Question:
Herbal Life ~ What should I do?

My name is Lisa, I know that I have not been on the site for awhile, because I had to go to the e.r. because I could not hardly walk because of my knee, they took x-rays and they found out that I have arthisis in my knee. I started taking herbal life vitimins and I have loss 5lbs. and 8 and a half inches down, but my doctor advise me to go on and have the surgery, I don't know what to do...    — Lisa L. (posted on June 15, 2000)

June 15, 2000
Hi Lisa!!! My husband and I did the Herbal Life deal to, it worked okay for him but for me not so well. I was on it for four months and lost 11 lb. We had to take 27 pills a day!!! That's crazy. But if it is working for you and your happy with the results stick with it. As for WLS it is your choice not your doctors. You should do what you feel is the best for you. I don't know if I helped any, but I feel you shouldn't do anything that you're not comfortable with. GOOD LUCK! Niki
   — Niki G.

June 16, 2000
Hey Lisa: I checked your profile and I would keep researching surgery until you feel it is right for you. With a BMI of 80, it could help you immensely. I had the surgery mainly due to my arthritis pain and inability to exercise. If you can't exercise, you will not be able to lose enough weight. I think surgery and weight loss would relieve a lot of pain for you. I am not saying it will cure it. I still have pain, but feel soooo much better. Keep researching until you find your own answer. Good luck.
   — Dot W.

June 16, 2000
Lisa...I know this is all so unsettling, but since you are only 32 years old seems like that would be a possitive point for surgery. With large amounts of weight I beleive this is the only way to do it with sucess. I have played with this for 8years trying to decide, now the insurance is fighting me. I'm 52 years old and have to do something soon. I'm sure that there are agencies that the Dr. can get you in touch with that can help with the after care. GOD BLESS YOU
   — Linda Y.

June 16, 2000
Hi Lisa, I am scheduled to have WLS next Thursday 6/22. I can't wait. But I agree with the others, you should only do it if you want, because it takes a lifetime commimment. I am 48 years old and have arthritis in both my knees and can tell you, it only gets worse with age. If I were your age and know what I know now, I would have had the surgery years ago. I might remind you to keep reading about the folks on line here, they're a great bunch and have helped me a LOT!!
   — Teresa O.

June 16, 2000
Hi Lisa, Please do not ever give up on yourself. You are a precious, wonderful, being that has a purpose for being here. I too, weigh over 500+ pounds. My surgery will be next week. After trying so many things and not being successful, I felt surgery was an option for me. I see the surgery as an opportunity to help better myself. I do not believe that it is going to be easy but I believe this is what I needed to do at this time. For YOU and only you, you must find a way to try and help yourself. It may not be surgery but I believe that you must try something for the purpose of improving your health. All the excess weight has been very hard on me in so many ways and I know you probably experience many of the same feelings that I have had due to it but, things are going to get better and they will for you as well. Keep searching until you find what is right for you. Best wishes to you and I wish you the very best in whatever decision you make.
   — Vickie K.

December 17, 2002
Hi Lisa. I am for WLS, but you need to here more than that. Please go to the Library on this site and click on Post-Op Miscellaneous Health Issues, then go down to Arthritis. Now I'm doing more research becuase I suffer from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis since I was 15 years old; I cannot tolerate any more pain, and I'm unable to take the arthritis medicines out there due to so many drug allergies and sensitivities. You need to do what is right for you and be fully informed throughout the entire process. God Bless!
   — Terri R.