Share with us!

Just some random questions:

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS?

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op?

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS?

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made?

1) When I couldn't fit on the BIG slide with my daughter.
2) PRE: portion sizes, giving up caffeine
   POST: foamies, finding foods that agreed
3) That I would be the one it didn't work on! That it would change who I am.
4) When I was able to play and be an active mom with my kids.

Have a great weekend!
HUGS!

Not up to answering the questions just now, but did want to say.......cute dog!   

I'll play along!

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS?

3 years ago, I got involved with Fairview Southdale WLS and was all psyched up to have surgery.  My insurance mandated a 6 month medically supervised weight loss attempt.  That gave me a lot of time to think while I was trying to lose weight.  Well, I had some success then and decided I could do it on my own.  Well, in May 2008, 40 lbs heavier whan when I started three years ago, I decided enough was enough.  I was at the point where everything hurt like heck, my clothes choices were extremely limited, and I only felt like sitting in my chair at home.  I had RNY on 8/18/08 and will NEVER look back!

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op?
The biggest struggle for me pre op was getting myself mentally ready for surgery.  I was kinda wierded out about dying on the table and probably went overboard making things were in order, etc.  It wasn't a bad idea though.  I also had to lose 20 lbs before surgery per my surgeon and that was kinda challenging.

I really haven't had too many struggles since surgery.  The thing that is kind of wierd is my shrinking body.  Now, I have been at my current weight of 338 before, but getting under 300-275-250 will be new territory for me as an adult.  THAT will be wierd!

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS?
Honestly, dying.  I remembered words my pastor had shared with my when I told him that I was having surgery.  I was literlly scared to death.  But, I felt so comforted by the surgical staff at Fairview SD that I was just fine.  I do not fear anymore not that surgery is all over.  I know, irrational!!:)

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made?  Even at 338 lbs, no where near my goal, I feel so much better and have so much more energy.  WOW!

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS?
When all the embarrassing moments and aches & pains added up

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op?
pre-op...eating nothing, exercising like crazy and not losing an ounce   post-op...it's been quite easy (fingers crossed)

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS?
Now is when I read posts of long term vitamin deficiencies or intestinal blockages

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made?
I hate to say it...every day when I look in the mirror and am no longer ashamed

Thanks - great questions!!

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS?
It was when I hit above 300lbs. I saw 304 on the scale and cried... and knew it was time.

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op?
Pre-op: Exercise, not craving carbs
Post-op: Exercise, lol, and trying to get used to tiny portion sizes

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS?
Just like you... that the surgery wouldn't work for me (especially because I have PCOS).

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made?
When I could look down at my body and feel calmness and joy... also when I could wear a shirt without having it ride up and reveal my belly. I LOVE it.

1) my "wake up" was when both ankles collapsed and rolled in on me at the same time resulting in one being broken and the other severly sprained.  Although the doctors said it was a fluke,in my mind you couldn't tell me it wasn't somehow weight related!

2) Biggest struggle pre op & post op - having to leave certain friendships behind.

3) Biggest Fear - what if I still can't get it together and gain this back.

4) best moment - now at one year out ..............realizing that it is all within my control if I make the right choices

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS? At age 36- Avoiding activities that made me feel uncomfortable, not being able to walk down 1 flight of stairs without my knees being in agony, and finally being diagnosed as diabetic

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op? Portion control

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS? Not being able to ever eat the foods I love again

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made? Many!-
Being with my daughter and Hubby at Valleyfair and riding rides I had avoided for 10+ years because I had to get off the "octopus" ride when the bar did not go down (Humiliating!)
Walking through the Valley Fair turn style "normally" not having it squeeze my butt! I was so happy I told my daughter and we laughed for 5 minutes! It was great!
And honestly- looking in the mirror everyday and seeing the real me! Having friends, family and associates tell me how awesome I look and how proud they are of me- because it is still hard work and I AM Proud of myself!

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS?
When my sister said to me, "I don't want you to die before me."

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op?
Pre- walking without getting short of breath.
Post- being faitful to not eating junk (new struggle).

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS?
That I wouldn't be sucessful.

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made?
There are different things I realize everyday. The most recently exciting was being able to enjoy Valley Fair again (fitting on rides, walking, etc.).

This was fun!!! Thanks Sandy. Congrats on your sucess!!!

Hugs,

Lori

 

1) When I woke up feeling tired and feeling like crud...the end of the day was obviously even worse. I decided my kids deserved better than that.

2) Pre op..eating when I am bored, not a huge junk food fan, but things like grabbing a ham sandwich because I had nothing better to do.
    Post op...getting in all the protein , it's getting easier though!

3)  Dying and leaving my kids without a mother. I felt like this was a choice, I really didnt HAVE to do it.  But then again...I really did. I don't have one regret.

4) I am still only 6 weeks post op...but little things like my daughter saying " you go up and down the stairs so fast now"  I feel much more active--even though I am still very overweight. Cant wait to see what another -50 feels like.

1) What was your "wake up" moment when you realized you needed WLS?
 Wasn't my decision:  GP who I'd seen for seven years recommended WLS at annual physical March 2006.

2) Your biggest struggle pre or post op?
  No struggles pre-op, just sheer excitement;  post-op, biggest struggle was 'friends' who just did not 'get it'.  And, missing out on so much OH social activity since I don't drive due to optic neuritis.

3) Your biggest fear of having WLS?
    No fear whatsoever!  Had worked at Medica nine years;During 2000, the company announced WLS for any employee who so desired, approval, no questions asked.I attended a support group at Abbott NW for seven months, was scheduled for WLS 12/14/01.  However, awoke 12/02/01 with horrendous vision, was hospitalized and five days later diagnosed with MS.  Figured I wasn't meant to have WLS.  Surprise....my GP of eight years recommended WLS at my annual appointment March 2006.  Attended FVSD info session the following week where I learned I had to be non-smoker for four months.  I immediately got rid of the cartons in the freezer, and had surgery 07/25/06. 

4) Your best moment that made you realize it was the best choice you made?  Having previously attended support group seven months, I was knowledgeable to know it was the best choice my GP made for my better health. A huge pre-op WOW was when I'd omfpr,ed ,y licensed psychylogist about GP's recommendation, and she told me that's her specialty!  We'd established a comfortable rapport in the eighteen months, so her guidance and behavior modification were priceless!  I knew I would succeed.  Was hurtful when people would post, referring to 'someone who's following her program diligently, to the 'T'--reinforced the fact I committen to getting a healty re-birth, and if nothing else, would be the sining example of positive attitude, and my psychologist remains my top support and informational resourcel.

Thank you for this Sandie!  Fun!  Take care of you sweetie...hope your recovery is coming along just fine!  Hugs, Patti