Need ALL opinions! (repost from Main Board)

I never considered myself "unimportant" or ugly-- was just addressing other matters first. Thanks for your input! -S.

  Shari, I am kinda where you are but without the recent successes in WL.  For me, at 32yo, I am going to continue to see if insurance will pay for WLS.  However, in the meantime, I'm going to keep trying to lose more weight.  I had read somewhere (but couldn't say where???), that if you can keep up the positive habits and losing weight for seven consecutive months, you have a really good shot at the maintaining or continuing with it.  It takes about that long to work through old habits and have new ones stick.  You might also consider therapy.  I understand that you have always felt good about yourself, but your feelings towards food might not be as healthy (as is the case for most of us).  A therapist might be able to help sort out that love/hate/sadness thing most of us have with food.  The combo of diet, exercise and mind~bending  (jk) just might be enough for you. Best of luck, Alison

It seems as if everyone has already said it; said it better than I could probably, but whatever method you decide to take, good luck with it.  I am currently still looking into LapBand surgery, but I haven't committed myself to it because like you, I am having some success.  As everyone has already pointed out....regardless of what path you take you have to change habits so might as well continue to learn new habits while going through the process.  I know a few people who had extraordinary results with RNY but who are now converting back to old habits and beginning to re-gain the weight.  HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, regardless of weight loss will make you feel better and is a lifetime commitment.  That said, it has to be just like an acoholic or drug addict recovery.....you can only do it one day at a time, and as my girlfriend says "sometimes you have to take it one hour at a time".  In my case I have to break it down even smaller and take it one step at a time or one bite at a time.  I used acohol and drugs as an example, but unlike those vices we cannot give up food all together, so we have to develop a new relationship with it that keeps us in control.  If you need support....this is the place to get it, no matter the decision you ultimately make.  GOOD LUCK and keep coming back here, we need you as much as you need us.

Hey Shari, I think you can do this the nonsurgical way.  It sounds like you have had success already.  It doesn't hurt to keep  trying.  I started at 428lbs and over the last 3 years have lost 220 lbs through diet and exercise. Whatever you decide though has to be best for you.  And, if your decision is surgery, that is okay too.  You are doing a great job!  If you have any questions for me or any of us on this forum, please just ask.  This is such a nice group of people....very supportive...upbeat...loving...and kind....not to mention hilarious!  Do what's best for you!! Good luck! Katy

My opinion is do it without WLS.  Like someone else has said you still have to make all the same lifestyle changes with WLS. Why not save yourself 12-20 grand and make the changs yourself? If you find you are unable to make the changes long-term then get WLS to help make changes permanent. Since you kinda HAVE to make the changes for at least 6 months to a year with WLS it's a great tool in helping you change but you already seem like a strong willed and self discipline person. I know you can do it without WLS.  Keep up the good work and by all means continue with the RNY program and just think long and hard about it over this time.  The answer will come.