Random Poll o' the Week: Believe it or not?

 Simple one this week.

Do you BELIEVE WLS is going to work for you?

Be honest here. In your heart and gut, do you believe it?

Yes, wholeheartedly. As my inspirational calendar says "The potential is within me to be and do anything I set my mind to."

I did worry deep down for awhile that I would be the one person who wouldn't lose any weight and WLS wouldn't work for me.

Sitting at 4 years post-op I honestly believe WLS HAS worked for me. Am I skinny? No. But I am a hell of a lot smaller than I started out. And healthier. And focused.

I think that was the REAL benefit. I lost a bunch of weight but I found ME. And that's a blessing no matter what size you are!

Word! I've lost weight and gained a sense that I am in control of this ship. Before surgery things always happen to me and then I would react, as if I had no say in my life. Now I know that sometimes things will happen that I cannot control, but that doesn't mean I have to sit there like a lump on a log.

 I love what you said!  You found YOU.  There is certainly something to be said for that!  

 I've just started my pre-op liquid diet, but I honestly DO believe WLS is going to work for me.  While balancing the realities of potential pitfalls/risks/complications/etc., I think the greater hurtle is REALLY believing you (me, anyone) can be a sucess in this area.  I think the surgery is a stepping stone, but true sucess is defined by our determination to suceed (follow post-op instructions, getting exercise in, etc) and push ourselves despite the uncomfortableness of it all.  
 

 You are wise padawan ;)

Honestly, as a vet, I can say the best investment you can make is to spend your first year developing new habits. Make it so that it doesn't feel right if you don't move your body every day, doesn't feel right to eat a bunch of starchy carbs, doesn't feel right if you didn't drink water.

Good habits will serve you well over the lifetime of this process.

 I DO believe !!!   I have lost a total of 120 lbs.  want to lose 20 more.  I have not been exercising for over a year because of a bad knee.....had total knee replacement back in January....worst recovery of my life, but I know when I am able to start walking and exercising again that I WILL lose the 20 lbs.   I have maintained this weight loss for about 6 months and know that I can do this for life !!!  This surgery was a great decision for me !

I had both of my knees replaced a couple of years ago. Yes it was the most difficult surgery to recover from. (I am a nurse and thought I knew what to expect but I didn't) I just had my rny back in April. Even though I went through rehab for the knees, they have never felt better than they do now. I'm sure that losing 30+ pounds helped, but buying a recumbent bicycle and riding it almost every day has been a huge blessing. The muscles around my knees are strengthening and moving around, and up and down stairs is getting so much easier. I want you to know that it will get better. Keep moving....even when you don't think you can. I didn't think my mobility would get as good as it is and comfort level keeps better.
Good luck
jules

Honestly, I hold claim in the middle ground. WLS will drop weight for me initially, but I cannot expect it to *really* work for me if I don't put in a ton of the work myself as well.

I can't just go in the kitchen and eat whatever I feel like, until full, and say "okay magic little tummy, do your stuff". No. I have to eat my protein. Avoid my sugars and limit my carbs. I have to truck my ass to the gym and run several days a week and then truck my ass to the yoga studio and strength train for the remainder of the days that week.

The minute I stop working, I see the evidence that the scale WILL start to backslide.

I'm not sure if that puts me as a yes, or a no.