please share your stories with me...

Tami, Karen is a very cool chick. I can assure you that she meant no harm. She is a tell it like she sees it person but "I" prefer that method and I always find her posts interesting, introspective, and even humorous. Perhaps later in your journey or at another reading when you feel better you will understand what she is saying a bit more. I suggest you read profiles of people farther out in this journey. My profile takes you from start to current as many other do. There are some great inspirations on the OH site. E-mail me anything if you need anything! ~Vanessa~ [email protected]

Thanks...I enjoy and learn from your posts too! I am noisy...I'm not mean! Karen

I can't believe it you noisy....never! LOL. I would not say you were mean either! I don't think I have seen so many grads on a pre maybe op post ever before! This is truly one for the record books! I thoroughly enjoy your posts as well as Jay's. Would that make me noisy too? Have a good day! Debbie

The whole thread is one for the record and ettiquitte books...wow...words can swirl around in our heads and send so many different messages! Sure, you are noisy...I know you are! Comes with the territory! Always great to hear from you. Karen

Tami, It sounds like you are just researching...Its a good thing to do before you decide. I would call some Dr's and see if you can get into some local support groups of theirs and chat with their patients in person to get a one to one perspective. I think everything we do has trade offs so I don't really understand your concerns being obese or having vitamin problems. But not all surgeries are the same....You need to evaluate them all. There is a lap band, DS, RNY to name a few. Lots to choose from but not all Drs do them. Also not all are covered by insurance. If you take the time and pop on a few profiles you will see some people have really documented their journey and find out if they have had problems (major? - what do you consider major) Only you can answer what to do for you. But being educated about your decision is a definite MUST. Do some google searches on the different surgeries and see what you like, then call some of the WLS drs in your area or even get on your State board here and ask the people that post there where you can attend a support meeting to get info from people who have gone before you.....Lots of luck. PS. You posted on the GRAD board so its not as fast as the Main board for replies. So if you are seeking quickier replies the Main board is the place to be. Debbie

Tami, any surgery is a risk. But for me, I knew in my heart of hearts that if I didn't do something, I wouldn't live long enough to see retirement. I was tired of everything hurting. I'm 3 years out and I've never looked back once, never regretted it for an instant. Good luck on whatever you decide! Hugs from NJ!

Tami, absolutely either choice you make is going to have risks and consequences. Thinking about having surgery isn't enough. You need to truly do your homework on this one. While obesityhelp.com is a great source of general knowledge, it's also full of opinions based on personal experience that may or may not be relevant to your situation. Start by talking seriously with your personal physician. Your general health going into WLS or any other surgery is a very important factor in your ability to make it through surgery, heal and thrive. ALso, find and join a local WLS support group; get involved and talk to the people there. Find out more about the surgeon's that may be available to you. Most surgeons have an information meeting that may be free or may cost $100 or a bit more. It's money well spent because you learn a lot about what it takes to have the surgery and to adapt your life to what it takes for success. I truly believe you can also improve your outcome by starting immediately to do things to improve your general health. NO MO person is completely healthy, so good eating, moderate exercise, etc. will help you prepare your body for a good outcome. I also believe that WLS is not the only alternative for losing weight and keeping it off. The advantage of WLS is that it's "almost" impossible not to lose a great deal of weight and pretty fast. That provides a lot of incentive to stay in control and keep it off. But it also requires a lot of hard work and dedication on the patient's part. It's not the easy way out. I'm 3+ years out and 55. I don't have osteoporosis or any low blood counts and I'm cetainly at an age when those things would be likely even without WLS. A good friend had WLS with my surgeon 22 years ago. She's in her early 60's now and she doesn't have any surgery-related problems either. While it's certainly possible that any of us could be subject to health problems that can be directly related to WLS, the health risks of staying MO may be different but are certainly just as severe. Only you can decide if WLS is right for you, and whether now is the time to pursue it. Whatever you decide to do, it won't be easy. Managing obesity long term never gets easy, not even after WLS. I hope you do well in all things. Anewme

Hi Tami. I agree with one of the other post to check out the complication forum, the regret forum, the memorial, in addition to all the other message boards. I would also read the Q&A section for more specific answers to your questions. Surgery for each individual is different, so many factors come into play, no one, not even your surgeon can guarantee that your procedure will go without any type of complication. You are doing well by asking questions and reading, you are the only one who can decide if surgery is the right option for you. It's not easy, I'm sure you know that. You have pain afterwards, you mourn food, and just when you're getting everything down in a routine, you start having to really watch what you eat so you don't gain anything back. It's normal to be scared, I'm still scared sometimes. The diet following GB is strict and we have no choice but to follow. I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question, but have you tried to follow it, just for a couple of days? Have you give up on dieting all together? Do you have comorbidities that can only be corrected by surgery? What is your family history like? Have you been to any support groups in your area? Do you have a support system? Good luck on your journey. Cathy

Hi tami, this board is for WLS Grads. That means people who are over one year out. I do not feel karen attacked you. However, I do feel that your questions and etc would be better answered on the main board where there are lots of people in the same situation you are in. You will find a lot of good info there and a lot of people that have the same fears and doubts that you have and it is completely normal to have these feelings. Someone recommended the other boards, complication, regrets, failed surgery boards and etc to you. that is a good place to start your research. Remember tho, that all that represents a very small group when compared to the nearly 200,000 people that belong to OH.

Tami, Low iron can be cared for. As for osteoporosis, no study has proven that is the case for WLS folks. Take your vits...is what needs to be done. Take care and hope you can come to a decision. MaryLyn -195