Hello

Hi there, I have been stalking the forum for last few weeks and decided it was time to join.  The start of my WLS journey wasn't that long ago and I have been interested in reading about what other people have had to go through.  I will be honest up until June WLS wasn't even on my radar.  I went to a surgeon about another matter who suggested I consider it.  I thought about it and decided I was interested in looking into it. I was then referred to the Bariatric network at at the end of July and had follow up call last week from to finish the questionnaire and then received my orientation date (August 31) in the mail today!! I was shocked as I was expecting to have more time to process what is going on.  Right now I am still a little in shock that I have made this decision.  I guess I have a few questions for those of you veterans out there: 1) How did you know you made the right decision? 2) In the letter with my orientation date it suggests you bring someone else with you, do you have to?  3) How did you tell people that you made this decision?

Oh and I have been referred to St. Joe's in Hamilton. 

Welcome and thank you for not stalking us anymore! ;)

First, going to an orientation doesn't mean you're committing to anything. At any time, you can put a halt or pause in your process so that you have enough time to mentally prepare yourself for all of this. And, I encourage you to do just that until you are truly ready to move forward.

1) How did I know? I was severely morbidly obese with a BMI o**** had sleep apnea, medicated for high blood pressure, couldn't walk a block without terrible pain in my knees, legs and back, was pre-diabetic... and I was not-so-slowly dying at the ripe old age of 38. I had tried every diet known to man and could not lose a pound. I was DONE. Surgery was the bomb to my system that allowed me a "do over and do it right". I had surgery 9 1/2 years ago, started at 290 pounds and today I weigh 120 pounds, all co-morbidities gone. Right decision.

2) It's nice to bring a loved one along for support and an extra pair of eyes/ears for all of the information. But it's not a "must".

3) My decision to have surgery was nobody's business. My body, my business. But I do get what you're asking - the people I had to discuss this with were my parents and they were very resistant to the idea at first. They were scared and of course had heard horror stories on TV, etc.  I sat them down for a heart-to-heart, explained my challenges with my health, explained the bariatric program, bragged all over my gifted surgeon... and ultimately, asked for their understanding and support. Asking for help goes a long way with people who love and care about you. :)

Hi Rachelle

Welcome!!  I also went through St Joes Hamilton.

1) I knew I couldn't continue dieting and regaining the way I had been all my life.  Years of counseling - battling depression and anxiety, low self esteem and a just being exhausted and sick of merely existing in my own life.  I was lucky enough not to have any major health complications.......but I knew being in my forties my days were numbered!!!

2) orientation is just an info session where they describe the process.  They try to give you the knowledge to decide if this is something you want to go forward with or not.  You don't require someone to go with you....although it is nice.

3) My process was approx. 18 mths.... And for a long time, I kind of thought the day may never come. ( the waiting is hard).  I have told very few people at this point ( 5wks post op) my boyfriend and a few close friends.  I may share more as time goes on but for now.......I don't feel the need.

If you are still feeling  unsure right now.........do your research ( like you are right now) and I'm sure after the orientation you will feel more confident whether you want to continue.  I understand that this has came at you quite quickly so far, but don't worry the wait begins after orientation - last I heard it was 8-9 mths so you will have plenty of time to take it all in.   

Hi there.  Good for you for reaching out to get feedback from others.  I am "in the process" and wondering the same things as you although I am close to getting a surgery date.  I have been battling with "second thoughts" and understand that is natural.  All the fears that I think about are far outweighed with the fact that I am morbidly obese and have all the medical problems that goes along with that.  Every time I think to myself, I can't do this, I instantly remember how bad my health is; diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, cholesterol etc. and I can't stand living with this any longer and when I say living, I mean existing.  It's at this point, that I say to myself, I have made the right decision.  It's great to read all the success stories of people in the forums and I look forward to being "one of them" in the not too distant future.  I hope your decision is not too difficult to reach.  Just keep reading...

Welcome to what can possibly end up being the best decision of your life. I'm 6 months post op and it has been the best for me for sure! WLS was not on my radar and was seeing a surgeon about an unrelated issue and that's where I suggested it. Weight loss will help in so many ways, I can't count. Most importantly the recovering of whatever other surgery you may need. To answer your questions, here's my feedback:

1- I knew I made the right decision after i started the process. Honestly, I was skeptical about WLS before I truly understood and knew what it was all about. My other health issue was not related to high blood pressure, heart, diabetes or any weight related issues........BUT i knew they were coming if I didn't do something

2- I did not bring anyone with me. I keep this private, except for my very small circle of family and a couple of friends

3- telling ppl is a choice, a choice I made to mostly keep to myself

Good luck!

Welcome, rachelle.

my process began January  2015 Also by an unexpected referral. Im36 and suffer from many obesity- related illnesses. These can be prevented if I stick up fornmyself, decide I am worth it . And commit to this.

wls is by no means an easy tool, but it's the best one we have.

1)I ask myself this everyday. Then I ask myself if the other option --doing nothing and gaining 5 to 10 pounds a year-- is better. I always come back to WLS. You can lose weight and keep it off, but not for life.

2) I bring my husband. I think orientation and nutrition classes world be helpful because they give you a lot of info --4 ears are better than 2. But totally not necessary. It helps them see that there is someone who can care for you. But hey-- sometimes that person has a day job.

3) you will get very different responses on this. For me, it was a personal choice. Akin to... Who would I tell I has breast cancer or list a child? So far only my husband knows.we are going to tell the others when I have a surgery date (just to be sure). U there are very simple ways of saying I've completely revamped my outlook on food, diet, and nutrition. And you can tell more as the convo profpgres

Hi Rachelle,

Welcome to the board.  It can be a lot to process, but take your time.  You'll be the only one to know if and when you are ready.

1)  The first time I heard about the surgical option, I didn't know much and it scared me, so I ended up trying WW or something once again.  Didn't work as well as I needed.  Then when I came back from my second Mat Leave, there was a new person in the section, and he was off because he was going through the process (at that time in the states). He really believed in it.  And thought I should go through it.  I didn't right away, as I was still not sure.  I did mentioned it to my Dr. who wasn't overly supportive. But then my weight kept going up and I couldn't stop it.  So I went back to my Dr. and asked for a referral to the WLC.  From there, I went for surgery.  WW didn't work for me, and I couldn't afford the program.  I was ready for it, and my mind was set.  The hard part was the waiting.  I already knew that I needed something to give me a kick start, and this is what I needed.

2).  You can bring someone with you, if you miss something, they may have caught it, but it isn't necessary.  It is a good opportunity to have someone you want to support you to understand the whole process better, and have them get their questions answered.

3).  I just told a couple people close to me.  And a couple co-workers who had gone through the process.  I didn't tell more than a couple people when, but got caught by those who knew where I was headed when I started the Opti.  I didn't mind.  There were others that I expected negative feedback from, who I didn't tell until I had to.  But basically, for those you want to tell right away, just tell them that you know that you need to change your lifestyle, and that you are going through this process to gain a tool to help you do that.

You can stop or stall this process at any time if you are not sure about it.  It's better to do this when you are ready.

Cathy