Question:
Has anyone ever felt that surgery may not be the answer for them?

I am pre-op and I am struggling right now. Has anyone ever felt that surgery might not be the answer for them? After almost a year of researching, going to support groups, visiting this site nearly everyday I have been able to drop 40 pounds in 7 months without surgery. I am ecstatic about this, but in a strange way it makes me wonder if surgery is the answer. I am finally able to speak about my weight and the issues surrounding my weight without crying. That has literally taken years for me. This is the first time I have lost weight without starving myself. I feel like my life is changing, not just the number on the scale. My greatest fear is that the weightloss will stop and I will be too small to have surgery, but too big to be considered "average weight". I don't know what to do. My original plan was to have surgery this spring/summer. Can anyone offer some advice or guidance? I would really appreciate any comments or opinions about my situation. Warmest wishes to all and thank you for your support:-)    — Sara A (posted on January 4, 2002)

January 4, 2002
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss! It sounds you are finally at a point where you are dealing with the emotional issues surrounding your weight and being successful at weight loss. Surgery *is* a drastic decision and if you think you can successfully lose and maintain the weight loss without surgery, then you owe it to yourself to try. As for getting to the point where you may not qualify for surgery, as most of us have found..we do eventually gain back the weight lost and more when a diet doesn't work for us. This surgery will still be around if you get to the point where you know you will not be able to successfully lose and maintain the weight loss without surgery. Good luck with your decision! *hugs* Anita in Denver Dr Keshishian 11/08/01
   — Anita N.

January 4, 2002
Well I TRIED that too, but only lost around 30 pounds and then regained some. Gave up and had surgery, it was the BEST decision I ever made! If you feel you can loose it ALL and KEEP IT OFF then more power to you! If you have any doubt then get surgery, once your post op for awhile its so much easier than dieting. I dont feel deprived, eat whatever I want, and feel great. Dieting I ALWAYS felt deprived, unhappy, stressed out, and generally miserable. I would NEVER want to go there again.... It was the pits.
   — bob-haller

January 4, 2002
I think I am glad I had the bariatric surgery because I tried very much to lose my excess weight without surgery and did not keep any weight off. If you are scared and apprehensive then you should wait until summer or longer until you reach a strong resolve and gut feeling about how you can lose the weight successfully. I went into surgery very gleefully and I think you should stop and think a lot until you are too then go ahead with that decision to have the surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 4, 2002
Congratulation on your weight loss. I am pre-op still waiting on a surgery date. I have lost and regained about a 100lbs. I can loose weight but eventually they weight would come back plus. I am going into this with a clear mind that is the best thing for me and my health. You need to really soul search and research and finally get to that point where you are really ready for this surgery. As someone else posted the surgery will still be around then. I know this is the best thing for me and if this surgery is for you you will finally feel this way also. I wouldn't be going into this surgery wondering if this is really right for me. This is a tool and we have to be ready to use it. You will know when the time is right.
   — pattyw

January 4, 2002
Hi Sara, congrats on the Weight loss! Surgery is drastic, and in my opinion should be used a last resort, which it was for me. If you feel that you can successfully lose the weight and keep it off without surgery, then I think you should go for it. I've lost and gained and lost and gained, and if I thought for a second I could have done it succesfully without the surgery I would have, but I knew me. I knew I would go back to my old eating habits and I'd be back up over 300 once again. I didn't trust myself, being an emotional eater. I think you should go on your gut instincts. If what your doing now eventually fails, the surgery will always be here, and we will be here to support you! Best of luck in whatever you decide :)
   — Carey N.

January 4, 2002
You know, I think that if you feel you can do it on your own, good for you! As for me, I've tried, and I always gain it all back and then some. Try to leave your mind open to the idea maybe, but try to do it without surgery. And then if the weight comes back you will really know you gave it all you had, and that you really do need the surgery. Then the rest of your life you won't wonder if you really just never tried hard enough. Surgery can always wait.
   — Jennifer Y.