Biggest Loser on Discovery channel/Oprah

Laura - I have found that my mindset developed as I was going through my pre-op process.  There's always a little tiny piece of me that wants to believe that WLS is the be-all, end-all of my problems, but I'm a realist, and the other 99% of me knows better.  It's one reason why I'll never say to a person who is trying to lose weight to just "have the surgery."

I found that coming here and going to support groups and education prior to surgery, as well as speaking to tons of people who had "been there" and "done that" helped me to realize that the Surgery wasn't the Cure.  It was a took in helping me get the where I needed to be.  I spoke to all my doctors as well, and realized that as long as I was on 5 shots of insulin a day, I'd never lose the weight - the insulin I was on actually prevents people from losing the weight.  I was in a Catch 22 - I had to lose the weight to get off the insulin, but as long as I was on the insulin, I'd never be able to lose the weight.

I also know myself - I know that I have to use  my tool in order to get the most out of it.  I know that I have the capability of backsliding and going right back up to where I'd been before.  I've seen failed surgery first hand - a woman at work had 3 surgeries...the day she was hospitalized and put on permanent disability, she was right back up to 400 pounds.  I don't want that to be me.

Weightloss is a hideous horrible struggle.  I think the WLS mindset develops as you going along through the process and learn.  I also feel that I need to constantly seek out support, learn my triggers, and constantly educate myself so that I never feel too "comfortable" with the process.

Do I feel this is something you have to have before hand...not necessarily, but I think it does help to go into surgery without blinders on.  You have to know yourself, and know that this isn't going to be a magic bullet.  I'm only nine weeks out from surgery, but I'm 8 months into the education process - I find my six months prior to surgery were valuable because I worked with my nutritionist and behavioral therapist to develop healthy eating habits before surgery. 

And for the record, I think you will do just fine.

Thank you Bernice! You advice is always so well put together and thought out. Thanks for taking the time. I find more and more that as the preparation months go by, my mindset changes a little bit each month. For the better of course. Especially in regards to the "cure all" myth and even worse...the  dreaded  "easy way out" myth.

I just visited a hepatologist today (I have a liver disease that is extremely aggravated by obesity) and I feel like my mindset again has evolved. I'm more resolved than ever that I will succeed with this great effort. I have to.

I am definitely going to see about attending the support meetings starting ASAP. I believe they are required after wards, but not before and my meeting with the NUT have all been 1 on 1.

Thanks so much for your vote of confidence!!!

I grilled my doctors about this surgery - all of them.  My cardiologist was my biggest cheerleader and really gave me the lowdown on my surgeon, his experience with his surgery, and his feelings towards any complications I might have experienced...he's thrilled with my progress (I had my f/u with him today).

You know, that "easy way out" myth really ticks me off.  I worked my butt off to even be able to get approved for surgery, and every single day is a struggle - I plan plan plan everything - right down to what I drink.

Someone tells me that I'm taking the easy way out, I'll bust them in the chops.

I am going to have a hard time with anyone that floats that "easy way out" BS past me!!

Let's just say for a hot second we WERE taking the easy way out...which we're not - that's ignorance: What's to be applauded about struggling needlessly or "taking the hard road" if you have other options? Not to say that hard work in weight loss isn't always hard, first of all, but second of all...what are these people really trying to say? That obese people should just stay that way and be ashamhed and not try and lose the weight and get healthy ANY WAY WE CAN? Pish Posh...they are just haters.

Ok, I've been thouroughly spanked for my zealous nature and my desire to talk at the TV.  I had only seen the previews and was not aware when I wrote that that he was way not ready. Probably not even ready to lose weight at all.  I am aware of the struggles ahead, that this isn't a quick fix or for everyone I am just so happy in the 6 short days since I had mine that I could shout from the roof.  Laura knows where I'm coming from and I too appreciate everyones help and opinions. That's how we learn.  As my hubby said tonight I'd probably eat a turd on a stick because I am dying for some "real food", just to chew.  Only another 48 hrs till mushys!! 

Kelly

Thanks for allowing me to hi-jack your post Kelly! 

Anytime girl!