Mixed Feelings in PA

Hi - I was given this web site by my surgeon as a source of information. Many of you who have had the surgery seem very pleased with the results and those of you who used my surgeon seemed very pleased with his manner and expertise. That gives me more confidence that I have chosen wisely. I am currently at 6'-0" and 425 lbs. I have been extremely overweight for the last thirty or so years of my life. I tried many diets -- none ever worked or were too hard to maintain. Only the Atkins Diet came close to positive results, but even that had some drawbacks that caused me discouragement to give it up. I get very embarrassed when going to amusement parks or movie theaters where it is impossible to sit in the seats. Worse is when we go out to eat and we must wait for a table to sit at rather than a booth, and even then I have to worry that the seat will support me. Personally, I think those responsible for those booth designs should be sent to a clinic for a lobotomy! What were they thinking when they established the available room between the table and bench for persons to sit? I have a terrible time walking, even short distances. I have difficulty climbing steps and will do anything to avoid it. I sweat easily because of the extra exertion required just to move my mass (or my ass). I used to be able to dance with my wife, but even that is too difficult to do. Worse yet, my wife can't get her arms around me anymore. I also find that I am tired after each night's sleep so I am guessing I am not sleeping properly because of my extra girth. Our mattress and furniture take extraordinary abuse everytime I sit or lay on them. I can't buy clothing at regular stores -- everything must be ordered from specialty catalogs and costs much more. My enjoyment of life suffers terribly because of my limitations and I feel it is now time to try something drastic that will help solve the problems. I chose to have the surgery due to the many health problems I currently experience. Arthritis, asthma, swelling in the lower extremities, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, it goes on and on. But as silly as this may sound, I chose to have the surgery for my wife who insisted it was a quick and easy method of losing the weight and correcting many of those health-related problems. Obviously she has been more of a force to convince me than I have been. I love her dearly and hope that this will solve most of my problems and give back a normal life which I can share with her and my two children. My first visit with Dr. Boorse was very positive and he seemed extremely sincere that this procedure will help me to gain a new life. I left thinking that I should try another diet before moving to something so drastic. But it wasn't more than a week or so that I suffered swelling in my left leg which was painful and hard to deal with. Taking diuretics wasn't helping as they usually did. I decided then to go ahead with the procedure. I contacted their office and they in turn contacted my insurance company for approval. Surprisingly, they approved the procedure within days and I set my date for February 11. I am looking forward to getting out of the hospital and start the weight loss so that, by summertime, things will look a light brighter than they do now. Thank you all. Wish me luck!

Donald I wish you the best of luck. You posted such a well thought out post. We'll be here for you.

Thank you for sharing! I wish you the best of luck and want you to know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Donald -- Congratulations your decision to move forward with bariatric surgery. It is a difficult decision to make, and requires much research -- and soul-searching. You have made a wise decision to visit this Web site -- I have found the people to be both inspiring and supportive. I also have grappled with my decision to have bariatric surgery, and have wondered if I have truly exhausted all methods of weight loss. Recently, I experienced a health crisis that helped solidify my decision to move forward with surgery. I wish you the best of luck. On a special note, your surgery is scheduled on my birthday -- so when I blow out my birthday candles, I will make a special wish for you! Take care, ~Lynn

Hey good luck to you and your new adventure. I truly believe that only we can change our lives. I ask that you have peace about your decision and that in time after it is all over you will know that there is no going back to the way we were, but only ahead to a better more healthier life......So take care and I will be a loser in Feb, cant wait.....Virginia

Dear Donald, I'm having surgery on the 25 th of February. I have been heavy since I gained 100 pounds one summer as a child. But there comes a time when we must do what is best for us. I look forward to being a loser and want to see my grandkids grown. I will be praying for you, Suz

Hi, Donald. I was so scared before I had my surgery (02/04/03). I cried the night before and was so afraid of having a negative response. Well, here I am, 116 pounds gone and feeling GREAT!!! My whole perspective on life has changed because of this surgery. I no longer feel weak and insecure. I am confident in myself and feel wonderful about life. I truly feel that this surgery has given me an opportunity to live again. I was over 300 pounds at one point and just wanted to crawl into a hole and hide from life and people. Now, I can't wait to get out. I like to be seen now. People see me for who I am, not my girth.... Best of luck to you and may God be with you. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.... Danielle

hi my name is desiree my date is set for 2/04/04 and i just wanted to say good luck with your surgery. remember to think positive and to do what you are told bythe surgeon. you will surely love the new you that comes out of this in the end, then you can take your wife out dancing do things that at one point took to much energy. god bless you and may he keep you close on the day of your surgery, desiree

Hi Donald! I relate to so much of what you're going through. My surgery is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2004. That's all I think about these days. Everytime I eat high fat/sugary foods, I remind myself that this is all going to change. At this point, I'm trusting all those before me that claim how wonderful life is after surgery. I have been fat all of my life and have never been a normal size. I don't even know what that means. This is a big change and very scary. I think it's so sweet that you're doing it for your wife. I too, am doing it for my husband. Not because he asked me too or complains about my weight. Because I'm so happily married (almost 3 years) and I want as many years as I can get with him. Good luck. I will keep you in my prayers. Karen