Just do it. Don't ask your family you are doing this for you and not them, I'm not trying to be mean, but i had the surg. a year ago and i did it for me. to date i have lost 138 pds and a lot more to go . I've went from a 30 to an 18 in pants. i started out at 407 and now i'm at 270 so i still have along way to go.Just do it for you.

Hello everyone, I am a new member but am told that I can get some really great information here. I have been reading messages for almost 3 months but have finally gotten the courage to ask something myself. I am 23 years old, 5'6" and weigh 274 but when I mention having surgery to my family they seem to think that I can't get approved. My sister had the surgery 1 year ago last week and she is 5"4". On the day of her surgery she weighed 271 and is now 143. I think that is great seeing her with a whole new life. I have medical problems that are caused by weight and have been told since I was 12 that if I didn't loose a considerable amount of weight I would continue to have medical problems. Please help me I would like to have the surgery for my birthday in November but want to go ahead and start getting info from people in the area.

Jushanna, My surgeon said that SURGERY would get me into the 140s but if I want to get any more off than that it will be up to me. I am at 145 right now and know that the honeymoon is over, with a total loss of about 3# per month now. I know exercise and diet will be the things that get me to goal now. My Surgeon also said that an ideal weight for me would be in the 120s but I would be completely thrilled if I get into the 130s. You have to decide what is gonna work for you, and make it happen. You just may have to work harder than others to get there, but it will be worth it! Good luck! Jeanette

Jushanna, I started at 373 (my highest recorded weight was 420). I had surgery on May 23 04. As of today I am down to 204. I also was told 200 lbs was most likely my goal. This is my body and my life. Make your goal your own. Nobody can stop you but yourself. Keep up the GREAT work and the weight will come off.

Bege - you are not alone. I did not become morbidly obese because I like hamburgers instead of salad. I became morbidly obese because I have an eating disorder. Unfortunately, there is no eating disorder by pass. Yes, I binge still. As much as my stomach will alllow. Yes, I am working on what makes me binge and how to find healthy alternatives. Way easier said than done. Now add in hormonal changes - and yes, you have a struggle. Work on whats eating you. Keep up with the therapy. You fixed the symptoms, now work on the cause. One day at a time.