Considering WLS but what's your opinion?...and an Ah Ha! moment

Hey guys I have pretty much been a lurker but I have a couple of questions. I am thinking about WLS-LapBand in particular. I have a couple of questions though. Why choose WLS instead of regular weight loss? and the reverse. Why choose regular weight loss instead of WLS(if you are obese not just a few lbs overweight)?  Right now I'm teetering on the decision because it seems to me that WLS is just a way to control my intake by force-so to speak. If that's the case, why can't I just do that, ya know?! I have lost 41lbs since last August- the first 21# was with the help of HMR shakes/meals. The rest is all me working and trying to monitor my foods plus I cut out my sugars and sweets! Man! I was reading about someone taking a couple of bites out of chocolate cake and it made me stop and think...the last time I tasted cake was before last August! The only thing I haven't done is dedicate myself to exercise. .......OMG! WAIT!!  ok so today is 5 days after my visit to True Results, it just dawned on me...DUH!...I have been doing exactly what that surgery will do. I have been limiting my intake and reforming my bad habits. THE ONLY THING I NEED TO DO IS GET MY BUTT OUT THERE AND MOVE IT!!! WHEW! I guess this is what I needed to do is put it down on "paper". I fought and fought with myself on the pros of having WLS because I thought I needed it. But it wasn't until now that I see I am doing something very similar to that just not as drastic. Ok now to figure out some sort of excercise....

You have to make the commitment to do the work regardless of whether you have surgery or not.  Any of the surgeries you could have would only be an added help to aid you in your weightloss efforts.  None of them will do it for you.  Some may say that there is a 'honeymoon' period where you can lose almost no matter what you do and maybe some can, but eventually, everyone is the same.  It sounds like you are well on your road toward making some positive changes in your life that will benefit you for the long run.  Yes, many of those things you would have to do either way.  Only you can make the choice.  All I will say is that you have to make sure you are looking at the surgery (should you ever choose it) as a tool to help you, not as something that will do it for you....because it won't.  Good luck to you and congrats on your accomplishments.    41lbs is awesome!

Hiya JennyJenn! Thanks for the supportive words. I definitely agree with you that WLS should be used as a tool. I admit I used to think it was the "miracle cure" for obesity, but had a friend who had gastric about 2yrs ago. Unfortunately, she didn't have good habits before and now she is still trying to figure out what amt she can really eat. Although she has lost well over 100# -not sure of the exact number- she told me she kind of regrets it. So I have kept that in the back of my thoughts. I do admit though that I-for a moment-thought LapBand would be "easier" than me doing it on my own. I know now that it isn't. And I am on my way to doing it the old fashioned way with exercise and intake!

I agree with much of what JJ wrote, though most here know I am staunchly against most WLS.  I think it's not the best answer. I had considered RNY, LB, and the VSG.  While considering them I tried to diet and began watching my intake to see what my flaws were.  Long story short, 8 years later I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be more active (I'm in the gym 12 hours a week), improve my bloodwork (insulin resistant at the time), but Lzo while in the gym I discovered I underate my BMR and that because of the IR I had to go low carb.  Yes, I ate too little for my body to lose weight. 50+ pounds later, gymrat I've become...thanks to a wonderful trainer and Atkins.... I made the best decision for me.

Thanks JerseyGirl. I have seen your responses here and there and you seem to know what you want. I think that's Awesome! I am definitely getting alot of helpful info and hopefully someone out there is asking themselves the same thing and finding y'alls answers just as helpful as I do! I appreciate your input! See I haven't become a gym person, I let my self conscious side kick in. I just imagine them looking at me like "look at that fat girl! Who's she kiddin" ! I know I know!! I have to get over it! I'm working on it! Geesh! lol! but seriously, I'm thankful for all the input.

It is sad that our gyms are not the place where us real women are made to feel comfortable. Bass ackward if you ask me!  I hope you do walk in and hold your head up high...you are making a change in the right direction.

Thank Neecee! I was talking to my BF earlier and she said pretty much the same thing! how funny! But her opinion is pretty much "Move over world! Here comes the Big Girls!!" lol! shes always been so confident! I will work up the courage to do it soon, I am sure! Thanks again!!

You had the same epiphany I did. Why can't I study what it is GB, LB, and VSG patient eat and drink and the amounts and mimic it WITHOUT surgery? So that is what I have done for the most part. I still have my days and yeah, sometimes even weeks that I don't do so good but overall it seems to be working wonderfully for me.  Since January 24th of this year, I have lost 47 pounds. I take my medications along with B12, B6, calcium citrate and a multivitamin daily. I exercise in some fashion at least 4-5 times a week. Exercise might be gardening, walking, biking, hiking. It's just whatever strikes my fancy on that particular day. I limit my food amounts MOST of the time. I focus on proteins over carbs MOST of the time. I also limit sugars MOST of the time. I say MOST because I am not perfect and I don't want to be. I want to be a normal eater so I do allow exceptions to the rules. I just make sure my desire is a 9-10 on the craving scale and not just a whim that I will ultimately over satisfy with over-indulgence. Honestly, I don't want surgery but when this quits working then I will re-evaluate. Until then, this is working wonderfully and I have no intentions of stopping. I am currently losing an average of 1-3 pounds a week. It's a healthy rate of weight loss and it completely pleases me to keep doing it the way I am. I wish you all the luck. It can TOTALLY work for you. Beth

BETH THAT IS AWESOME!! I am so excited to hear that! I am in total agreement with what you have said especially this part..."Honestly, I don't want surgery but when this quits working then I will re-evaluate".  How exciting for you! I look forward to reading more of your great progess!

 

I have decided to go the non-surgery route for now too. I have insurance pre-approval for WLS already but have done so well on the pre-surgery low carb diet I want to give myself a chance with out the cutting first. FYI if you reduce the size of the stomach, you can reduce the amount of grelin produced so you aren't hungry as much. But for me just cutting the carbs back to 30 grams/day has helped control my appetite!