new to this group

I have really, really, really been considering gastric bypass surgery. Of course, I have only found a few people that give me any positive feedback about it. I have been miserable for way too long. I am at least 100 lbs overweight. I have had both knees replaced. I have severe sleep apnea and use a c-pap. I am always depressed and unmotivated. Does this sound familiar to anyone? My husband constantly says to me that if I don't fix the problem of why I got this way that I will eventually just gain the weight back that I lose. He is not alone in this thought. Many have said the same thing to me. Does anyone have anything they could share with me on this? I want a new life.....Gail

Are you sure you aren't me? I have had all of those issues mose of my life. I haven't had problems with my knees, but I have with my hips. The pain gave me even more of a reason to sit around and get fatter. I haven't taken my antidepressant since my surgery 6 weeks ago. My moods have been great. This surgery has already given me a new life. Aime

Hi Gail, Welcome I'm a regular on this board although I've been missing in action the past week or so. I understand about the thought that if you don't fix what made you that way to begin with you run the risk of regaining what you lose. First, this surgery is not a fix for the "head" - they operate on your stomach/intestines not your head. That being said, this surgery gives you the ability to lose weight (let alone the fact that it usually comes off much more quickly than if you did not have the surgery). I think for those of us that are morbidly obese (or formerly MO) we do need to take a hard look at why we overeat and how we got to be MO. Many go to counseling to get a handle on it. In reading the boards enough, you'll see the term "head hunger". Which typically refers to the compulsion/craving to eat when there is no actual hunger. We all struggle with it. However, after losing 129lbs in 11 months and not being able to eat the huge amounts of food that I used to (on those infrequent occasions where I stray, I can't eat that much). I feel that I have a handle on this. When I made the decision to have the surgery I knew my eating/life would change drastically and it has. I just feel so good that I'm no longer a slave to food anymore because my tool won't let me overeat. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat. My only regret is that I did not do this 10 years ago. The decision to have WLS is a very personal one. Just do your research, ask questions and you'll be able to make the best decision for you. Let us know. Take Care, Terry

Hi Gail, You are in the right place to ask questions and gather information, both positive and negative. You will find a lot of people out there that will emphasize the negative .. the things that can go wrong .. the people who die from WLS, etc. Here on the OH boards there will be more positive stories and support .. as well as some negativity, but you will get a much more fair picture of the reality of WLS. WLS is not a magic solution, there is still work involved to lose the weight and keep it off. Prior to surgery you will need to have a psych evaluation ... When I had my psych eval .. it was explained to me that the purpose was to not so much get to the root of WHY I was fat, but to be sure that I understood the surgery and that I was prepared to do what was needed AFTER surgery. Gastric bypass gives you a tool for life and living .. what you do with it is your choice. Best wishes on your WLS journey. Hugs, Mo

I'm about a week. Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of good information here. Nadine O.