Starting my wls journey

I have finally realized that I can't keep living like I am. I have been in such denial about my weight but I can't hide anymore. My back hurts from just showering and I hurt so bad after going grocery shopping. I know I could use the carts but I am horrified at the thought of letting myself get so big that I need them.

I am at the beginning of wls and have seen my PCP to get started. I have a seminar with the doctors I want on the 19th but I am experiencing great frustration with myself. Last week I was on my knees filling tubes for a waterbed and the pain was horrible. The pain lessens sometimes but comes back. On Saturday I was visiting with a family member and their home wasn't exactly fat friendly. I am feeling so down on myself and so tired of being fat.

I am wondering if there is any advice for helping my knees not hurt so much or any advice for not feeling so down when I know I am working to try to do better.

Are you seeing a real DS doc?  Look at the list of surgeons on dsfacts.com and make sure.  Otherwise you will be in for the bait and don't switch technique where they sell you on whatever surgery they do.  Always follow the money...  The DS isn't the easiest surgery to get, it's just the best.

Start taking vitamins every day and work on getting yourself in the best possible shape for surgery.  Give yourself a break.  You had to get to this point to finally DO something about the problem.  This is the best thing you will ever do for yourself!

I have researched my dr and he does the ds. He is also at a Center of Excellence. Someone we know got his wls done where I am going.

I have started some exercises and they kick my butt. I keep doing them because at the end I kind of feel better. What kind of vitamins do you suggest? I take 4 prescription meds but haven't taken vitamins in years.

My daughter is 11 and I want to do so much with her but my weight is holding me back. I honestly look forward to being able to go to Disneyland with her and I am focusing on trying to get a healthier me. Some days are just harder to deal with than others.

'Center of Excellence' means nothing.  Make sure you have a vetted surgeon.  Go to dsfacts.com to see a list of vetted surgeons. If you let us know who you are seeing, we can tell you pretty quickly if he/she is vetted or not.

I am seeing Dr Engstrand in Brookfield, WI.  The surgery is called BDP D/S in the literature.  This is the surgery he is recommending, but I don't see him on the vetted list?  

 

Just a decent multi for now!

I have one for women that I had started and stopped for some reason a few months ago. I will just add it back to my morning regimine. Thanks!

Welcome!  It really is important to pick the right DS surgeon. We are a tight little community and can help steer you away from bait-and-don't-switch surgeons or surgeons who are only concerned about turning a profit, etc. Anyway, choose wisely and check out the list on DSFacts.com. Tell us who he/she is and we'll tell you what we know from being around here for years.

Here's a link to Vitalady's thoughts on pre-surgery vitamins and protein. I hope it gives you some insight.

http://www.gblcreations.com/Resources/Gina/VitaladysPre-op_i deas_11-2009.doc

--gina

Use the carts---that's what they're there for. Do all you can to keep your knees happy until you have surgery. Prior to my DS nearly ten years ago, I was virtually confined to a wheelchair my knees hurt so bad. The joint guy said the only thing that would give me any lasting relief was two total knee replacements, but that I was too heavy to expect good results from that. So, I had a DS instead.

Today, I've still not had either knee replaced, and I do pretty much anything I want to. Yes, I still have some pain, but NOTHING like pre-op.

Have you discussed those shots that replace the synovial fluid in the knee joint? (I think they're called Synvisc.)  Those did get me back on my feet before surgery, and I had a second round about a year later, which helped tremendously.

As for feeling down on yourself---be proud of yourself for taking charge of your health. The DS will do you a world of good! Just be certain you're choosing a good surgeon.

I guess I always equated using the carts as failure in my part. My knees have only started hurting in the last month. Before then, my lower back was hurting from all the walking. I saw someone's blog post about getting new knees and it had pictures. I would love to avoid that.

I moved back to California in Feb of 2012 because my mother almost died the previous fall. My daughter has loved it and so has my mom. She was alone before and now her health is much better. I have incredible support from my daughter and my mother. They are so proud of the small steps I am taking on my own and both are proud of me for starting the process of wls. I just get so down on myself rather than being happy with the steps I am making to improve my life.