OK- so here's a QOTD

QOTD- let's get this going again people!....

Did you have doubts pre-op that you could really succeed after WLS and lose the weight/keep it off because of your history of failed diet attempts? I know that I am struggling with that right now as I am 6 days before surgery. I'd like your thoughts!!

Hi Joelle, I didn't have it before the surgery but I sure do now at 7 months out. Maybe because I can eat ANYTHING and I don't dump at all. I also don't get the "full" feeling so I have to be extremely careful about what and how much I eat.  Now the old fears of failure start to creep in and I am screaming at them inside my head!  I will not let the "old" me defeat the "new" me!  It is a daily struggle with me, but perhaps it is normal? I don't know, nothing about me has ever been normal!!  Best of luck on your impending surgery, you will do just fine. Cheryl

I've heard that before that for people that don't dump, it can be more of a struggle. For that purpose, I hope I do dump. Do people who had very tolerant stomachs before surgery (don't vomit when ill, don't get upset tummys with antibiotics, etc.) have less chance of dumping? If that's the case, I'm in trouble! I need that negative feedback mechanism!

Hey Joelle- I did have those doubts creep in every once in awhile before surgery.  I was on an Atkins diet before had and when I plateau'd or gained a lb or two even following all the rules, I really doubted that the surgery would work for me.  So far, so good though.  Just remember that this is only a tool and regardless of whether you dum*****t, stay away from the foods that may make you dump and you'll be fine.   I saw on one of the boards that someone said she just got a fill and things were getting stuck, but she could eat an entire Big Mac with no problems....HELLO????  Why would she even try????? So, it is what it is, a tool and as long as we use it as was intended, we'll all be fine.  Ummmmm, you have what .... 4 days and a wake up?!  WOW, I'm excited for you!

Wow. Cool. Only a few days and you'll be a loser! Before WLS, I had absolutely no expectations. I had gained and lost so many times, I had given up. I thought if I could just lose 50 pounds and keep it off after WLS, I'd be happy. Here I am at 9 months out and down nearly 100 pounds. I am now a "normal weight" person. I am really feeling good about my weight right now. I'd be okay if I never lost another pound. I am hoping to lose another 10 pounds but that is just my vanity talking. Yes, I'm worried about re-gaining weight. Unfortunately, the surgery works on your digestive system but it doesn't work on your brain. Maybe if you stop worrying about re-gaining weight, that is when you gain? I'm hoping that by keeping a food diary, staying with the program and keeping focus, I can keep it off. As our support group leader said, weight gain doesn't happen overnight. You still have to watch your weight and calories for the rest of your life. WLS gives us the tool to do that but how we use it is still up to us.

Pam and Judy- you guys are doing so well post-op! And you speak some common sense I'm sure I'll be less anxious post-op when I'm actually applying what I've learned and doing what I need to do. Judy- a 100 pounds in 9 months?! That's awesome! You should be so proud of yourself. Looking forward to getting there myself. I set my goal weight kind of high to be realistic... didn't want to set myself up for failure by setting it too low. Whatever I lose beyond that will be MY "vanity pounds"! Keep doing what you're doing girls, you're doing great! Oh, yea, and look out, cuz I'm bringing up the rear!

I had doubts right up to surgery.  My suggestion is if you know you really want this surgery bring a person that you know will force you to go thru it.  My hubby couldn't take me that morning so my sister did.  After I changed into my gown I decided not to go thru with it.  My sister kicked me in the butt and said "you know you can't do this without surgery.  You know the risks, you're not going in blind.  Get your butt back in that bed or I will tie you too it."  When the nurse came in and asked if I really wanted surgery (they asked a few times to make sure)  I said I wasn't sure, Jen said "YOU ARE HAVING IT!"   I'm glad I did.  At 6 months I was down 100 lbs and on no meds.  I've slowed and plateaud since.  I'm at 125 pounds.  But I feel great. Joelle - MWB is great and all of their people are awesome. 

MrsK- thank you so much for the encouragement. I know I will be in good hands. I CAN do this... Congrats on your success! I look forward to being where you are soon.

Hey there!  I did not have any doubts going into it(the surgery) but about 1 week out, I had a total melt down! LOL  I even called my pastor and told him I'd made a mistake and couldn't take it back!  I think that we all will go through this at times.  But the trick is to not dwell in it. 

I found that going to my support group, and talking to my nutrionist really helped me out alot.  Good support is key also.  Congratulations!  Soon you will be on your way to a very healthy new you.

Hi Joelle, Well I am late answering this...and by now your on the losing side...congrats! I know your will come thru with flying colors! I think we all have fears. We all came to this point cause we are tired of the downs and back up again. I am 4.5 months out now and very happy with my loss so far. I hope to continue to go down down down. But the fear that one day I will be big again-- I think that will always be there. I am going to do my best to work my tool and keep with what I am suppose to do. I have a long way to go yet and I don't know what is down the road. Wishing you well on your road--take it easy..rest and sip. Cathy