I feel guilty :(

I want surgery but feel guilty that haven't tried hard enough to get rid of the weight by diet and excercise. I'm just 5 lbs over the minimum and have only been " severly obese" for 8 years. I read about others who have been struggling most of their life and are thrilled when they get into size 22 clothes (my size). I have been a yoyo dieter all my life but was able to keep it to just "overweight" until menopause (14 years ago). Now nothing works and I'm still gaining. My knees hurt, my feet hurt, my back hurts, my stomach hurts, my blood pressure medicine is going to have to be increased and I'm depressed. Are there any others that were at the lower end of the scale when they had surgery? Have you ever regretted it? Was it more difficult to get approval? What did you say to people who told you that you weren't "that overweight" and that surgery was too big a risk?

Cathy, I havent had my surgery yet, however I dont think I could ever feel guilty for having it. It is my life and my family that I am doing this for, and that makes it very worth it! First of all please dont listen to anyone when they tell you that you are not overweight or you dont really need the surgery. Its your life and it is a very important life. Do what makes you feel better. God Bless Jackie C

kathy, I too have not been over weight my entire life. I was a light weight when I started this journey 10 months ago and I am finally normal BMI. I started to gain during college you know when your life changes....eating wrong stuff at the wrong times. Then came children and more pounds...etc and before you know it I was OBESE! It is so scary how this can just slowly overwhelm you and your life. I like most people struggled to lose weight...years of yoyo diet did not help. I was seeing my health and future before my eyes and it was not look GOOD! Two foot surgeries, infertility, back pain, etc.... I look as this sugery as a tool to better my life. I feel so healthy now and it is making a world of differnece. I view this surgery like someone who has a heart stint in well maybe they are a smoker and eat all the wrong things that made the artery clogged....well does that mean they don't deserve a chance to make a change in their life. Feel good about what you are going to do Kathy. You will benefit, your children, grandchildren, husband etc......... this is about your health! A added bonus will be how you feel and look when you are done. Wishing all the best, Karie -117

Hi Cathy, I too am not severely obese, and I haven't been approved yet, but I don't think that we should feel guilty for wanting to improve our health and to look better. It's not wrong to want something that will be good for you! Hugs Kitty