Postponed my surgery until the New Year (2005)

Just a quick note to thank all of you for your prayers and support when I announced my surgery date of 10/26/04. Well, that's changed. I "tested" my ability to adhere to the guidelines of the new "diet" I would be on after surgery. There are still some eating behaviors that I wasn't able to change and I refuse to put myself in harms away until I'm certain that it's the right thing to do. As many of you know, I'm not struggling with any co-morbidities at this time. I am morbidly obese but that's my only health problem. I took a good, hard look at the reasons that I eat and I tried to do things other than eat when I was triggered. It didn't work. Since the NIH has published that 15% of WLS patients will regain more than 50% of their weight, I know that I have to deal with the emotional issues before I start altering my my body. After doing some serious soul searching and lots of prayer, God made it clear that it's OK to wait until I felt ready. He also let me know it's OK not to have the surgery at all (an unpopular sentiment here on this site). Oh well. When it's all said and done, I've got to do what's best for me. I'll still make support group meetings and I'll still visit this site but, for right now, I'm just going to deal with the emotional issues and wait on the surgery. Thanks, Cassandra

Cassandra, Sounds like you're making a decision that is right for you. If you are not 100% positive about WLS, then the best choice for you is the one you're making. The right one isn't always about having WLS. Educating yourself is the best thing you can do. Emotions are tough to deal with. Having WLS is not an easy decision nor is it an easy way out. Once the weight loss slows down, the emotions still have to be dealt with. If you can fix your emotions 1st, you have a great start. If we could control our emotional eating, some of us wouldn't need WLS either. Proud of you for recognizing your own needs. God Bless & rest assured that we support you. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Well said Elissa. Cassandra, Best of luck to you and please keep in touch. Ellen

Cassandra, You've made a good decision for you and I commend you on being bold in your stand and in the recognition of the issues that you still have to address. When you seek the Lord for His wisdom He gives the wisdom that passes all of our understanding and guards and keeps our minds in Christ Jesus. I'm glad that you have searched and researched all that you could about WLS and came to the decision that was right for YOU. I know that alot of people get upset that it takes so long in the process to get approved for surgery etc. but I think that it is one of the best processes in this journey. It took me almost a year from the time "I" had made a decision to persue this choice until the surgery was performed. That gives the person time to think it through and do just what you did in "testing the waters". This is a life time decision and a path for the rest of our lives. This time period of waiting is exactly what is needed to really comtemplate this major decision. I am glad that you took this time and found what is right for you. And I wish you all the best as you press ahead. We are all glad that you have no co-morbidities and stand with you for your continual good health. God Bless and Keep in touch, Mama

Hi Cassandra, Sounds to me like you have thought this through and are making a wise choice. You know you best and what you can and can't do at any given time. I'm glad you are still planning on attending meetings and using the board for support. After all this is obesity support, not just surgery support. Getting emotion in check is something I'm sure we can all relate to on some level. Good for you! Linda

I agree with all of the above. Surgery is a personal decision and it is good that you are being true to yourself. You are still a vital contributor here on the message board and your opinions and thoughts are important and very welcomed whether or not you elect to have surgery. I wish you luck on you journey, keep posting. Dianne

You have to be true with yourself first.... exactly what you have done. This is certainly a life altering change and YOU must be ready! Best wishes to you and keep in touch with your friends here at OH.com!!!