I'm new here, I'm not sure I want WLS...

Hi everyone...I have been on the Maine forum a few times and been mostly lurking on all the other forums. I have read so much on the complications of surgery and how diffacult it is. In order for me to even have the surgery I have to lose 50 to 60 pounds. Well, I joined Overeaters Anonymous and have been following a 1500 cal. plan since May 25th and in that time I have lost 16#. I feel so much better and my cravings are gone. I think this site has helped me a great deal.  The thing is, I want to do this without the surgery. So far it has been a wonderful experience to be free from bindging and I actually like eating healthy. It's the first time I have really put forth an honest effort to lose the weight. I hope to find others who feel the same as I do. Thanks for reading...

16# since May 25th is AWESOME!!!!!!! That's like almost 8# a week!!! WTG!!  Yes. You can do this without surgery and you definitely sound committed to making it work for you. Just remember you are still in the beginning of your journey and there will be many bumps in the road ahead but you can overcome all them with patience and persistence so don't give up.  We're here if you need us. Beth

Hi Beth, thank you for responding. I am only 4'11" and weighed 380 on May 25th so going on a 1500 cal. food plan was quite a drop in what I had been eating. I needed to lose some weight fast because I just couldn't move and the pain was killing me.  I am going to stay on this plan for two more weeks and than go to 1800 cal. Keeping track on here with you other girls will help.  I'm glad you're here. Take care..

Hi Cindy, welcome to the board! I just read your blog and it seems you're very enthused about this being your new life style.  Good for you!  I'm looking forward to talking with you more down the long...bumpy...winding...road. :)  Holly

Hi Holly, thank you for the warm welcome.  I look forward to talking with you too. I pray I don't have too many more bumps.   Cindy :)

Cindy, Welcom aboard!!  I am so excited for you that you decided to take the steps to be healthy.  We all have had our ups and downs and it's been a long bumpy road like Holly said.  But every small reward is worth it.  I am so happy for you that you want to take back your life.  You seem to have the right mind set and that is all you need to start this off right.  The weight loss so far is AWESOME.  There are a lot of people on here that will give you great encouragement.  They have been wonderful to me especially this week when I had a fall back last week.  You can do this girl!!  You are going to do great, just remember that!!

Hi justlee! I have a similar story - in March 06 i began researching wls as a possible solution for me, too.  I had a lower bmi ~37, and long story short, was rejected by my trusted PCP, so I asked for his support to go to a bariatric doc in town, which he lent to me. I had about 50-75# to drop, depending on whose weight chart you liked. Using appetite suppresants and learning a new way to eat - moderate calories, high protein, less grains essentially, finally, the scale has moved. I'm down 40# from that approach and WW intermittantly.  As you know, all this is stuff I would have done with WLS anyway, so for now at least, i do not want surgery, though I am a supporter of it. The main difference between you & me is, i have been a yo yo ho - Professional Dieter if you will all my conscious life! I have gotten bulimia/binge behaviors under control, but for the past 15 years have been more conscientious than just about anyone I know, yet my weight still f%^&ks with me. So, that you can honestly say that this is the first time you have put forth the effort, for sure, do not run to have surgery! Learning all these new habits is vital no matter where you end up, right???? Welcome!