Pre-Op and Wondering what do I do Next?

Hi JA, Thank you for you reply and I will lean on you. Earl

Earl, You are doing great!!! This is a very personal decision and only you can make it! If you have made your decision and those around you are not supportive, you do not have to tell them. I only told 2 people in my family of my decision, they were not supportive when I mentioned it, and I chose to avoid the critisism. This is not the easy way out, but it does make portion control easier! You must work with your tool to be successful, but if you are willing to make those changes (which it seems like you have already started) you will do great. This board is a great place for information and support, don't be a stranger! Carmen

Earl- Please remember that there is no disgrace or shame in needing HELP. Oftentimes, people who are not MO feel that this surgery is a shame or a disgrace because we couldn't do it alone. You've consistently proved to yourself that you can't loose and keep off the weight on your own. Don't feel like you have to apologize of feel embarrased that you need help to do it. Those who have not suffered from MO do not understand the pain and disappointment we suffer daily, or the humiliation we suffer when we gain back all the weight we worked so hard to loose. Your last paragraph says: I feel this surgery could add 20 years to my life and is only a tool and if used properly will help me where my willpower alone has always let me down. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON THE MONEY. Stick with those thoughts. This surgery gave me back my life! I will never regret it. Best of luck to you. Lisa C

Hello Lisa, Thanks so much for your inspirational words. I needed to hear that. You are right, people who have not suffered from MO due not understand the feelings of humilation and shame one has, I know for myself I tend to isolate and do not reach out for help and this formum is helping me to do that. Thank you so much for caring. Earl

I don't feel surgery is always a mandatory requirement or a safe thing to do when someone already has serious health issues....especially if they are managing to improve without it...when I read what you wrote I wondered why stack the deck??? After the golden 6 months and certainly further out..it is right back to the diet and exercise thing to keep the weight off..the same way it always was...yes..capacity remains somewhat diminished but determined parties get around that easily....willpower WILL come into play again sooner or later...this is a choice that only you can make..if I had your hx and problems I would think twice aboout it..maybe even three or four times...not meaning to be offensive in any way...just telling you my honest feelings on reading the ordeals you have already survived. Glad things are going well and congrats on your progreess with the weight loss. Best Wishes, Sher'

Dear Sher, Thank you for your honest reply. That is exactly what I was having reservations about. I appreciate your candidness and will take what you said seriously. I really have to think about the pros and cons about the surgery and what it means to me an and how it could effect me. My risk is high if I do and my risk is high if I don't. I have at least a month and a half to dwell on this before I can have this surgery so thanks for your input it is really appreciated. Earl

Hi Earl, One thing I know for sure...Dr. A. is a top surgeon...and I have total faith that he will NOT pronounce you safe for surgery if you have any factors at that time that would make things too risky. I just always feel it is important to look at both sides of a question is all..I am not a harbinger of "gloom and doom"..I went through the same process myself. I wish you the best and hope things turn out for the best..either way! Hugs, Sher'

I lost 140 lbs. before my surgery and my family also was apprehensive about me having surgery but it is the best thing I ever did for myself in my life. Since I had surgery on Jan. 20, and I have lost 46 lbs. since and am still losing. My overall health has improved 100% and before I had surgery my legs were swollen, I could hardly breathe and I have no problems whatsoever now. I walk daily. I encourage you to go ahead with the surgery. Good luck, Lenny

Hello Lenny, Thanks for your encouragement. I just read your post, and cograts on your accomplishments. I can identify with the swollen legs, and the walking problems. I am taking things day by day. Yesterday I went to the VA and had Laser Surgery in my Right Eye and and now can just barely start to see out of it. Fortunely I can now read on the computer. My sight is going to be okay in both eyes and it is really scarey to be blind. What a Wake up call! I was lucky they caught the problem because it was caused by diabetes years earlier and I would have gone blind. I have had my blood sugar under good control for a year and a half.. I am temporarily blind in my left eye and that is another story. Keep up the good work. Earl