Questions...questions...questions...

I am considering having surgery and just need someone to talk to about it. I am just not sure if it is a good option for me, but really want hear about it from people who have gone through it... the pros/ cons, etc... If anyone is willing to write me, I will even give out my number to chat. Like I said, I am looking intothe surgery and just wanting to talk with someone. Thank you for any help.

Hi Bill! Welcome to the Iowa boards - a very friendly place. I saw in your profile that you are an elementary school principal. I am an elementary school special education teacher. (I just happen to be home today with a sick toddler). This surgery is definitely a journey and a life-changing event. It provides a tool (a keyword that you will hear over and over again) for us to use as we develop healthy lifestyles. It is a lot of work - but the end results are well worth it, in my opinion. I weigh less now than I did in 8th grade and am loving almost every part of it. I can run with my kids now. I can work out at the gym 4-6 times a week and participate in classes such as cross training that I never thought I would be able to do. I can ride roller coasters with my children and climb on the playground equipment. I can sit on my hubby's lap and he can even pick me up. All of those things are wonderful! As for some of the cons - well, the obvious would be the surgery such as a tummy tuck that I would like to have eventually. Also, I am still dealing with some food challenges such as working to not snack. I thought that those things would just be "healed" with the surgery, but I have to work to keep those old habits at bay and need help and support in my efforts. That's one reason why I post on here. Between support from folks on here, friends that have had surgery, my hubby and psychologist, I will continue to be successful in this journey. Once again, welcome to a friendly place. Post often, ask questions and read a lot. Remember, we're here for you! God bless, Andrea

Thank you for your note. I am still wondering about all the "stuff" involved with the new lifestyle change... food, etc... Was it tough? What do you have to give up? etc... -B

I worked really hard before surgery to give up the stuff I needed too - soda, sugar, bread, drinking with meals. It makes life much easier after surgery if you already have begun the changes. The biggest challenge for me was the size of bite I took and eating slowly. After 10 months, I think I've finally learned to slow down and not to gulp, because I really hate to throw up. The biggest change is for about the first six months. After that, you try old foods and find out what works and what doesn't. The key is everything in moderation and making smart choices. Just because you can eat chips and not get sick doesn't mean you should. Same goes for sugar. You have to be smart about what you are doing. You have to use the "tool" the surgery has given you. It isn't easy but you can do it. People will say you are taking the easy way out. Not true. This will be one of the biggest challenges of your life. You have to be committed to doing what the surgeon's program is. If he says stand on your head for 5 minutes a day, then do it (just kidding)! He knows what works. Obviously, we don't since we haven't figured it out without the help of surgery. After a while, you will be able to eat most of the normal, healthy foods. Just in a lot smaller portions. Hope this helps. Be sure to ask all the questions you can think of. We are all at different stages in our jouney, so someone should be able to answer. Lyn 262/159/142

Welcome Bill You've come to the right place for support. Please read profiles to help you understand better also. Ask away on any questions or comment on anything we are here to help & support you. Carolyn