I'm Considering Weight Loss Surgery

Hello!

I agree with all of the poster's comments.  First off, research, research and more research.  It took me several years to finally make the decision to have WLS.  Like most people, I'd lose a significant amount of weight only to gain it plus more back later.  I tried my last diet in 2007 and made the decision & had WLS in 2008.  When I went to Dr. Enoch's seminar, I was bound for lapband.  Even when I had my consult with him, I was still leaning in that direction.  He explained both surgeries to me and said I would do great with either, the decision was ultimately up to me.  At that time, I was pre-diabetic, pre-hypertension, borderline for cholesterol and on and on.  I only wanted to lose 100 lbs though.  He told me that could be achieved with hard work and dedication.  Well once I met with the nutritionist and psychologist, discussed the reasons why I eat, my lack of self control, my family medical history, the fact that my mom passed away at 43 from health issues and on and on, I made the decision to have RNY.  I truly believe this was the best choice for me and it was with the help of Dr. Enoch's office, my nutritionist and the psych evaluation that helped me make one of the best decisions I've ever made. 

The OH family has been an awesome resource, I couldn't have made it this far without their support, wisdom and encouragement.

Deb

Deb,
    Thanks for responding to my posting.  I've thought about WLS for several years too, but kept thinking that "I could do it by myself".  I am good at fixing everyone Else's problems, however I have not been able to fix my weight problem.  I keep saying to myself, " by this time next year I will have lost ,,,,,,pounds".  The years have come and gone and I'm still overweight. 
   I hope that I will be approved by the doctors to have WLS and pray that I am making the correct choice.  If I don't have WLS, I think my life will be cut a lot shorter than I'd like.  I'm so glad that I found this web site and I look forward to sharing my journey with you and others.
    I'll keep you posted and let you know how the meeting goes on Thursday.

Thanks,
Brenda

Hi Brenda - Welcome to the NC forum.  I totally get what you're saying as most of us on here will.  I am so glad and thankful that I had RNY, and my ONLY regret is that I didn't do it sooner.  We all have our "stuff" to work through and figure out, so don't let that discourage you.  I'm more than a year and a half out from surgery and my weight is still trending downward, so it is possible to continue losing for a long time if you stick with the basics.

Good luck to you!

Rhonda, thanks for welcoming me to the forum.  I'm so glad that I've found all of you.  I wish I'd known about this forum a long time ago.   I wish I knew whether to have the lap band or the RNY.  Did you consider the lap band before you had the RNY?  Have you talked to several people who have had the lap band? 

Look forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks,
Brenda

Brenda,

I sent you a message...   I second what everyone has said in reply to your post.  I had my WLS 7 years ago and lost 217 lbs total.  I was type II diabetic, had high blood pressure, high cholestrol, angina type chest pains, bad knees, and my asthma was worse then ever.  The day of my surgery I stopped taking all meds for everything except my asthma, which I still have but it's much better.  If I ever had to have WLS again I would crawl back to my surgeon in a heartbeat.  Like I said in my e-mail, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Everyone on here is very good about supporting each other and answering questions. 

Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

Sheryl

Sheryl,
    I'm so grateful for each and everyone of you that have responded back to me regarding my posting.  I admire each of you and I'm so happy for you all too.  I hope when I have my surgery I can get off of all my medication.  I don't know which WLS I will have yet, guess the doctor will advise me on which one would be best.  
     From what I've read, most of the people on this web site have had the gastric bypass.  Have you talked to many people that have had the lap band?  If so, were they happy with the results?
     I'll let you all know my progress and I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you so much for your encouragement.

Brenda

Hiya Brenda!

Wake Surgical now Rex Surgical also has a fabulous extremely supportive program.  come to a seminar with ANY group and several groups.  Talk to patients.  It is not just the surgeon that matters but the people you will deal with at the office, the support.

Good Luck on your journey

I will call and find out the dates and times for the groups at Rex Surgical and start attending the groups.  I need all the support and education that I can get.  As you know, it's a very big step, but I think that I'm making the right choice.  I'll keep you posted on my journey.

Thanks,
Brenda

How did you surgery and post op go?  I saw on your profile that you had your surgery done on the 21st.  Hope you are doing well and I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts.  Please keep us posted and good luck.

Brenda

Surgery went great.  The recovery is better than I could hope for.  I am off the big drugs and learning how fussy the pouch is......grumble...grumble.

Any questions you have just drop me a PM.  And good luck