Worried about my decision

My WLS date has been set for 4/7 with Dr. Fowler and I'm not sure why but I'm having mixed emotions.  I have always felt I am a strong person, I have plenty to be thankful for but why can't I get my weight under control?  I have been struggling with my weight for over 10 years now.  I just wonder if I could conquer this weight by simply exercising and watching what I eat, without WLS.  Then there is the other side of me that says, no, you can't, you've tried for years with no success.  I'm on the fence, I just hope I am making the right decision.  I know I'm over analyzing this because my surgery date is set and coming soon.  Anyone else have this same thought process before your surgery?  Thanks for your stories and your help!

I just sent you a message.......

Thank you so much for your reply to my message!  I appreciate it and am very excited, nervous but excited and I'm ready.

Aloha Leesah-

I can honestly say that I was just the opposite. My surgery date couldn't come soon enough! I was SO ready. I had no doubts. I did the math on what it would take for me to lose what I needed to lose at my age and weight. There was no way I was going to do it. I was beyond diet and exercise. Heck, exercise wasn't even in my vocabulary at that point! It was too much of a strain to do efficiently or effectively.

I needed a REAL tool to make my weight loss a reality. No pills, fads, or gimmicks. I was serious. I was so frustrated mentally I didn't know what else to do. I also know that I am a "results oriented" person. I need to see results right away or I give up. Without the rapid weight loss, I would get discouraged and give up.

I never looked back once I made up my mind. I chose my doctor and I chose the type of surgery I wanted. My insurance wouldn't pay because I was going outside Hawaii, but I didn't let that stop me. I knew what I needed/wanted and followed that dream.

I cannot tell you how happy I am with my life now and the decisions I made this past year. I live a "normal" life looking like a "normal" person. A year ago, I hated myself... yes, hated.... a really strong word, but that is exactly how I felt.

I feel you need to find peace within yourself. If you read my bio, you'll see how strongly I believe in the power of positive energy. I feel it is key to success with anything... especially our health. I hope you find your inner strength to proceed along the path that takes you to your happiness. I don't know what procedure you're having, but learn everything you can about it and also about all the options. Learn what your life will be like afterward and be sure you're willing to commit to it and believe in it for the rest of your life. It really is a life changing event and should not be taken lightly. It is good that you are thinking!!!! You should be. Now is the time to prepare. You will know if and when you are ready. There will be nothing to be afraid of.

I wish you much success on your journey and I wish you happiness most of all.
((hugs))

Thank you for your insight and sharing your experience.  I feel different now, I'm ready...still nervous but ready! 

I went thru the same emotions as u are now..wondering if it is the right thing..i think most ppl go thru it and it is normal feelings...we are scared and a little nervous about the whole thing...good luck..u will be fine...i asked u to add me as a friend aloha

I was the same as Makena.  I couldn't wait for the day to come.  I was tired of feeling sorry for myself.  Dr. Fowler is AWESOME!! And so is his team.  I am so happy with how things are going and I would do it all over in a heartbeat.  You need to be 100% sure that you want to do this.  The weight will come off however if you follow the rules it could come off faster.  I was so determine to make sure I succeeded I didn't want my dh to tell me "I told you it wouldn't work" That was my worst fear so I made sure that I worked this tool.  This tool needs you to do the work.  To me this surgery was pretty easy however isn't everything hard before it gets easier.  When we learned to drive a car we thought we would never ever drive on the freeway but after time it is just like any other street.  Same like learning to eat all over again.  You will still be able to eat your favorite foods but in portions.  I was bad yesterday.  One of the girls birthday was yesterday and I did eat a piece of macnut cream pie (I don't dump) it was so so go however I didn't want another piece.  I did take the smallest piece.  Before I would eat 2 of the biggest pieces.

Life is great!!!

Congrads on getting a date.  I went through a lot of emotions such as yours.  I am a nurse and had myself all worried and doubting my decisions.   I think that what your are going through is normal and a great way for you to really get in touch with your feelings.  My final straw was when I was so faithful on weigh****chers ( I am talking sainthood here) and lost 2 lbs in one month and then my blood sugar went up and I had to start taking Metformin.   I can honestly say that Dr. Fowler and his team are the best in the state and I am so glad that I had the surgery.  I have lost about 37 lbs, am off the Metformin, and feel excellent.   I hope this helps and good for you for taking care of you and putting in the research and working through your feelings.  Sara

I firmly believe this is a decision only you can make.  You are the one that will have to be willing to change your life.  People say this is the easy way out.  Those are the uneducated ones.  For us that have had WLS, we all know it doesn't  just come off.  We all have struggles adjusting but, it's what we chose for whatever reasons.  Some because of comorbidities, some because of years of yo yo dieting and feel there's no way to get a grip on things.

Just like you, I feel I am a strong person in every aspect in my life except my weight.  I have lost the weight on my own twice and each time gained it back plus more.  That made me feel more like a failure.  To put in the hard work to lose it but can't keep it under control.  I finally came to the realization that I need help and I can't "control" everything in my life especially my weight.

Look deep inside yourself and take the time to decide if this is something you really want to do.  You'll know.  Once I decided, everything moved full force ahead and I never looked back.  I was afraid of the surgery yes, but not my decision.

Good luck to you...............this is a life altering journey!!!

Thank you, you totally know how I feel and have had the same journey as me when it comes to life and weight.  You're right, I can't control everything...an easy concept I can live with!  I'm ready, I'm excited and I'm not looking back!  Thank you again, I'm so glad you are all out there to help me!