Hello,  

I think there is a way to lose weight, high amounts of weight, and I am also looking.  I had convinced myself I would have a sleeve and just decided I was rather terrified ... is there another way(s)?  I realize that the other response to your question is a GREAT way to do this, but I guess I am looking for another tool to add to my 'will power'.  I honestly see myself as a food addict, and have decided to go to OA (overeaters anonymous) for a while and put a plan into place. 

But I am searching for another somewhat NON surgical device or tool to assist myself.  There are quite a few things available and 'just coming out'.  I do realize that most of the folks on this board are researching or have already done WLS of some type, so I came here to find others seeking other ways, and realize there may not be many folks here that are on my path of research at the moment.  That's ok.  I was pleased to see this topic on the forum.

I have used Pinterest to store my research.  I am reading a lot of doctor's research papers and things that are by doctors and for doctors, and looking at statistics that are listed for each device.  Many of the devices I have searched are approved in Europe and Australia and are being used there currently.  So trials have been done for most of these, in other countries, already.  Trial reports always include statistics, but you must remember that the struggle is later on, keeping it off.  I am interested in medications, and somewhat 'non surgical' devices or tools to assist me.

The one I am most interested in is Endobarrier.  Do a google search and read up.  There are USA trials ongoing now, and I hope to perhaps be a candidate.  Please realize, I have researched WLS for quite some years now, and though I had decided on a sleeve, and was researching Mexican doctors, I just decided to wait and try something not quite so permanent for now.  I do have a lot of weight to lose, and many of these devices seem to assist only for a somewhat smaller amount, but I am ok with that for now.  The endobarrier can be used to lose more weight, with a small change the doctor makes to it, or so I have read.  

Whether it be gastric balloons, meds, plastic sheath, a pill that expands into a balloon, or a device that empties your stomach, DO the research first.  These tools are not permanent, and that is what I am seeking at this time.  I hope to get a handle on my addiction to food, rather than doing a more permanent change to my tummy, at least, at this time.  I was hoping that with counseling, and attending OA, I can possibly beat this thing, and get a start with a device to help me initially.  I think all of us can regain, and that is the thing we work with, and need help with, the most.

Good luck...

 t.

After I woke up today, I became devastated after I’d weighed myself.  I was at 308 pounds, making my BMI 60.1,( I’m only 5’0” tall) making it a 6 pound increase from my last dr. office visit

a little over 5 weeks ago.  I had started eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water but everything was turned around this past weekend.  I went to several bbqs and picnics

with friends and family and spent most of Monday on the couch watching tv.

I thought I could lose weight on my own and avoid or at least delay getting wls.  This weekend was a setback.  I would give anything to lose at least 100 pounds without surgery.  I’ve attended

Weigh****cher groups before but most of the other women only had 20 or 30 pounds to lose

and many seemed to reach their goals in 5-6 months.  I’ve got a real serious amount I need to

lose.  Is it even possible to lose 100 pounds without surgery?  

I’d like to meet other who face similar weight loss challenges and hope to at least lose some of it without surgery.

Hum.  That was short lived. 

Yes, there were a couple of people who went off the deep end and questioned whether your post was genuine, and a couple of people (people who are newly out and may still be fearful about their decision) were defensive about the surgery, but the vast majority of us tried to help CALM your fears by letting you know that, wherever you got the info from, it wasn't accurate, and we supported you in believing that if your were that anxious (since the first approach was clearly not helpful) you weren't ready to have surgery. MOST of the people *****sponded were supportive and attempted to help.

Lora.

Lora, I'm not sure if your a forum cool girl or what, but actually when I expressed FEARS I had, all that were very possible occurrences, expressed that I was scared out of my mind, many of you offered nothing but rude comments, suggested I was faking being fat or eligible for surgery and many were defensive of the surgery. If it works, it should speak for itself, not have a bunch of snarky, snide people behind it. You are right, there were like 2 people who were kind and encouraging in those posts. And if I observe disgusting bullying behavior I can call it out, and if someone wants to delete it, then ill go cry in the forum corner?  I guess.  I actually stated a few times the fears I had, that I have anxiety which at the time was very high, and I asked for proper responses. I don't need people saying rude things and accusing me of faking. Lol it's so stupid. And it goes to show some of you are just staplers, and have nothing better to do but chime in and speak your big forum words. I found very few people on this forum to be encouraging, instead you are like die hards and any naysayers better watch their forum backs because omg the former fat girls stick together and run those mouths. What ever! No one cares.