Why I decided not to go the WLS route......

Well I weighted benefits and risks, saw the lifestyle changes required. Realized that the same lifestyle change will allow me to lose weight w/o surgery. Watched a friend go through it. (It saved her life but she had many complications) Realized that you can fail WLS. Some foods you will have to give up for good. Some people do not enjoy eating after WLS. I hate to have nausea and some deal with this for years. I don't knock anyone who has WLS but I caution everyone to take it very seriously. I think some people jump into it as a cureall and some doctors present it that way to their patients. We are all kinda impatient and want the weight gone now but I remind myself that I want to feel better, be healthier, and look better.....but at this time I don't want surgery.......as a matter of fact right now I don't qualify. Good luck and God Bless You All!!

I 100% agree with you Alisha - I also don't qualify as this sort of surgery is not approved AT ALL by Health Insurances in South Africa - if you want the surgery you have to pay for it - and I have known people to mortage their homes for it. I started weigh less 2 months ago and have lost 23 pounds - I am 37 years old and have never managed to stay on a diet in my life - but if there is a will there is a way. I have made very small changes to my eating and my life style and I feel like a million dollars already.....

I know that it can be done without surgery and by the Grac of God we are going to do it. Look forward to share your journey. God bless and Merry Christmas!!!

Looking forward to it too - God bless you and yours over the festive season, and if you ever need a chat or support - you know where I am. Luv Heather

Alisha, I'm like you, I've decided not to have WLS - had actually started through the process and decided after doing a careful research of this site and others that it wasn't for me or for DH. And while WLS patients lose enormous amounts of weight quickly, at some point it slows down and becomes hard and they have to watch what they eat just like us Non-ops - and yes they have their "tool" but they can also get around their tool if they aren't careful. To me the saddest are those who had WLS and after losing all their excess weight, regained it all. Very sad. I also looked at the same issues you did - how is it to live after WLS - nausea, food stuck, timing when you drink and when you eat etc. I couldn't deal with that. I'm glad to see that other people see it the same way I do. Skylar

I too have decided against surgery. I am on week 8 of my options classes with kaiser, but want to do it without WLS. Come on girls, we know we CAN do this if we help each other along the way. hugs Myra

Alisha Whether to do it or not is a very personal decision. I agree that there are those who jump into it because they are impatient. I personally know someone who gained weight to have it done and her whole reason for having wls is because her husband had a military ball coming up in a few months and she wanted to be skinny by then. It's crazy for someone to make their decision based off of that! Anyway, I support you and we all support you! Be Blessed

HI, A close friend of mine had the surgery and is doing well. Although it is doing great for her, personally could not go through with it. My insurance would cover it after my six months waiting period. Too much of a lifestyle change on a permanent basis. I joined quick weight loss and it seems to be a very good program. I definitely agree that the weight will come off and for most surgery is a quick fix option because they do not want to put forth the effort to lose weight without the surgery. I also realize that is not the case for all, But must say that is why I first considered having it. Glad I didn't.