when did you know?

I was looking at some stories on members profiles and re-reading my own and thought it might be nice to start a post about this.  When did you know without a doubt that wls surgery was for you? For me it was at the seminar that Dr Phol and Dr Giovanni gave back in April of last year.  I had done lots of research online and talked to people I knew had it done.  The seminar was a last minute decission to go.  I actually started looking at Dr Roye in RI Hospital first, but was really put off by the receptionist (she was very rude to me on the phone) and the long time to even get in to see the doctor.  I remember reading that Dr Phol gave seminars at Roger Williams and found out that there was one that night.  By the end of the seminar I knew this was what I had to do for my myself to live a healthier longer life.  And I knew I wanted it done by these doctors, as I was so impressed with both Dr Phol and Dr Giovanni. So what is everyone's story? Dave

My mom had RNY and she had said to me that part of the surgery was that she had to eat right and excercise.  I felt like, if you just do that in the first place you will lose weight.  After much soul searching I realized that I was more afraid for her than against it.  The fear turned to jealousy as she started to lose weight.  I was jealous that she was so brave and I was not.  My husband and I started talking about it and he said if you want to do this I will support you. So I started doing a bunch of research online and found out about lapband.  I found out when Dr Pohl's RWH seminar was and I went.  The rest is history....

I was at my pcp's and we were discussing yet another failed diet.  He told me about Dr Roye and his huge sucess with gastric bypass and how he had noticed how much healthier these people were and had such a small instance of problems.  I was mortified that he suggested I needed this surgery.  I guess it took someone else to point out just how huge I really was (I knew I was big, but in my mind, the surgery was for people in excess of 500 lbs).  I took the number for his office and threw it away the next day. I started researching, esp when I saw a commercial for the Lap-Band.  About a year later I scheduled to go to a seminar with Dr Pohl, who was the featured Dr on the lapband website.  Something kept coming up and I kept missing them.  In the meantime, Lapband.com was still sending emails, and one was about an article from Khaliah Ali, Muhhammed's daughter, and her journey.  She spoke about this site or linked to it, and I was hooked.  I got to hear real stories from real people about thier struggles.  I got the highs, the lows and real info- not just a commercial for a particular type of surgery.   It was in speaking to all of you who have inspired me, educated me, laughed with me, and have just been an amazing support system, that I decided that this was really the right decision for me.  I spoke to my pcp again about it, this time actually took the number, and then made my apt with Dr Roye. (in my best drunken voice) I love you guys!

I too was at my pcp for a physical and discussing my weight and how it had gone up from the two previous years.  (I had lost about 70lbs and put it back on )  I have a lot of arthartis and need two knee replacements.  My back was killing me etc...pain everywhere.  My doctor told me that if i did not lose weight and a lot of it, i would end up in a wheel chair within 10 years.  I knew she was right because my hips were also bothering me along with pain everywhere.  I was so upset when she told me this. I have seen many people especially women at Foxwoods Casino (bingo hall in wheel chairs and all very heavy....all I could see is me in one of those chairs.  All because of being heavy!!!!  NO way I thought to myelf I wont let that happen to me!   She then recommended a gastric bypass.  My son in law had it done two years before and had lost a lot of weight.  She then made and appointment for me for Dr. Harrington's office. I had a couple of months to research the RNY on line, but I also knew quite a bit about it thru my daughter.(telling me about my son in law's surgery).  I did the tests, thankfully my health insurance did not give me a hard time and the rest is history.  I would never hestiate to do this again.   I feel so much better and have lots of energy, don't ache as much, my back doesnt hurt (most of the time) but I do need my knee replacements, but I am not ready for that yet.   That's my story!  Carol B

I have always been struggling with my weight for my whole life! Gain, diet and loose, gain more than I was etc.

A good friend of mine had the RNY and she lost a lot of weght and never gained it back..This is what I wanted for me too!  

So after attending Dr Phol's seminar last April I then started my journey for my place on the looser's bench for good!

I had the surgery 4 weeks ago and BOY am I glad that I finally did it!