Still wondering if wls is right...

Hi Everyone,

I'm interested in hearing other people's experience on this...

Like a lot of people who struggle with weight I've been up and down my whole life.  When i'm on track I can lose weight, but after a few months even though i'm doing great I get discouraged and then go back to the bad habits.  I'm currently 238 lbs/5'3.

I'm going to the wharton clinic now and they are also starting me on a path of eating healthily again.  I know that if I follow this plan I WILL lose weight, but i'm afraid what will happen is that i will lose weight, no longer be eligible for WLS and then gain back all the weight and have to start the referral process all over again.

Has anyone else been in this situation?  I'm interested in hearing thoughts.

Thanks,

Just know that if you have surgery and go back to your old habits you will gain the weight back too!!!!!!   Some people fail to realize this fact.  It will only work as long as you follow the rules.......and you can and will gain it back if you don't make this change for life. It's no different than losing weight other ways.  If you go back to old habits..,.,you are done !!!!!

Your mind and want for change has to be 100% for this process  of LOSING then MAINTAINING  it for life.  If you arent totally and entirely confident in  that...... I wouldnt bother with surgery.

Amongst a million other "diet plans" ...I was in with Wharton Hamilton at one time as well.  I found the whole experience with that clinic "uncomfortable".  I did lose some weight but the staff there was very poorly informed and trained  and seemed like everyone hated their job !!!! You could cut the tension with a knife!!!( hopefully it's improved since then)

You have to decide are you REALLY READY ,  ask yourself why you are so worried you will gain it back even before you lose it right now!!!!???

I do understand your dilema.  That was me.  I too lost and regained weight constantly from age16-40.  This was my last resort.  Will I gain it back???  I HOPE NOT!!!!!  This move was drastic and forever in my mind. So I have to live and breathe this life everyday and stay MINDFUL ALWAYS!!!  I CAN'T GO BACK TO MY OLD LIFE..it was miserable!!   I WILL DO WHAT IT TAKES!!!

I think i'm in a bit of denial about needing this surgery.  Kind of like when you're sick and you go to the Dr. but all of a sudden you feel alright...HAHA..

The fact is if I COULD do it on my own, I would have.  I don't want to thinking in 1 year from now or 2 years from now that I should have done the surgery...I'm going to go for it.  And yes, like you i will learn about maintenance and how to adjust my eating.

THANKS for the chat :)

Your welcome 

  It's a really big deal....I'm glad you've put a lot of thought into it.  You will learn so much during the referral and prep phase, .....and of course you will have the opportunity to back out at anytime, but I'm glad that you will be moving forward with the process.

 I wish you well skinny_gigi. 

I hear you...I'm there.

still in the referral stage, and I am also worried that if in once again start restricting my foods, counting calories (and when I can't figure out the calories just not eating at all) I will lose weight.

so.. What if I lose weight, finally get an appointment at the bariatric clinic, and they say "oh sorry you don't weight enough to qualify".  Even though we all know the pounds I lost are just going to come back with more and bring some friends.

i don't have an answer for you and I'm really hoping someone here does.. Just wanted to let you know you weren't alone :)

I've decided to do it.  And by that, I mean I still have a long time in front of me because i hear it takes about 18months or so to go through the whole process.  I don't want to try (again) and then gain it all back.  And you're right, I always gain more.  I think this is the permanent solution i need.  I still need to learn how to maintain - so I will do that going forward and adjust accordingly for the surgery.  I have to lose more than 100 lbs, and the most I've lost ever was 55 lbs before I got really discouraged and the scale started to creep back up.

After losing 50 lbs I felt really GOOD, but the FACT was, I still had to lose 60 lbs more and I got so discouraged...like I would never get there...i need something to help me do it a bit faster, so i can focus on maintaining.  Does that make sense?

I've thought long and hard about it. I also went to Wharton Clinic near etobicoke and I have also lost weight on my own and was on a stale for a while. I was going to the gym twice a day every day of the week  for 3 months and lost 50 pounds. When i stalled the ppl at the gym asked if I had a thyroid issue. And all kinds of mean things. I had no issues other than I'm fat! But I have been doing my research and going to my appointments. I'm now seeing the surgeon this month. It overall took my 7 month in total. I was just determined and ready for this lifestyle change. If you have negative doubts or thought about your bad habits work on them like you said. Make habits now. And then u won't be worried about gaining back cause u are strong minded and ready to completely start a new life. Good luck @skinny_gigi

Which hospital are you through? I'm just so impressed by the 7 month period. 

I'm at TWH (Toronto Western Hospital) They are the main hospital for WLS Humber river Regional is an extremely long wait.

Thanks for the good advice.  Keep us posted on how everything goes!!!