Should I have WLS?

Okay....I'm BRAND NEW to the site and to WLS.  I went to Dr. Kuwada about a year ago to begin the process.  At the time, my insurance required me to do 6 months of doctor supervised weight loss.  I tried it with the group there at Kuwada's office but it became to hard for me to coordinate it with my work schedule so I had a "slip" - plus the holidays came up .  I then began working with my Primary doctor which brings us up to today.  My company just recently changed our insurance and my new policy does not require the 6 mos of weight loss.  All I need is the dietician and psych consult along with a few other test.  SO....within a couple months I could potentially be scheduling surgery.  That means NOW I need to really think this through.  My overal concern is eating afterwards (besides the risk of the surgery).  I'm concerned that I haven't been able to follow through on other diets or "lifestyle changes" what if I can't do it this time!  Will my life after WLS be filled with depression because everyone around me is eating what they want and I've only got 1 cup of food!  I have over 100 lbs to lose and I'm on the borderline with diabetes and high blood pressure so I do need to do something - and soon, but I'm just so afraid that I will fail at this too! 

For those of you who have done it - by the way I'm looking at Lap Band - how is your relationship with food now?  Do you have the same struggles or are they easier?

Thanks!

K

If your are already doubting your ability to commit to the lifestyle changes of WLS, then it is probably not for you.  If you are in a group that is eating it will be more about self control.  They cannot force you to eat.  You need to look at the long term effects that being overweight is having on your body and health.  You will always have struggles with food and WLS is not a quick fix or permanent solution it is only a tool to help you.  You have to use it in that way.

I guess then I don't understand why so many people do WLS.  If they can commit to the lifestyle change after WLS, why couldn't they do it before?  What changed?

My problem with food is I HATE planning for it.  I HATE cooking it.  And I HATE having to stop what I'm doing to go get it.  Its a burdeon to me!  I go all day without eating until I'm started then I have one big meal for the day and its usually full of fat.  Sweets and such don't affect me.  I can live with them or without them. 

When I was pregnant (both times), I weighed 20 - 25 lbs LESS after they were born than I did they day I got pregnant.  The reason is being pregnant forced me to eat.  If I didn't eat, I would get sick.  I guess I was hoping that the Lap Band would do the same thing.  I wouldn't be able to work through lunch because my body would force me to go get something to eat or get sick.  OR don't eat something because it will make me sick.  I'm definitely not looking for a quick fix, but I am looking for something that hopefully force me to do it.

K,
I will respond to your question tomorrow got to go feed DH and myself BTW we are having my homemade pizza but I only can handle one slice.....I am totally happy with my one slice.
Is wls a good thing to do well... I was 680lbs at one time and my answer is YES it has been a blessing.
I will write more in the morning.
                                                      Annie

I will start with saying that with any weight loss surgery I think people have their doubts whether this will work.

I would highly suggest you look at all weight loss procedures before you decide on one surgery. Make sure you truly understand the commitment to each one.

With all that said I did choose the lap band. I have to be honest I have not been totally 100% dedicated to the diet and that is probable why I have only lost 36 pounds in 6 months. You do have to be totally committed to the correct food choices. If you can't be I would suggest you looking at other surgeries.

The lap band only allows you 2-3 oz of protein and 1/2 cup of veggies or fruit and then occasionally a starch.

I do have a co worker who has surgery September 10 and she has only lost 40 pounds since surgery. 56 total.

I do struggle with food choices-making sure I am eating solid protien and not doing liquids or slider foods. That is probable the hardest thing for me.

Tamara

K,
I, too, wondered if I would be able to handle this change.  I mean, think about it, your whole life as you know it will be completely different if your life has revolved around food like mine did.  I had RNY and am 6 months out.  I've lost 80lbs from my highest weight, 68 since surgery.  I have had very few problems and would recommend it to anyone.

I think that as I went through the process of the appointments, my mindset changed from wondering if I could do this to deciding to do this.  I became this person who was determined to succeed and I have never felt that way about anything.  I think you have to come to that point.  Now, that's not to say that you're never going to have doubts.  There are still times when I go to Wendy's with a friend and I get my chili and she's sitting across from me having a Baconator and bacon/cheese potato.  I think to myself "Just one bite" but after a few bites of chili I don't even think about it anymore.  I'm so full by that time just the thought of something else turns me off. 

I haven't always made perfect choices.  I'm starting to eat more carbs than I should.  My perfect snack right now is 3 ritz with cream cheese and blackberry allfruit.  Yum!  But I eat those three and I'm done. 

You have to ask yourself what your purpose is for doing this.  If it's so that you can avoid those nasty diseases and be a healthier person and live longer then you're on the right track.  Granted one of my reasons was to be small once in my life but that was at the end of the list. 

Hope I've helped a little.  If you'd like to talk more, pm me.

Ginny

I agree with you cracklemom.  I had my surgry in january and I have not regretted it.  I've been sick a couple of times because I ate to fast but even then I have not regretted it.  Food does not have a hold on me anymore.  Do I want to eat a big steak and baked potato along with salad and dessert?  Well, YEAH!!!!!!!!  But like you said, after a few bites of something it's, "no thank you, I don't want anymore".  I love the way I look and feel.  I just got back home from California yesterday and traveled  by plane.  Not only could I walk through the airports without even thinking about it, I could sit in the plane seat, fasten my seat belt and cross my legs.  And to top it off the guy next to me tried to pick me up.  My life has changed in the last few months and only for the better.

The best thing is I'm off my diabetic medication and high blood pressure meds.  No meds for me now.

It's been great.

Deborah

My story is pretty much just like Deborah.   Same time as her surgery.  No regrets.  Off the meds.  Love it love it.  Funny she mentioned the steak and baked potato.  About 3 months out, I cooked for family.  Made steak, baked potatoes and salad.  I figured if I had a little of each I would be fine.  Well.. evidently I didn't understand what "little" meant.  Boy did I regret it.  I know now it was not what I ate, but how much.  That is the only time I get sick so its not the surgery fault.. its my own. 

KDS

Eating healthy and exercise has been part of my daily plan for many years, but I'm still at least 100 Lbs overweight. For years, I discounted the WLS option because I thought I could do it on my own. About 7 or 8 months ago I realized that I needed help in remaining true to my commitment.

So here I am...basically in the same place you are. I just finished the 6 month medically managed weight loss program that my insurance requires. I had my first visit with the surgeon, and I have the psych, nutrition, and diagnostic testing all scheduled. Like you, on occasion I wonder if all this is right for me. In my case, I chose RNY. The change will be profound. Though my husband supports any decision I make, he still worries that I'll regret some of the things I'll no longer be able to participate in, such as having the occasional glass of port or wine with him. We also like to go out to dinner each week, enjoying different ethnic foods. 

Yes, these are things I think about. But I also know that there are more important issues to worry about. These things include the arthritis, BP, and cholesterol problems, as well as the diabetes I've lived with all my life (I'm Type 1, but that didn't stop the weight gain). I know that the diabetes will not be "cured", but weight loss will certainly improve my health status and insulin needs. I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm ready to take the next step in my commitment.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that we all have to find the right solution to address our self image and overall health. I believe it's a very personal decision, and one that has to feel right and make sense. I know that I'm not yet on the other side of WLS and I may know not of what I speak. I just wish you the best in whatever decision you make.

Good Luck

All ~

Thank you for your feedback.  My reasoning is 100% health!  I have 2 little girls (8 and 3) and I'm a single Mom.  I'm on 2 different types of blood pressure meds, on diabetes meds (for PRE-diabetes, but I think I'm a little further along that PRE!), arthritis med and acid reflux.  I can't play with my girls because I'm either too exhausted or in too much pain because my body aches.  I don't join in on some activities because of my weight - amusement rides, canoeing.  I love to ride horses, but now I have to use steps to get on - how embarrassing!  I'm also paranoid if the horse is going to be big enough.  We just recently went camping and met some nice folks there.  They invited us to their camper for smores.  I did everything in my power to avoid going over there.  It was to the point that my bf was embarrassed.  Guess what my fear was???  That their lawn chairs wouldn't hold me!  So....my motivation is 1) stay healthy AND alive for my girls and 2) be able to re-engage in society.  Physical appears is just an added bonus.  I'm 5'9"-ish so I carry my weight very well.  Most people would be shocked if they knew how much I really weighed.  My bf loves me just the way I am and he's not going any where.  He loves me whether I'm fat or skinny.  To be honest, I will probably be more attractive to him in my current state than I will be post-WLS when I have all of this excess skin!

I feel like my reasons are right on track.  I don't associate food with emotions so I don't think I have some underlying emotional issues that are just being masked.  I just have the fear that my life will some how be less fulfilling afterward.  I'm afraid I will feel like I've been cheated out of something just because i couldn't get off my lazy but and do it on my own!  I remember feeling that way when I was put on the diabetes meds.  You would have thought that would have motivated me!  Noooo....I was angry that I had to be mindful of what I put in my mouth when everyone else just ate what they wanted.

Thanks for listening!  I know I sound a little rambling, but that's how I get when I'm trying to make big life changing decisions.