julie :female:
I disappeared during the holidays...and for a long time after...but I'm back with lots of decisions made.
I'm scheduled for rny on March 25. I've had my psychiatric consult and am scheduled for most of my pre-op testing on March 6. I'm excited...and a little nervous about everything...and frustrated trying to lose the 10 lbs he wants me to lose before surgery.
Thanks again to everyone for all the support. Julie, I want to give you special thanks. I thought of you post often as I struggled through the holiday season.
I'll try to keep up with posting,
Beth
I'm scheduled for rny on March 25. I've had my psychiatric consult and am scheduled for most of my pre-op testing on March 6. I'm excited...and a little nervous about everything...and frustrated trying to lose the 10 lbs he wants me to lose before surgery.
Thanks again to everyone for all the support. Julie, I want to give you special thanks. I thought of you post often as I struggled through the holiday season.
I'll try to keep up with posting,
Beth
Welcome Beth, I was 51 when I chose to save my life..It seemed like every year I would tell myself next year I am going to lose the weight and the next thing you know the years are running out..It is NOT the easy way out like some people will tell you but if you follow your doctor instructions you will be fine and we are all here for you for support and any help you need..It is a big decision but there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for the chance to be healthy.My sugery was 11/04 .I started out at 261 and I am barely five feet tall..I had sleep apnea and diabetes and high blood presure and cholesterol as well as depression..All gone now all I take is my vitamins.. It took me about 15 months to stabilize at 140 and I have held steady since.So take your time making this decision but know if you chose the surgery we will all be here for you to answer any questions you might have..In my support group we have a saying..Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...Take care, Kuulani
QUOTE(kuulani @ Feb 22 2008, 10:17 PM)
Welcome Beth, I was 51 when I chose to save my life..It seemed like every year I would tell myself next year I am going to lose the weight and the next thing you know the years are running out..It is NOT the easy way out like some people will tell you but if you follow your doctor instructions you will be fine and we are all here for you for support and any help you need..It is a big decision but there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for the chance to be healthy.My sugery was 11/04 .I started out at 261 and I am barely five feet tall..I had sleep apnea and diabetes and high blood presure and cholesterol as well as depression..All gone now all I take is my vitamins.. It took me about 15 months to stabilize at 140 and I have held steady since.So take your time making this decision but know if you chose the surgery we will all be here for you to answer any questions you might have..In my support group we have a saying..Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...Take care, Kuulani
Hey Beth,
I too waited until I was 53 to have gastric bypass, and I think I saved my life. As mothers we always do for our children and family, putting our selfs on hold. My insurance turned me down for the surgery so I had to really sit down and think about this and what it meant. (financially and mentally) I too have a great husband who supported what ever decision I made, we are lucky. For me it was the right decision and it was just for me!!!! I love having the energy to do what ever I want. I don't have to worry that I won't fit in the seat on the plane, or get the bar down on the Farris wheel. I know that sounds petty but it was always a little fear. So I wish you well with your choices and it is a BIG one. Good luck and this is a great site to ask anything...
Betsy11
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