Any regrets???

No regrets at all. I got an email about two weeks post op about my probably wondering what I'd done to my body, but I didn't feel that way at all. I knew what I was getting into before the surgery. I had my farewell tour to food and was more than ready. In seven months, I've lost 100 pounds. I'm 135 pounds below my highest weight. In January I did a little clothes shopping. I couldn't believe it. I actually started crying in the dressing room because I could wear a 1x/16-18. I didn't think that would ever happen again. Ever. I want to lose another 50 to 75 pounds. I like the way my husband looks at me now. My heart breaks for people I know who are still struggling with morbid obesity and here I am, losing at a slow and steady pace. I praise God for the prayers that went up while I was in surgery. People were praying for me around the world. I had no complications, aside from some hair loss which my hair dresser insists is being minimized by an additional vitamin regimin. I can now fit in airplane passenger seats. I've flown to Kansas and Illinois since my surgery. I was able to attend a conference in Florida and be totally comfortable in 80 degree weather, not something that happened seven months before that. I can handle stairs easily. I can soak in the tub rather than hop in the shower. I've even crossed my legs a couple of times. Nope, no regrets. It took me three years to get past my doubts. Perhaps my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Diane Cook Dover

The main messageboard has more people with regrets and complainers! On the Delaware board, We look after each other and help each other out. I have 1 regret, not getting the surgery 2 years earlier when I saw the weight loss dr at PMRI offered it, I planned for the first 6 months to be pure hell, It wasn't, It took 6 months for me to get the surgery. I started to prep for the surgery,during those waiting months. I stopped drinking soda, which was a big sacrifice, I stopped eating french fries, I started drinking propel and fruit2O water. I started eating more fruit and veggies. Eat in small quantities all of the food that you will think that you will miss!: and say good bye to them,mourn for them before surgery. You'll best less likely to mourn them after surgery. WLS is a major life changing event. All Marathon runners start by learning how to run 1 mile and run a little bit more each day! Same thing for WLS, If you have a good attitude, you'll go much farther and be more happy! I have had some complications-- dehydration,heat stress, a belly button hernia that choked my intestines, dumping on fatty foods and the foamies ! I lost hair----My sister told me this weekend, It has grown back a lot,stilll got a small bald spot."she was afraid to tell how bad the bald spot was! Life is a lot like baseball.When your used to getting straight pitche****ting them out of the park is easy, life can throw you curve balls!adjust! You just got do like Babe Ruth did, learn to hit the curve balls out of the park! I have a friend she is almost 3 years post-op, She is able to eat small quantites of sweets like birthday cake or a single dip of ice cream. She told me she just thinks how much would she give to a 5-7 year old kid and she never runs into a problem. I have learned how to do the same, I watch what my sister feeds her kids. Some people wont like the new you, your gonna get skinny--they will still be fat! Your husband may leave you!, You may leave your husband!,your marriage could get better and stronger! Some of your friends may prefer the fat you to the new skinny lady. You likely wont take some of the "crap" that you used to take, you will be more assertive and more outgoing! 50% of patient lose 50% of the weight, 63% lose 75% 15%- lose 100%----the big group 85% of patients lose 76-99%. You'll be amazed that you can go out to eat and only spend $2-5! When I said goodbye to my mom, dad and stepdad before they wheeled me off to the O-R, I felt like I bungeed jumped off a bridge. It was the scariest step of faith,that I ever took, My attitude 2 things could happen #1- I die and get to meet Jesus or #2 I would wake up and start the biggest adventure of the rest of my life. I figure I was winner either way! In closing----Live every day like your gonna die before the WLS and enjoy every day God gives you after the surgery! hope this helps! Charles --aka the Ski Bum of the Delaware Message board

Ok, I'll add my 2 (4-6-8 ?) cents on this topic too, especially since I was just talking to a friend about it today. I had my surgery about six months ago and I don't regret it. But I did not have any problems or complications like some people have had. I have hit my first "plateau" and I am scared that I will stop losing (or start gaining back) so I analyze everything I put in my mouth now. I know from talking to the farther-out posties (and Dr. Iragu) this is common. So I'll just have to get over it! :>) And keep exercising! I am healthier and I had surgery because I wanted to overcome my obesity related illnesses, so I am happy about that. There is one thing that REALLY bothers me, and I hope I don't hit a sour note with anyone here, but.... I don't think I am any different (in my heart and soul) than if I was obese or not. It would not have been the end of the world if for some reason I couldn't have the surgery. I'd still be "me." Most of the time my weight didn't bother me that much except I was just plain embarrassed on how most people treat the obese. You know, like we're stupid or something...say rude things behind our backs...or right to our faces... I tried to never let my weight hold me back but I know it probably did because those "stupid" people had their impressions of me because I was so big. Some of them I even thought were my "friends" but now I see it differently. That's why I've decided to let go of those negative friendships and kept the true friends I have...the people who liked me no matter what I weighed. I'm 30 or 40 pounds away from my "goal." Right now, I see people treating me differently, like welcome to the "no longer fat" club -- isn't it great to not be "stupid" anymore -- and I want to KILL them! How can they be that cruel? Does that make sense? Just my opinion... Kit

Kit, Even though I haven't gone through the WLS yet, what you said makes perfect sense. Most of the time I don't think of myself as fat. Sure I have those reminders like not being able to buckle a seat belt or worrying if I am going to fit in a chair, buying clothes and so on, but in my mind I am just like everyone else. The main reason for the surgery is to get my health back on track and live a longer and better life. Thanks for your opinion...I really appreciate it. E.S.

Charles, Thanks for the inspiration. I am going to carry around these words in my purse so I can look at them when I get scared and I am sure I will. You have been a great help. E.S.

E.S., Absolutely no regrets. I'd do it all over again tomorrow. I do wish that I had been able to do it on my own. I think it took a big leap of faith to have the courage to admit we need help. It was one of the hardest things I've done in my life. But the easiest since the actual surgery. I am usually a sissy. The WLS was no big deal and I felt pretty good right from the get-go. Only you can make the decision that is right for you. Good luck. Excellent question too. Elissa

Thanks Elissa, I have enjoyed reading all your posts. You seem to be the link to the support of this website. I am planning to come to the support meeting on Saturday. I hope I get a chance to meet you. Ellen

Regrets...I wish I did it sooner instead of suffering in the old body. This experience has been nothing but positive for me. I know I know...how did this happen to me??? I mentally prepared for the worse. I thank God that it has gone so well for me and hope it continues to go well. The new eating habits were a challenge but I just put in my mind that this is what I have to do now. My body has changed and I have to go along with it. I still eat out at restaurants...I think I make better choices and well I don't eat as much as I would have before the surgery. I even pass up desserts now! I would never have done that before. There are times hubby and I will order one meal and split it....Saves us from bringing home my leftovers. If your friends were your friends before the surgery they will understand what you have to do and support you...that is what friends do! As for hair loss...I have a small amount...like I said I have been very forunate with the side effects! I also do the biotin shampoo and pills too! I do whatever I can to prevent problems. I was educated on the pitfalls and I am following the rules of this journey. I don't want problems....I want the best out of life. If it means I have to leave the sugars and fats on the side of the road....I DO! I think you really need to want to make changes in order to go forward with surgery. I looked at this as my last hope. I am treating it like it is my last hope! I want to be healthy! Debbie