Welcome!

Welcome to the group Colleen!  I am new to the site and don't have a lot of intormation to share at this time. I'm sorry your sisters are not supportive of your decision. My suggestion to you for dealing with your sisters and what to say to them is to talk to your parent( who are supportive of your decision), about the problem with your sisters. They may have some incite on how to talk to your sisters about your surgery. Just remember the reasons you're having the surgery and you can "remind" your sisters what your reasons are. Maybe you could say something like, "Sally it would mean a lot to me for you to be supportive of me before, during and after my wls. I am young and have struggled with my weight and I want this surgery so I can be healthier." Maybe that isn't the perfect suggestion but it's the best I can give you at this time . Good luck on your journey!

Hi Colleen. Welcome to our group. Glad you found us.
As far as the question about excess skin. It depends. Part is how stretched out your skin is, and for how long. part is how resilient your skin is. One advantage you have is your young age, but even being young, doesn't guarantee there won't be hanging skin later. Some have very little, others have a lot.

As far as addressing others who are not so supportive, let them know you appreciate their concern, but that you are concerned for your health, life and wellbeing, and that you need to get healthy so you can enjoy a long active and enjoyable life and avoid ill health and life threatening illness. Then stand firm that this is your choice and you hope they will support you in it, but if not, you understand, but it is not open for discussion in any form but a supportive one.

My daughter had RNY at 22 and now has a baby, which she was never expected to be able to have. She lost close to 200 lbs before pregnancy occurred.

I had RNY as well.
Neither of us would do it differently if we had the choice, except that I would have done it years sooner.
Again welcome~

Welcome to the family Colleen.  I have a family where positive support is not coming from everyone.  I knew this before I shared with the family.  I chose to not share with a couple that would do things to sabatage my success.  Tell your sisters, then also share that you will accept all positive support and will not tolerate nay sayers.  This is an important decision and you have done the research.  You know your body best.  Stand up for your decision and choices.  We here at bariatric buddy group are here to support your choices too.

I had my RNY almost a year ago, love the results to this point and am still working my tool for my health.  This is NOT the easy way out.  The surgeon provides the tool, smaller stomach, and we need to do the work, follow the diet and exercise plan.  I wish I had had the procedure done at your age and applaud your plan.  Let's lose weight together.  Hugs

 Hi my name is Liz, and I had the RNY done on 08/20/10. I'm 29 years old, and have struggled with my weight since the age of 10 ( I found out later that a 10 year old that wears a size 16 was not healthy). My highest weight was at 333 lbs in 2000 when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I was 19 yrs old. Back then I thought that I would suffer the consequences of diabetes when I was pushing 50, so I decided to act a fool and not take my med properly and eat like crazy. I wasn't until I graduated college and was promptly dropped from my parents medical insurance, that some impact was felt. I had to bum meds off my parents (both diabetics), and pray that my kidneys weren't trying to fail on me. In 2007 I landed a job with the State of California and was blessed with proper medical insurance. I went to see my Primary doctor, and was told if I didn't straighten up and fly right by the time I was 40 I would be on dialysis. Well that did it and I got my act together, then my  older brother (who was also a diabetic, see a pattern here: mom, dad, both brothers diabetics) got the RNY surgery and was completely free from diabetes, and I wanted a piece of that action. 

One of my goals has already been achieved: to be free from diabetes and HBP, another goal is reach my goal weight of 150 lbs, I know it is achievable if I try my hardest. 

P.S.: One question: How do you deal with food temptations? I'm having a hard time, because I just see food everywhere, and my mom is cooking some good eats and it is killing me!

Welcome to the bariatric buddy family and to the losing side of surgery Liz.  You have a strong family history, could be my family.  I am the first to get the RNY, mom died from cancer before she could invetigate the possibility, and have a strong family history of obesity and diabetes.  Both parent and a sister with type 2, a brother with type 1.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, neices with various types of diabetes.

I am almost a year after my RNY and feeling so much healthier for the effort.  I am still diabetic, but off insulin and on much lower doses of oral diabetes meds.  I would do the RNY over again if I needed it.  Life is so much better almost 100 # lighter.

Food temptations, that is part of the mind control that we each have to deal with.  Not bringing in the temptations to the home is the first part.  I am so much less likely to go out to get something that I am craving.  Have healthy, acceptable things available.  Right now, in the immediate post op peroid, just follow the plan set out by your surgical team.  Avoid carbs and tempting foods at all cost. Tell your mind that you will dump and do not challenge the temptations.  Enough of me on my soap box for now.  Let's share more over time.  Hugs, Kathy

Hello everyone! I just joined OH and am on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet -- my VGS surgery is scheduled for 9/15. I'm excited that it's finally almost here as it seems that the process has taken forever. I'd appreciate some support and making new friends as I do feel sort of alone in this. I have very little support from my family and I haven't told friends/co-workers. Thanks in advance and I look forward to being a support to others along my journey as well!

Hi Kim! Welcome to our group! Just as an FYI, many do not notice new posts to this area. It may be a good idea to make a new topic post below and introduce yourself.

Congrats on your very soon to be surgery! I am so sorry your family isn't very supportive, but I am glad you are doing what you feel is right for you. We are here to help you along, answer questions, lend an ear, support etc. It can get slow in here at times, but someone will always be along to reply to any posts you make and support and encourage you.
Hugs!

Thanks!  Okay, I will make a new topic -- wasn't sure exactly what to do since I'm new to "boards" or "forums" LOL! 

Thanks you so much for the support and if you can think of anything a newby such as myself should know besides where to post, I'd greatly appreciate it.   :)

Starting Day 4 of liquids ... oh and it's my birthday ... LOL!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

On Mondays at 5 pm we have a group chat. Kathy always sends out the info for this. You may want to watch for the link to the chat and join us there. You will meet lots of nice people and get lots of tidbits of info! Not sure how many will be there this coming Monday, as it is labor day...but worth popping in if you can!

Also read back over past posts. There is much info and encouragement to be gained there. Other than that just ask anything that comes to mind.
Hugs!

Great to meet you Kim, I volunteer to be your substitute family and support you on this grand adventure.  The diet is not to bad, I avoided cooking as much as possible during my liquid diet, no temptations that way.  My hubby fended for himself for the most part.

Do make a post below too for more to get to know you.  Sharing your decision with family and friends is personal, do what you know is best for you.  As a group, we do our best to support everyone.  Feel free to post often, ask any and all questions, share joys, concerns, anything else too.

Plan to pack lightly to go to the hospital.  Lip balm, a pair of slip on slippers and a pillow to pad the seatbelt for the ride home.  Everything else I brought along, stayed in the suitcase and went unused.  How much time are you planning to take off from work?  Take what is needed for some rest and healing.  Your surgery date is just around the corner.

I am thrilled that I made the decision to have wls, and would repeat it in a heartbeat if needed.  Hugs