Is it for me?

I'm 28 years old, I'm the heaviest I have ever been weighing at 260 at 5'8" with a ton of medical problems including diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, elevated liver enzymes, high cholesterol. Drs have always told me to lose weight, well that's easier said than done. just moved and found a new doctor and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is "have you ever thought about weight loss surgery". Ummm no, no one has ever brought it up. Met with the surgeon, met with dietician, started the pre-op process. Am I doing the right thing? Will I finally become healthy again? Will I have a chance to become pregnant? Will I have adverse side effects? Any advise will help!

I was in sort-of the same boat. My heaviest was 391 4 yrs ago and I dropped 60 on my own. No matter what I just couldn't get the scale to go any further. After a convo with my doc, I took this into consideration. I was never diagnosed with any health problems, but I knew they were coming as I aged. It's not a cure for all health conditions, but it sure reduces the risk and effect of some (and in some cases clears up a few). From what I've read, pregnancy can still happen, but they recommend waiting 2 yrs after surgery for the body to be healed, complication free, and stabilized in maintenance mode Ladies correct me if I'm wrong.

The only regret I have in it all is I didn't do it sooner. Nobody here can tell you what you should do, but it's a great support forum with awesome people (and kinda hilarious too). If you've started the process on this, keep reading all you can on here. Congratulations on the start of something that will change your life if you put the research and effort into it. It's saved my life for sure.

First of all - this is not the easy way out! It is hard work! Please do your research!

If you have tried a zillion diets and end up gaining it all back and then some it is worth the research! I had diabetes and it wasn't getting any better. I now have no diabetes. I am no longer on any medications. For me it was the right decision and I would do it again with no reservations. We all have to weigh everything out and whatever your choice is it has to be right for you. If I had continued down the road I was on I might not of been around to be writing this email.

I had lost all of my excess 6 months after surgery and continue to get healthier every day. I work at it. I log all of my foods and weigh and measure everything. I work out between 2 and 3 hours a day including running. I work very hard so I do not consider this to be the easy way out. But was and is it worth it? Oh YES!! For me it definitely was!!

I don't think any way is the east way, its just that stereotypical saying about weight loss surgery. My husband has lost 2 brothers, his father, and recently a good friend. I fear if I don't do something it will be to late for me. I want to be healthy.

It sounds like you already have some health issues that could drastically improve with that kind of weight loss. rny is so good for diabetes. When were you diagnosed with it?

About 8 years ago, just recently started on insulin because my a1c wasn't coming down anymore. I've completely changed my diet, exercise, and cut down my portions but nothing has helped.

I did all those things to and my diabetes just kept getting more and more out of control. I was offered this lifeline and I never looked back. I was off my diabetes meds the week before surgery. I lost 40 lbs by the time my date for surgery came.

It is worth the hard work and I will do whatever it takes for me personally to stay in maintenance. It is ongoing.

The fastest way to make an enemy of this site is to reference 'the easy way out'. If you onow it's not- why even title your post that way?

i think most people are taken off guard when the subject of WLS is raised to them. Despite having a BMI of more than 50- My weight (and health) was the elephant in the room doctors would glaze over. My opinion- thank this proactive doctor for suggesting you get a handle now. While I'd toyed with the idea- having a doctor reinforce what I debated would have made the world of difference.

Is it for you? Well, How do you feel about the life long commitment? About not drinking alcohol? Taking supplements? Weighing and measuring food-- for life? Not drinking while eating? Being vigilant about carb intake? Only you know how ready you are for that.

I always worry when I see twenty-somethings do this, when life hits hard- it's tougher to stay the course. Many say they wish they had done this years ago... not me. I know I would have crashed and burned had I done this earlier. Buy it can be done- with a whole lot of tenacity

Peachpie,

My sentiments exactly!

I agree with those who tell me I took the easy way out--I tell them I went under the knife, had my guts rearranged and in 2 hours, I was 100 lbs lighter with VSG. I loved it so much, I created bile reflux & a hiatal hernia so I could have a second surgery--RNY. And bam, I lost another 30 pounds!! This shuts everyone up!!!!

Would I have done this sooner? No! I was not in a CALM, drama-free place in my 20's & early 30's. I had my VSG at 46 and RNY at 48. My life was perfect.

Is this for you? Like Peachpie said, are you ready to make a life long commitment to your health & yourself? Will you measure and track your food, not eat & drink at the same time? Ready to give up alcohol? Only you can answer those questions honestly.

Do your research. Search OH for articles about the different surgeries. Ask questions. Talk to your surgeon.

I consider WLS & my improved lifestyle my "new full-time job"!

All the best on your journey to improved health.

I don't drink, I couldn't tell you the last time I drank alcohol. I do eat fast and I'm trying to change that, also I drink during my meals- not sure how I will be able to change that. I'm married and my husband supports me in every way. I just want to be healthy and I want to feel better. I hear from everyone they wouldn't change their decisions but I've also heard of a lot of people having complications from gerd, ulcers, needing iron infusions, becoming hypoglycemic. I have problems now, I'm scared of having additional problems or my problems not getting better.