When did you know the moment was right????

Hello as you all know I have not made the big jump to do the wls yet. I am curious when and what made you all decide to make the jump.. I spoke to several doctors offices yesterday and requested lapband and realize band info... I am at a point where I dont know if I am ready to take the plunge.. I need help I feel so darn crazy......I know you all can help...Thanks in advance for your support..

                                                                          Julie

Hi Julie,

I went around and around with myself for a few years about whether or not I was going to have WLS.  When I couldn't stick with another round of Weigh****chers and was on 11 prescriptions per day, I knew it was time and that I needed to suck it up and do it...or die early.  From that time on there wasn't even a second thought!

Heather

That sounds like my life Heather!  I still sometimes try to convince myself that I don't need anything as drastic as WLS but then I think about the meds and the long life that I'd like the chance to live, and I just know WLS is the only way I will ever get this weight off. 

I will tell you the truth.  If you can't make the decision, you are probably not ready.  The surgery is not a cure-all and it will still take commitment to "walk the walk" after you have had the surgery. 

I decided that I couldn't wait until I lost a limb or sight due to my uncontrolled diabetes.

Julie -

I'd been overweight my whole life.....in fact, my first memory of school involves being teased by a student......IN KINDERGARTEN.  So I grew up obese, with all of the heartache and drama that entails.  Not being able to run and play like other kids, not having a lot of dates (although I was blessed with a lot of good friends), not having a lot of self-esteem, etc.

Until I was 30, I was the "healthiest" fat person you could find.  Then.......high blood pressure set in, sleep apnea was causing me problems during my commute, depression was making me a constantly irritable ***** my legs hurt, my hips hurt, and I was borderline insulin resistant (a precursor to Type II diabetes).

The final straw came when I realized I could not fit on rides with my niece and nephew.  Right then and there, I decided to do something about it.  Thus began my research and consults, eventually leading me to DVR's door and down the wls path.

Please take this in the spirit it's intended:  I personally believe you're going about this the wrong way.  I feel like you should decide if you want to have wls at all, and then go to info sessions, listen to what the doctors and other patients say, pick a surgeon, set up a consult and LISTEN to him when he suggests which type of surgery you should have.  They are the experts.  I have to say, I'm always taken aback when you say, "I want to have the lapband that way if I fail, I'll have RNY to fall back on."  That is absolutely wrong.  You need to approach ANY type of surgery like it's going to work.  By saying what you do, you're setting yourself up for failure, as many of us have done with diet programs in the past. 

Don't get me wrong, it's not bad that you're coming here for advice, but only a surgeon can/will take into account your present health, any comorbidities that you have (including some you may not be aware of), and what your "triggers" are, i.e., volume eating, binge eating, carbs, sweets, etc. 

As you've read, it's a long, sometimes frustrating process.  But since you need to look at it as a last-ditch effort to save your life, you need to take it seriously.  If you want to lose this weight and you've tried everything else (as you've stated you have), then this MAY be the right choice for you.  But it has to be your choice and FOR you - no one else.

Hugs,

Tia

Tia, I too was picked on so bad in school then even into Jr and Sr. High school. I know I want the surgery but am so damn scared.. I dont want the weight to take me away from my life. I have also been a healthy fat person too. I know worry and want to make a change... My legs hurt knees and back too... I love amusement parks and can remember when I could do things. I really miss that...I have some books on wls and will read them while camping... I will take you als advice and make an appt. with several different suregons and hear their advice. I will then make a decision... I know this is not a fix all but I see wls as a tool and know it is hard work... I see how everyone still has struggles and ups and downs.....Thanks for your honesty....

                                                                                   Julie

Julie -

Reading the books is a good way to gain some info, but keep in mind that ANYONE can write ANYTHING they want.  Remember, too, that everyone is different, thus, their results will be different too.

Don't overwhelm yourself with too many surgical choices right yet - pick two for now and see what happens. 

Tia

Tia I think this has given me the push I need.. I am scared of doctors as I have always been judged for being FAT.... I will pick 2 docs and get my fat ass in gear...
                                                                              Julie

Well, in a perverse way, bariatric surgeons are HAPPY you're fat - it's their life!!!!  Don't worry, it'll be fine.

Keep in mind that NO doctor should make you feel bad.  Should that happen, walk yourself right on out of there!!!!

Tia

I thought about it for years, my PCP thought I was a good fit and could get rid of my high blood pressure and at least reduce my diabetes meds if I lost weight.  After years of trying, she thought I needed to explore WLS.  I resisted until I gained about 90lbs in a year.  I started having problems with my periods and a OB/GYN put me on a hormone supplement called Megase.  The weight was piling on but I FELT good.  And then after 8 months on it, I went to the doctor to learn I was now over 400lbs.  I had been at the 300 mark since I was in high school.  I was devestated.

That was the point I knew SOMETHING was going to have to be done.  I learned to live with my period (I have bled lightly at least 4-5 days a week for the past year since I droped the hormone.) and started dieting but wasn't getting more than 4 pounds off before the next wave of overwhelming cravings would hit, and I would gain back 5-6...  After talking to my closest family members and my husband I decided to attend a seminar, and get the process started.

It took me almost 15 months to get my stuff ready, get approved and get my PCP supervised diet done, but I did it, and am not looking back!