Should I have the surgery????

38 year old female - live and work in NYC - I weigh alittle over 200lbs - first time in my life - Used to do Weigh****chers, and was very good at it. My lowest weight was 155lbs. I did it once, but some reason, I just CANNOT do it again. I keep trying and trying, and I just can't get/stay motivated. I'm actually considering the LapBand surgery.......... Is that a cop out??? Am I a failure??? I'm so confused......... I would appreciate any advice or help. **Has anyone lost weight with the help of an Endicronologist? and no meds??? I've been hearing about that, and would like to give it a shot. Thank you.

Hi Felicia, Nobody can judge your decision on what to do with your body and your life. That is for you and you alone to make. As far as this board goes we have chosen, for one reason or another, to do it the traditional way. I encourage you to read some profiles, see some stories, and then think long and hard on your own life and what you can do to change what makes you unhappy about it. I am a huge believer in being honest with yourself, and being accountable only to yourself. If you know what you are doing and hide your head in the sand to avoid it, you only hurt yourself. I went to the gym the other night and onto the elliptical. I started the manual workout and realized after 10 minutes I wasn't breaking a sweat. So I said, "Donna, you can do this and take the easy way out, or you can choose the program that is much harder, makes you a bit more uncomfortable, but is by far the better workout." The only person I short changed by doing the easier program was myself. See my point? Good luck and keep coming back for support! Donna

Hello Donna and Neece - thanks for responding. I am very impulisve and was immediately dreaming of being 30lbs lighter by the summer. I am thinking of doing this more and more on my own. Like I've mentioned, I've done this before, and I know I can do this again. There's nothing wrong with me, and I like myself more when I am more active. I have to learn to be more gentle with myself. I'm 38 and I lost both of my parents (Mom 9 years ago, and my Dad just passed away a few months ago.) I've been going thru huge changes in my life, and I should go easy on myself. I need to keep reminding myself about this. Thanks for the support and I think I will be coming back to this forum. Ciao Felicia

Hi Donna I have just read your profile and I must say I am in awe of how far you have come. I too am considering surgery and I am in the options classes with Kaiser now, so if I do have surgery it will be next April. I have managed to lose 30 pound on my own so hopefully I can lose more without surgery, which is my dream. My trouble is I am not active enough. I know that if I was the weight would drop off. Instead I sit in front of my computer all day. I have now filled in an application form for a job in Frys. I know that with walking the shop floor I will be fine. Wish me luck, that I too can be like you. Hugs Myra

Your thoughts are nearly identical to what mine were, Felicia. Although at the heaviest of my life (214), I too felt WLS might be a bit extreme.. but PRAISE GOD! I was able to get approved & get beyond that way of thinking. Had mine on 05/22/06, lost 60lbs since.. and feel great! It has absolutely been a new rebirth of sorts, as the choice of whether to overeat or not is COMPLETELY taken away from you. Seriously, my life has totally changed.. not just the weight loss, but I have more energy, no reflux, better skin overall (due to all the water you have to drink/vitamins you have to take/etc). No back pain, sleep better.. the list goes on & on. Above all, don't beat up on yourself for not being able lose the weight on your own.. for me, overeating was an addiction, and WLS has freed me from the nasty chains of that. At 51, I was concerned about having the surgery on many levels, but my Dr said I was a "textbook" case.. everything went perfectly, and has since. I thank God every day for giving me the courage to proceed.. NEVER thought I would in a size 10 jeans and small/medium tops again. My self-confidence & health have benefited on every level. So, I say "go for it girl"! Keep yourself pumped by looking at other's before/after photos.. as they are real people with success stories. May God bless you as you step into a brand new life, Felicia. Kind regards, Sherry R.

I am 5'2" and was 223 at surgery date (RNY), i was exactly like you and had the same concerns....i can honestly say at 5 weeks out....this is not for everyone...it is a decision just like doing it without surgery is a decision....one is no better than the other....they just come with different struggles and some of the same struggles....i decided to do it because i could not restrict myself from the poor eating habits and i started having very bad results like reflux, severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure and my blood sugars were going up....my dad suffered from morbid obesity and dieted and dieted only to regain and more and my sister is the same way and i did not want to die young and after years in therapy and eating disorder clinic and OA, i decided to take a drastic measure....i was not one of the people that "couldn't wait to start me new life", but rather someone who was scared and knew the risks (i am a nurse), i did extensive research and talked to many people i knew that had this done...i learned a big part is gettiing an EXCELLENT surgeon and one with good after care program, support groups are a must and then after the decision....you have to just accept it after the surgery and follow the rules...no cheating and no days off....at least not at 5 weeks because u get sick...i have lost 30 lbs but it has not come without a price....i feel tired much of the time and have had my bad periods come back this week like my doctor said they would if i lost weight....however, my sleep apnea is soooo much better, my blood pressure and sugars are almost normal and my relux is gone. But this is just a tool, the changes in lifestyle must be made or it is all in vain and the weight will reappear eventually for most....some have it in them to break habits but i just could not after years of trying tap into that...i used it like a drug and it was my main coping mechanism....so not having the option was hard and sad but it helped break it for now but i am in therapy still and am dealing with why i used the food....everyone in my life was opposed to it including my husband but none had weight problems so i had to know that it was my decision for me....and i still say...it may be the best or it may be the worst decision i made for me but only time will tell....i know it isnt' a magic cure....and it doesn't make me happy but it is helping make me healthy...if u can muster up the willpower or whatever it is ....to do it without surgery and succeed...i say go for it ....but if u can't then research, research, research....and know that u are in for a journey of change...some good and some uncomfortable ....i feel it is an individual thing...it isn't for everyone and if u can be healthy and active and happy that is the key...if u feel u need surgery tool to do this then that is a decision....but some don't ....so take ur time and good luck and god bless...Roe