Starting on the journey for real this time.

I saw Dr. Hess and found I'd gained 25 pounds in the past year trying the conventional way of losing weight one more time. Part of me feels I wasted a year, but I realized I wasn't ready for this op back then. After doing research on here, on BariatricEdge.com and on the web, talking to people and reading up on procedures, I am going forward now, oficially. Hess suggested I can have either the lap band or the RNY. The more I think about things, the more I am leaning towards the RNY. I DO have a few questions for those who care to respond...I know this is a TOOL...NOT a magic wand, and I know why I eat to excess. Do most programs help you focus on the why's to your eating habits? I feel that w/out knowing what the triggers are, it's hard to change the ha*****ell, it's hard to make a permanent change regardless!) Have you followed the rules as prescribed? I'm told you hve to stick to the rules for a year, and that many bend them. Those that do tend to fall back into bad eating habits and regain part or most of their weight back. How do you feel about exercise? Before the surgery and after? I have always wanted to be in better shape and lose my motivation all the time. Seems like I lose my oomph after a few days. I wonder how you folks feel about exercise now. Lastly, overall with your life, your health and your appearance, are you satisfied with your results? Thanks so much for reading this! Marie

Hi Marie, Great questions, and it'll be good to hear the responses and how they feel on these issues. The hardest question is changing those eating triggers that made us fat in the first place. I think "we" as obese people, tend to emotionally eat and everyone has to change in a way to make it work for them. I understand why they call the first 12-18 months PO as the honeymoon stage....the weight comes off very easily, well for most anyway. The hardwork begins 2+ years post op, in my opinion. I keep reminding myself that this is a tool, and I didn't get my body rerouted and cut, to end up gaining this weight back. I have gained 15 lbs back, and as depressing as that is, I know what needs to be done, but finding the ways to do it means intervention. I think more programs should offer nutritionalists or behavior modification people to help us in our journey. As far as exercise, I have more energy with the 100 lbs off, but now with this regain, I'm lazy again and feel like I did at 288 lbs. But again, its all attitude......and I'm back to working out 3-4 times a week. And overall, I am so glad that I had the RNY, and grateful to have my health under control......especially my insulin levels. Its good to feel normal....... Best of luck with your decision!!! Wendy

Hi Wendy! Thanks for the reply! This journey is amazing to me! I honestly can't remember what 'normal' feels like but boy I'll tell you I cant' wait to get there again!! I do wonder though, how retraining my thought processes will happen. I'm scared that if I can't force myself to exercise now, how will I do it when it COUNTS!? I'm hoping I'll find the key that'll work for me, and I'm certainly in agreement with you about needing more nutrition and behavior mod specialists to help counteract the demons I know I'll be facing again at some point. I think another integral part will be a motivational specialist! (I can use one of them before work each day!) Marie