Question:
Is surgery right for me?

I am 29 years old. I weigh 250lbs. My BMI is 48. At this time I am healthy. I do not have obesity health problems. Although I do have lower back pain and a lot of pain in my feet. I really want this surgery to improve the quality of my life. I would like the honest opinions of post op patients.If I was your daughter what would your recomendation be for me?    — Joleen M. (posted on February 26, 2002)

February 26, 2002
This is a question only you can answer. Have you been MO all your life? For only a few years? Have you dieted in the past with no success? Are you willing to commit to the lifestyle and eating habits you would need to do post-op to be successful? I can tell you that I would never tell you yes or no to the surgery for you, but if you decide this is what you want, I would back you.
   — garw

February 26, 2002
Well, although surgery is a very personal decision, these are the reasons I decided to get it. I am only 23 years old, but my BMI is 44 and I have knee and back pain, as well as heart palpitations, glucose intolerance and cholesterol of 233. I think to myself that if I have these problems now, how is it going to be when I am older? Diabetes, high blood pressure, worse joint and back pain. I realize that I haven't been able to lose the weight I need in order to be healthy, despite many years of trying everything I could. I really feel that this is my last change to live out a healthy life without fear of my health. You should look at your life and decide whether you really think you would be able to lose the weight without WLS, or whether you just think the weight would be an increasing problem. I have lived enough of my life imprisoned in this body, I want to spend the rest of my life free.
   — Jennifer Y.

February 26, 2002
I don't have a biological daughter, but I have 2 sons & 1 step-dtr, all obese. I would recommend surgery for my oldest son, because he can follow a regimen. I'm not certain I would for son #2, because he's rather a rebel. I love my step-dtr and she often works with us here and has seen literally hundreds of post-ops, successful & not, so she KNOWS what it takes to remain healthy & keep the wt off, and even SHE doubts she can do it. She cannot get organized to take her Claritin, even when her eyes are swolen shut with allergies. So, not everyone is a good candidate long term, as far as aftercare. Most all of us candidates pre-op, because the comorbs are likely to "get us" sooner or later.
   — vitalady

February 27, 2002
Like everyone else has said, this is a very personal decision. If you have really tried to get your weight off and just can't, I would say it is better to do it sooner as later when you are really sick with comorbs. I wish I would have been able to do it sooner. I am 36 and am glad I did it now and not when I am older. I wasn't living my life before...WLS has given me a chance at a healthier, happier, more active life. Do as much research as you can and make sure you are well informed before making ANY decision.
   — Karen B.

February 27, 2002
I wish that I had had the surgery when I was younger! I had mine last June at age 42 and have lost 103 pounds.I do wish I had done it earlier for so many reasons, yet am very happy that I did do it. My BMI was like yours and even though you don't have a lot of health issues now or that can be seen, as you age there may be more. It also has so much to do with how you feel inside and how active a participant you can be in your life as much as actual physical health concerns. Best Wishes on whatever you decide is right for you.
   — Molly S.

February 27, 2002
I'm 30...5'4" and started at 261 lbs. I'm 6 weeks post op and down 41 lbs. I was terrified to tell my mother. Although I wasn't afraid to have this surgery, I didn't think I could deal with her disappointment. I called her two days before surgery and was bawling when I told her. She was elated. She said she has been so worried about my health and thought this was the best decision I could make. So, if you ask my mom, she'd say go for it. If you'd ask me, I'd say the same.
   — Goldilauxx B.