Why did you have WLS? A new question added... See top of first post.

I had WLS to help me lose weight and to maintain that weight loss.  Plain and simple.  There are infinite reasons why being smaller is better.  Some of them relate to health, some to societal standards, some to vanity.  

I agree completely. After reading my first post I think people might think I am looking down at those who choose it for vanity.  I certainly do not, so please don't take it that way. 

I didn't take it that way - no worries!

I couldn't have said it better.  What Gwen said.

For me, it was because:

1. Diabetes.  I was taking 7 meds a day, and really was maxed out and about to go on insulin.  My A1C bounced between 7.1 and 7.5.  I was hoping for the full remission after leaving the hospital, but it wasn't to be for me.  However, I did drop to just Metformin, so that was nice.  My last A1C was around Halloween, just three weeks after surgery, and it was 6.6, the lowest it was in years.  I'm really hoping that I can be off of all meds as the weight keeps coming off.

2. Prevent complications from Diabetes.  I feel I was very fortunate that I didn't have kidney problems, heart problems, eye problems, nerve problems, etc. from my diabetes.  However, I had been diagnosed 11 years ago, and I turn 40 next year, so I knew it was just a matter of time before these things started happening, unless I made a major change.  My daughter is only 5, and I need to be around for a long time.

3. Do stuff again.  I would kind of consider this vanity, but I want to be able to do all sorts of things with my wife and daughter.  I took my daughter to a waterpark in April, waited in line for the waterslide, got to the top, and had to turn around because the weight limit was 250 lbs.  That was the last straw that finally made me move forward.  

I think it's awesome you're getting it done right before the new year.  2015 will be amazing for you right from the beginning!  Good luck!

Those are awesome reasons. I forgot about the whole doing things again on my first post. When I was 40, my daughter was also 5. She is now 12. I hate telling her that I can't do stuff with her because I feel like crud. I look forward to going hiking and hunting with her again. She can get her own hunting license for the first time this year. She had always been my scouting partner but over the last few years, I haven't hunted because I am just not feeling up to it. I can barely walk 50 yards without pain.

You and me both, brother!  Hiking is what I am most excited to do next summer, and I can't wait! 

I'm not sure I would have had "doing stuff" as a goal pre-WLS, but OMG, I love it.  I feel so strong and capable now.  It's such an amazing way to feel.  I truly feel like I can do all the things now.  

Great question.

For me, the answer is simple.

I wanna see my grandkids grow up.

I had or have all of the comorbidies , my general health sucked.

And, I just got tired of carrying around an NFL linebacker everywhere I go.

Health is improving at an astonishing rate, I think I'll make my granddaughters high school graduation. 2032

Rod

I haven't had my surgery yet, but being 5'2"and 336 I'm only biding my time. also my mom died at 51 from colon cancer, so I would like to lessen my chances. But I would be lying if I said I'm not excided about wearing boots that fit over my calves...