I'm investigating surgical weight loss

No problem, I don't consider it a hijack. :)  We all are just continuing in our conversation.
I think it would be great to plan a get together. Yes, you're right maybe after Christmas but then on the other hand we may need the support to do the right things for ourselves during this "overeating" time of the year.
Blessings~

I live in Peyton and would be interested in a support group in the springs area. 

There is a support group that meets at Penrose Hospital. I copied this from the Penrose Hospital website.

Lap-Band Support Group

Meets the first Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

Gastric Bypass Support Group

Meets the second Friday and third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.

There are a few of us who have never met that are hoping to go to the group and meet and maybe have coffee after the meeting.
Have a great day~

Hi Ann!

Almost don't even talk about weight loss surgery anymore since I've been at goal for awhile and I mostly hang out on forums where we talk about other stuff!  by accident I ended up on this forum (slip of the cursor) so, what the heck, I'll post.

I would strongly advise everyone considering surgery to send some time researching all the types available. depending on where you are, almost all to all of the info you may get could be about the band or bypass.

for example, I came to OH wondering about getting a band. learned about VSG and that is what I eventually got - I could not be more pleased!  also never heard of the DS but if I needed & wanted the malabsorption that would be the surgery I'd get.

I also encourage you to choose what surgery will work best for you and THEN choose a surgeon. If you think your insurance won't cover it, you should know that a denial can be fought and won.

I didn't have insurance and so was self pay. In the end, it's been a blessing since I was forced to study, learn, and take responsibility for all the steps.

I wish you very good luck - nothing to be ashamed about, WLS is a fantastic step to take!

hugs,
Jackie

Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your encouragement. I'm glad you "slipped" upon this post.
I have been reading, reading and reading some more. I've searched the internet.
Talked with folks who have had success and some that had regrets.

How long ago did you have your surgery? It doesn't sound like you have any reqrets.
What in your opinion is the best thing about WLS and the worst thing about WLS.
How or what could I do to be better prepared physically, emotionally, socially etc.?

Hugs back to you,
Annie

Hi Annie

sorry I didn't answer sooner, I just got the e-mail notification of your reply.

my surgery was a year ago August so 16 months ago. No regrets!  BUT - I feel like I am just getting to the hard part "keeping it off".  so, if you have a hard time immediately post-op just realize that everyone has a hard time sooner or later. maybe getting it over with sooner is best, I don't know.

physically do you do any regular exercise? even walking is good. do you need to quit smoking?

socially:  hmmm, I can't think of anything. I told everyone I was having surgery because I felt like it was less stressful than trying to hide it. others feel the exact opposite and tell almost nobody. just think about what you want to do.

emotionally:  I don't know if you CAN prepare. it's a pretty big deal and it hits some people harder and sooner than others. I flew through the first 6 months and then it got slightly hard, then after 1 year I started to realize - huh!  not every problem in life magically went away. I knew it wouldn't in an intellectual way, of course, but in some deep recess of my brain I had spent so many years blaming everything on my weight that not having it to blame, well it's hard.

so, get as much support in your life as you can. here and IRL both good. therapy if you can, why not, I promise you have issues because everyone does.

best thing about surgery - new clothes that look nice and FIT! 

worst?  at some point you have to do what you couldn't do pre-op mostly eat "right" in terms of both what you eat and portion control. the surgery just gives you a way to jump start, you have to build the good habits one day at a time.

good luck!
Jackie

edited to add:  I forgot the most important thing you have to learn, maybe as important as portion control

healthy ways to deal with stress!   at least you aren't alone, the rest of us are learning too.

Thanks Jackie,
Your note was encouraging and honest. I so appreciate your responding.
I had an IVC filter put in today and surgery will happen on Monday 21st of December. I'm afraid to do it and afraid to not do it. It is a bit overwhelming. I trying to take it one step at a time.

I have great support both at home with husband, sons. and several friends that do know and are helpful. I'm telling some folks and not others til later.

I went to a local support group on Friday. It was a good to be there.

I think I get (as much as I can) that this is a tool. I still have much hard work ahead.
I went to the nutrition pre surg class on Sunday. It was a great class.

You are right about understanding and dealing with stress. That will be a hard one as there are times I use food as an emotion controller.
I don't smoke so that is not a problem. Thankful for that as I've heard it's a hard one to break. I can't imagine doing both food and smoking.

I hope you have  big and small victories each day as you continue this journey.
Blessings to you~
Annie

Next meeting is Friday the 11th.  I'm defintely going. Would love to plan a get together before, or after. 

Barb

That sounds great. I'd be up for going for coffee/tea/water after the meeting.