Question:
Does anyone out there feel as if they are obsessed?
Does any pre op's/people hoping for surgery out there feel as if they are becoming obsessed with getting this surgery done? How about being obsessed with this site? I love this site, but I feel like this is all I do besides praying for approval for surgery? — Jan S. (posted on October 24, 2002)
October 24, 2002
I was and still am obessed with this site. (Post-op Open RNY 8/7/02 and
down 43 pounds.) You know you are obsessed when you wake up in the middle
of the night and log on to Obesityhelp.com. Almost 3 months out and I read
all the posts and questions everyday - I just can't stay away - I care so
much about the people on here - without them I wouldn't be a post-op today.
Good luck to you.
— Margaret G.
October 24, 2002
Hi Jan,
In some ways I credit this site to showing me a path to saving my life.
When I began to examine WLS this past summer seriously, I was seeing my
health go downhill so fast that I didn't know what to do. I found other
people going through similar things, some much more severe and some less
so. I found people who also wanted to feel healthy and "normal"
again. I found others who had grown red-faced at strangers' stares, rude
and mean comments, and had embarrassing mishaps due to weight. I guess, I
found a home where everyone understood--kind of like our own warped (in a
good way) version of "Cheers." Sometimes I get obsessed, but
that's how I usually approach things that I need to know more about. Hey,
I also just called my insurance company this morning and found out that I'm
approved! I have spend many sleepless and restless nights praying for
this. Now, on to the countdown until Dec and the surgery! Hang in there!
— Mary Ann B.
October 24, 2002
...If loving Obesityhelp.com is wrong, I don't wanna be right..... :-)
— Karen K.
October 24, 2002
I am SOOOOO obsessed with the surgery and this site. I don't have a
problem with it because it feels good to be this excited about something
other than food. I awaiting my surgery date and have learned so much about
what I need to be doing in preparation from this site. Don't feel bad about
the amount of time you spend here, as the surgery, once you have it, will
change your life forever. Just look at Obesityhelp.com as your training
manual for your new life! (smile)
— Carletta B.
October 24, 2002
Oh man, pre op I was so obsessed, it was unreal!! I still am now to an
extent but not as much. I still log on and read daily (at least twice) and
from time to time will post messages, but I am not as obsessed now that I
am 6.5 months post op. Good luck to everyone!
— A. S.
October 24, 2002
I TRUELY UNDERSTAND I WAS AND STILL ARE OBSESSED WITH THE WLS. I AM THREE
WEEKS POST OP AND IT IS ALL I THINK ABOUT ALL DAY. WHAT DO I EAT, WHEN DO
EAT, HOW MUCH DO I EAT, HOW MUCH HAVE I LOST. SO I DO UNDERSTAND.
— Tracey H.
October 24, 2002
I believe that going into this surgery, we need to know as much as
possible. This website offered me that knowledge. From April until I had
my open RNY on 8/19/02, I sat at my computer and read instead of watching
TV in the evenings. I really identify with the poster who said she wakes up
in the middle of the night to log on this site. I have suffered from
occasional insomnia since I went thru my change, and hanging out at the WLS
website is a lot better than hanging out at the refridgerator like I did
before....
— Carol H.
October 24, 2002
I know what your talking about if i go somewhere as soon as i get back i'm
straight to Q & A section, like now my initial appt is monday and i
feel the need to be as knowledgable about everything and be prepared.
— deniece M.
October 24, 2002
Yeah, I think a lot of us have been obsessed with this site & WLS in
general after we made the decision to have the surgery. I actually lost 6
lbs before surgery with all the stress! Kinda funny actually. I will say
that after surgery while I still am here most days, & keep up with the
message boards, the "urgentness" calms down considerably. For me
it was cause I was in pain after the surgery & sitting at the computer
wasn't really "fun". I don't know what else you're involved with,
but going to some support groups & possibly some therapy may be
helpful. Good luck on your approval!
— LionGirl2k
October 24, 2002
Hi there-I just wanted to stress that being "obsessed" with this
process/adventure/journey isn't a negative-think of the things we used to
be obsessed with-mostly food items for me. Now people do tell me I am
Obsessed and I am taking this too far-but these are the people who I think
are just jealous of my success. I have completely turned my life around and
concentrate on getting good things in my body and exercising on a regular
basis. I sometimes count calories but I admit I am a slave to the scale. We
all have our obsessions-if reading obesityhelp.com and focusing on getting
healthier is the worst of our evils, I think we are doing ok! Alli B-12
months out -168lbs (24 to go!)
— Alli B.
October 25, 2002
I too am hoping, and praying to be approved for this surgery. I also haunt
this site day and night, while I'm at work, and when I'm at home. But, it's
a good thing, because I am learing so much. And, on days when I feel like
it's never going to happen all I have to do is look here, and know that I
can't give up!
— autumn F.
October 25, 2002
Yes, many of us were (are?) obsessed with this site. I know that I found a
wealth of info on this site before surgery. My favorite spot was the
before and after photos. I spent HOURs looking at the pictures and
dreaming that some day I would have my pictures up there too! Sometimes I
would stop and read the profiles of these pictures and then send an E-mail
to the person. I have developed quite a few lifetime friendships with some
I have met on this site and from my support group. The WLS community is a
wonderfully supportive, kind and nurturing group of men and women. Who else
understands you more than us-we have all been there, done that. This is a
life changing decision for us-quite understandable how we get obsessed.
— Cindy R.
October 25, 2002
I think your behavior is completely normal at this point. This is a huge
event in your life and brings with it so much anticipation that you can't
think of anything else. That's probably also why some people have a big
letdown after the surgery - it's like post-partum depression. We all visit
this site because we need to be in touch with people who have made the
journey or are on the yellow brick road. Good luck!
— Arlene S.
October 26, 2002
OH GIRL!!!! I think the fear of the Big Bad Insurance Wolf has got us all
scared. I was so afraid they would say no, that it took me 4 months to be
ready to apply for approval. I read everything I could get my hands on for
insurance approval, and have come up with some very good suggestions...
email me if you need any help at all... and dont worry about this addictive
site, it is more helpful than harmful!!! love
— Jennifer W.
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