Reintroduction and Vent and Questions..lol

Hi everyone!

My name is Christine and I originally posted, I think late last year or earlier this year.  I have contemplated WLS for some time.  I am in awe of the stories of struggles and triumphs here.  It is very encouraging.  I live in Windsor Mill, near Catonsville and I attended a seminar with Dr. Averbach.  It was very informative and I just knew that at that point I was clear on what I was doing. But I hit a stall.

I know most of the discussions center on stalls with insurance or stalls after the surgery, but have any of you dealt with simply not being sure of which surgery to have?  Or being stuck with wondering if the surgery is the best thing?  Right now as I type, my knees are swollen and are achy, my back hurts and I am a few weeks shy of my birthday.  I know I have to do something.

I've seen a few posts from a WLS forum on yahoo and that frighten me.  These people focus on the negative effects of the surgery, so my other question is, is there a specific section on this site that focuses on success stories 10+ years out?

Lastly, I am completely overwhelmed by the information here..lol.  Are there other questions I should be asking myself?  Issues I should consider as I ponder WLS?  Is there anyone here that can speak to having WLS and Hypothyroidism?

I KNOW this was a mouthful from a 'newbie'.  I appreciate you just reading and if you are inclined to respond, I would be forever grateful!!

Welcome Back, Christine!!! 

If it makes you feel better, you're experiencing thoughts and feelings that most of us have.  I kicked around the idea of having wls for about two years before finally making up my mind to do it.  The straw for me was that I couldn't fit on any rides in OC with my niece and nephew, and it broke my heart.  I was determined that I would - and the following summer, I did!!

WLS is an intensely personal decision - it's fine to want to do it for hubby, kids, grandkids, etc., but ultimately, it has to be all about YOU.

There's a wls surgery grads board, but I don't recall having read (on the rare occasions that I'm there) posts from people beyond 5 years out.  I'm 4 years out, and I will tell you that my one regret is that I didn't do this sooner. 

My surgeon was Dr. David Von Rueden, then at GBMC, now at St. Agnes, and I love the man!  He's a skilled surgeon and a hands-on caregiver.  My approval process was literally complication free, as was my surgery, and although I did develop some gyn issues stemming from the rapid weight loss, it's been a Godsend.

I KNOW you'll get tons of info here, so read through it, take what you need and feel free to post any questions you have!

Hugs,

Tia

yes what she said , no ones decission but yours honey wb and god luck

Hi Christine!

I have struggled with this myself and at this time I have not had the surgery and I am not sure I want to.  I just joined a gym at 410lbs!  I was embarassed but every day I feel better and I think the members there are actually encouraging!

Michelle

HIJAK:

Christine:  Wanted to say, I love your avatar.  I know it's probably a little sad, but my mother used to call me Miss Piggy.  Because she was chubby and fabulous!

Hi Christine and welcome to the Maryland Board.  I honestly cannot add anything to what Tia already wrote but wanted to welcome you back.

Hi,
Welcome to the board... I don't know of anyone active who is that far out from surgery, but you are in the right place to find someone!  You may also want to check out some of the local support groups - there was someone at the last one I attended for Dr. Averbach that was 8 years out...

I myself am am only 4 months out, but I wish I had done it sooner - but like you, I wavered and debated with myself, and then my family before I decided it was what I had to do...

I am down 95 pounds and feel amazingly better!  I can't say it is right or the the wrong decision for you - this is such  personal experience that only you can decide if the good outweighs the possible negatives...

That said - this board will give you the good, the bad and the ugly... we share it all on the MD board, not just the negatives you will see on some of the main boards here...

Whatever you want to know, ask, someone here will tell you just what they went through - but remember, everyone is different - we all have a different journey to weight loss, and a different approach to getting there...

Good luck whatever you decide!  Stick around, if nothing else you will meet a great group here - quite a few of whom have become friends, not just a person on the other side of the world...

Hi Christine,

welcome to the Maryland board.  an active board with many diverse members.

I am pre-op but today I was approved to go to insurance so I'm getting closer....

I don't know about folks ten years out but if you go to the main board I'm sure you can find some long term members.

knowing the negative aspects of the surgery and results is a good thing as it allows you to make an informed choice.

as for deciding whether to have surgery or not,   it' is a personal decision and one that you will make when you are ready.   I thought I wanted Lap Band but then after hearing the seminar and the reasons why RNY is better than LB I agreed that for me   RNY  was and is a better choice  

I wish you luck on this journey.

Hi Christine and Welcome Back!

I am not sure I can really add a lot more than the what others have already said. I just wanted to wish you well on your journey and offer my support as well.

Debbie

Hi sweetie I too went through the balls of emotions and spent way too much time reading the negative. Everyone's journey is different but there is way more POSITIVE about this Journey then there ever will be NEGATIVE! You can do it!!!!! This is a great start. ;o) Good Luck!!!