Do I Belong?

Ok, so I have been reading your posts for about 3 weeks now. I am very happy by reading everything, but I am starting to feel like I don't belong. I am 105lbs over my "suggested" weight. I want this surgery because nothing in the past has EVER helped me to lose weight. I also feel like I would stick to this lifestyle of food if I have the surgery because I have been motivated to get it. Yet I feel like....I dont' know how to express it.....I guess that I should be happy for my current state because it could be way worse off. (I don't in any way mean to offend anyone) You ladies (and gentlemen) are wonderful and very supportive. What do you think? I am sorry to bother you with this, but I need some opinions here. Thank you and God Bless Michele

Michele, honey, sweet heart, I don't speak for anyone but myself and I was and am in no means a light weight as some call them. I was the OMG how is that possible...shoud that be loose on the public...zoo outbreak kinda gal...I see it this way...you do what YOU think is right for you. If you and your Dr. feel this is a good thing for you, screw whatever anyone esle says. You are over the 100+lbs need, I dont care if it were 100.0000009. You do what is right for you and I will support you for it. God bless and good Luck! Email if you need to talk. Take care, Angela open rny 1-26-04

Michele, I am looking into having the surgery and I know what it feels like to have doubts. I am very careful when I tell people that I am having the surgery to not expect a positive reply. It just doesn't happen. This alone makes me feel as if I don't need it and I shouldn't be thinking about doing this to my body. I just keep positive about what I think is best for me and how I feel I want my future to unfold. But it is very true that you have to do what you feel is right for you and what your doctor thinks is right for you....Surgery is not for everyone.

Michele, Believe me I understand. It isn't easy for me. My surgery was the 16th and I'm down 26lbs. WOW.. but the doubts keep assailing me. What if... what if I fail. OMG.. nothing bothers my little pouch. Nothing. Well, at least nothing I've tried so far. I've been good.. nothing fatty or sugary.. no beef.. I am scared I'll stretch the pouch.. and then when I'm not strong.. I'll eat. But I'm staying strong and keeping my thoughts the right way. Don't let anyone tell you what YOU should do. You and your dr. can make that decision. And if you feel like they may discourage you.. then don't tell them until you are stronger. I personally chose to tell the treetops.. EVERYONE KNOWS. Now.. I think, maybe it would have been easier if I hadn't told a soul .. everyone will be watching every mouthful I take.. every day they will be expecting me to look smaller.. Do what you feel is best.. I know this was right for me. And, this time, I won't fail!!! ~ Jan

Thank you all for the encouraging words! I love you all! michele

Michele, I was 102 pounds overweight according to their charts. I, too, had doubts. I had my surgery on 01/28/04 and have already lost 15 pounds. I often questioned myself as well. It is a very brave decision to make and there are a lot of outer influences which helped me make my decision. My father had a heart attack at the age of 37, my sister at 34. I am 32. The only thought I had was ... ticking timebomb! I had my heart checked out (former Phen-Fen user) and all is o.k. right now, but what about in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years. My cardiologist and my general physician both agreed that I could avoid 90% of the health problems that is in my family tree by having this surgery. That was good enough for me. A stressful, emergency surgery because of a heart attack later in life ... or ... a surgery now to avoid all of that while I am young and generally healthy. I opted for the latter. I guess, my point is, it is a serious decision that only you and your doctor can make together. Everyone has different reasons for having WLS, you just need to decide if it is for YOU. Just so you know, I am 5 days post-op and I am at work and feeling great. No complications, no pain, minimal discomfort. Best decision I made. You will notice that everyone on these boards are wonderful, supportive and can give you a lot of insight to a million different topics. I have found them to be very helpful and supportive. Good luck on your decision. You have a lot of soul searching to do. Let me know if you have any questions, I would be more than happy to chat with you. Marianne Lap RNY 01/29/2004