introduction

Hello Everyone! Just an introduction! My dr recommended WLS yesterday. I was shocked. I know I'm obese, but come on, I can't be THAT obese, can I? (very distorted body image, I know). We've talked about my weight before, but she never mentioned WLS before. I think she is right, and I've agreed to a consultation with a surgeon. She said it may be months before I get in. Here are some of my concerns. Any advice you can give will be more than welcome. I have an uncle who is a member here. He's about 9 months post-op, and insanely happy. I guess I need to see that he's the rule, not the exception. 1. I can't imagine being happy at a party, etc without being able to eat whatever I see/want. How do you deal with this? 2. Do you find that the rest of your life is so much better, you just don't care about the food anymore? 3. Surgery doesn't scare me at all, (I've had plenty), but after does. How were the first few months? 4. Most importantly, now that you're on this side of it, if you had to go back, would you do it again? Anything you would change? I appreciate your help. Here's to you! Jeannie (J-Wo)

Jeannie; Everyone has a different experience, my responses to your questions are how I get by and may not be the answer for anyone based on how we all have different relationships with food. 1. I used to be worried about people gawking at my size when I was at parties. Now, I go and people can't believe how different I look, or they don't know who I am because they don't recognize me. I was never a "foodie" pre-op. My weight was more due to a metabolic disorder, but at the parties I go to, it's mainly finger foods which is perfect. Just a taste of a few different things and I'm satisfied. I mean, does anyone really need to eat an entire crock pot of meatballs? 2. I care about food and I care about my body. But, my body needs the right nutrients to fuel the fire to burn the fat. I have extremely limited space in my pouch, so it's important that I eat good quality proteins first. Those will give me the most energy per ounce. 3. Read my profile to learn about my pre- and post-op journeys. It's not always easy, but the results are worth the effort and if you go into this looking at the long term goal and stay focused on how much better you'll feel and look, it's a fantastically fun adventure. Even when my head was in the toilet, I've never had a moment of regret. 4. I would have surgery every month to feel this good. I can't describe how different it is not carrying an extra 97 lbs. with me every where I go. It's freeing. I have tons of energy and stamina. I can't think of a time I've been happier. Blessings, Jennifer 253 / 156 / 137

I'm just over 5 weeks post op and down 30lbs and about 18 inches total. I was, like you, referred by my PCP--it was not something I ever thought I'd consider. In my brief time on the "losing" side this has been my experience. 1. I can't imagine being happy at a party, etc without being able to eat whatever I see/want. How do you deal with this? It really wasn't as difficult as I thought it may be. The hardest thing was finding something to eat so I just made sure I ate before I went. I can assure you that I have not actually been hungry since I woke up from surgery but things do look good when I see them. It's just a short thought and then it flees my mind and I moved on to other things. Actually the biggest issue I had was that I was at a grad party for my twin cousins and my family spent all their time encouraging and complimenting me--I kinda felt bad for the grads. 2. Do you find that the rest of your life is so much better, you just don't care about the food anymore? I wouldn't say I don't care about food. You have to care b/c one the hardest parts, I think, is making sure that you are getting enough nutrition so that you stay healthy and feeling good. I haven't found that I have a lot more energy yet, but I know its gonna happen. I do feel much healthier and it's nice to look healthier too. 3. Surgery doesn't scare me at all, (I've had plenty), but after does. How were the first few months? So far so good. The first few days were quite uncomfortable. I had lap RNY so there was a lot of gas pains from after the surgery. After that, I was pain med free by day 4. 4. Most importantly, now that you're on this side of it, if you had to go back, would you do it again? Anything you would change? I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have not once regretted taking this step. I feel better, I'm off my blood pressure meds, my sugar is under control and my knees aren't killing me and that's just after 5 weeks. It feels good to go to have my family and friends encouragement and support (that's important) but it feels good to look in the mirror and begin to like what I see.