Thinking of Backing Out Again
Hi
I began the process to get a VSG last year and then stopped to have another surgery first and heal from it that was unrelated to weight loss. Now I've started the process again but the farther I get into it I am terrified. I feel like I haven't really tried to construct a diet or really try to exercise daily on my own and that it is possible that I could lose it without an operation. I really just want my body to work efficiently and not have to take out part of a stomach to do this. However I was told that obesity is a disease (and I have several diseases from it) and it takes this medical intervention to help conquer it. I wonder if this is the fear/food addiction/fear of change self sabotage interfering? Bottom line is I'm on the fence and just want to be normal and free and wondering if having one more condition to contend with (VSG) forever is what I should be doing. How did you get to a decision without regrets? Do you have regrets? How did you work through the fear? Can weight loss be accomplished without this tool? I would like to know that I'm not alone in this and that whichever choice I make isn't a failure. Thanks for reading my rant :)
Once I made the decision, I did not look back. With the vsg, you have a normally functioning stomach, just a lot smaller.
If all the alternatives worked, then I would not have needed the help of a vsg. Don't think it is a cure all. It still takes a lot of work and will power.
Surgery Date 04-22-14 HW 2011 388(lost 60lbs on WW, regained 40) Surgery Consult Weight 1/10/14 - 367 SW 357 - CW 9/15 210.
Stalls are your body's way of telling you not to get too cocky.
5K - 1st 59:00(9/14) PR 33:45(9/15)
10K - 1:14(10/15) 1/2 - 1st 3/20/16
If you're not ready for it, then yes, take the time to see if you can stick to a lifestyle change without surgery. Add exercise to your life slowly and steadily. Track everything you eat with something like MyFitnessPal and stick to a healthy diet. I also suggest adding a therapist to your life to talk about these feelings and concerns. This is not a surgery to be rushed into!
As with most things in my life, once I made the decision to have VSG I never looked back. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad aspect of my personality.... :P But I decided to have surgery and nothing could have stopped me. I didn't have fear, I have zero regrets. For me, having VSG was the kindest and best act of love I've ever given myself.
Could I have lost the weight without VSG? I don't know. I do know that I didn't. And, to me, that matters more than all the what ifs in the world.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Aw, thank you!
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
I certainly can relate to your indecision. I went thru the same thing. When I had success with the pre-surgery weight loss, I wondered if I could do it on my own. But the first time I had some stress in my life, I remembered how often I had succeeded only to fail again when I went off the diet. I went ahead with the surgery and never looked back. I lost 225 pounds, and I'm now a normal weight. My health and energy are better and I have no regrets.
If you are really uncertain, you could delay and see how it goes. But if you are like many of us here, we've tried and failed so many times. The surgery really works. it changes your body so that weight loss is possible. Its really amazing.
best wishes,
Carol
Surgery May 1, 2013. Starting Weight 385, Surgery Weight 333, Current Weight 160. At GOAL!
Weight loss Pre-op 1-20 2-17 3-15 Post-op 1-20 2-18 3-15 4-14 5-16 6-11 7-12 8-8
9-11 10-7 11-7 12-7 13-8 14-6 15-3 16-7 17-3 18-3
You should not even be considered for WLS if you have not tried to lose the weight without surgery. Surgery is when you have exhausted all attempts. Nobody had to tell me obesity is a disease.
What will you lose if you actually tried to get fit without surgery. Either way you will have to work hard for life.
All best
3/30/2005 Lap Band installed 12/20/2010 Lap Band REMOVED
6/6/2011 Vertical SLEEVE Gastrectomy
I was never a dieter pre-op. I'm glad that I was still able to get surgery!
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Gwen, are you 18 or 38? You are exceptional if 18. Most times someone so young has the stamina to succeed at a great exercise & diet exercise routine. I know I did and was successful for some time - yep a couple of times before I got injured.
My very obese niece, I think if she made a few minor differences could be in a better place without surgery. It is a lifetime training ground to learn lnutrition and exercise. Nothing can be lost with educating and trying first. All tools if one decides later on WLS.
You are awesome hun. I truly admire your journey and sharing.
Best,
Layla
3/30/2005 Lap Band installed 12/20/2010 Lap Band REMOVED
6/6/2011 Vertical SLEEVE Gastrectomy
