may cancel surgery...also posted in my blog

I started this journey last fall when a doctor hit me with the suggestion of WLS. I had never considered it before and when she said I could be dead at 40 if I stayed the way I was I knew it was time to do something. Well I started researching and signed up so to say for surgery. I did all my testing, read books, joined here, went to support groups. As we all know I even got as far as getting a surgery date after months and months. Started my preop liquid diet and then they postponed my surgery. Off and on through this process I have been having doubts about even having the surgery. During my physician supervised diet I lost 21lbs. Still have it off. For the short time I was on the liquid diet it showed me if I have to do something I can do it. I knew if I ate something my surgery could be screwed up and I could die. Didn't want that to happen obviously so no food. So now with no surgery date in sight I'm tossing around the idea of not having surgery at all. I'm thinking of telling them I need a month or so to really think about it because I'm not 100% and I can't go into this like that. I know I've tried a million times and failed. I know my health problems are working against me. I lost 21lbs though all by myself, in a healthy way. Slow, yes, but I did it. I didn't do any extreme diets or work out like a maniac (to the point where it's not healthy). I figure if I can continue to lose weight over the next month or so I will try on my own. Usually I end up off the wagon within a month so I'm pretty sure I'll figure out if I need surgery. So that's where I stand. I don't know if I should keep coming here or not if I decide against surgery because the site is pretty much WLS focused. Maybe I'm being crazy, but deep down...I feel like I could do it this time.

I respect your decision.  WLS is a last resort, It's for people who have run out of choices and are ready to make a committment to themselves.  Its being given the opportunity to live, be healthy and always make the right decision about what goes in your mouth.  Somedays are harder than others, but the journey is very rewarding for those who choose to make that committment.  I haven't met anyone who would not do it again.  There are many who question themselves about why they did it during the first few weeks. But after that time passes and sizes and pounds come off, they will stand proud and say it was a good decision, the tool has given them the power to cope with "dieting" irregardless of the lifelong committment to it.  I would not be alive today if I hadn't done it.  If only I had done it years earlier to have enjoyed my youth and had more opportunities in life.  Many of us all say that same thing.  I wish you luck with your decision.  Even though these boards are WLS oriented, you are always welcome to come here for support.

thank you for the well wishes.

Hi,

It is a tough decision.  It took me about a year to decide whay I wanted to do.  My choice was a good one for me and Id do it a zillion times again.  I was well prepared and very knowledgeable as to what to expect.  You didn't say why your surgery was postponed so much.  Can you try another hospital/doctor that you trust?  I would have my doubts at this point too.  Not so much with my decision but with the reason behind all these delays.  Anyway,  Diets..... yes, diets are short lived.  Some folks find them easy and can follow them to a "T".  Myself, I never could and some were very unhealthy and not normal eating.  If you choose to go this route, pick a diet that fosters normal healthy eating.  Think about it.  When it is all set and done, how are you going to maintain the weight loss? Keep dieting?  Not a good idea.  Lots to think about here. 

I know I rambled and didn't help much.  I was pretty much thinking out loud with my experiences with it all.  If I can be an encouragement, any decision you make, I hope it is a good one for you.

my surgery was postponed because at the last min they decided I needed a nuclear stress test. I go tomorrow for that and by Friday or Monday they should have the results and be calling to give me a new date.

this surgery is no joke. It works but it is not easy. It took me 4 yrs to be ready to do it. I tried WW, personal trainers etc. 2,000 dollars later and extra 30 lbs and i realized it was time. I never recommend anyone have this surgery until they are absoluetly ready. That does not mean that you will not be afriad or have anxiety, but even with that you are stil willing to do it.

see...I'm not saying I'll never end up doing WLS, but I don't think I'm ready after just 7 months of thinking about it to do it.  like I said I never considered WLS before this  past fall and jumped in head first into the whole thing. honestly I probably would've had surgery if my surgery would've stayed on schedule for June 1st. but the postponement got me thinking again since things slowed down. I just might need some time like you had. thank you for the support.

I also firmly agree with you and the replies.  You must be absolutely 100% sure about this.  As Nicole said, that doesn't mean you won't have fears or anxiety about it, but you will simutaneously be "at peace" with your decision.

As far as these boards - absolutely you are welcome here for support!  I think there is a non surgical forum here that you could check out as well (I don't know much about it nor how active it is, but it might be worth a shot)

Definately continue thinking about it and all the choices you have to make.  And should you choose to follow a nonsurgical option - keep in mind that anything you do MUST be a lifestyle change.  No matter what you choose it is not a temporary thing - it is a life long committment.  And if it's surgery or atkins or weigh****chers....everything has it's "bad days" and some are harder than others, but you get through them.

Pam

thank you for the support. I've failed in the past on regular weight loss plans and there's always the chance I will again, but right now at this very moment...and I do go back and forth...I feel a nonsurgical route might work for me.

I'm only one week post op so I don't have as much wisdom as others, but I respect your decision. This is NOT easy. It was one of the most terrifying things I've ever done and my head was 100% in it. If you have doubt, it's better to wait.  For me, the complications of my weight, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression and high blood pressure outweighed the risks of the surgery and that's what pushed me over the edge to taking the plunge.  But your confidence in your decision is IMPERATIVE to recovery.
Trust your gut instincts and don't do it until you are ready if you ever are. If not, then proceed however makes you comfortable. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best