Question:
Please name 3 things that really helped you succeed with WLS

If you could name the top 3 things that helped you succeed with WLS, what would they be? Please explain them, if not self explanitor. Thanks!! Jann    — paschool (posted on December 17, 2000)


December 16, 2000
Three things huh? Well, first of all it was the support of my husband. That was the biggest help of all. No matter what happened he never waivered..even when I almost stunk him out of the bedroom from the bad gas (sorry sad but true). Secondly, a picture of me when I was thin. I longed to be that way again and now I am.(although I am 20 years older and don't look as firm as I did)..and thirdly, my wedge pillow which was a Godsend. After 19 months I still sleep with that thing. I love it and it helped so much in the beginning. Hope this helps alittle and good luck.
   — Barbara H.

December 16, 2000
Hi Jann, The three things that help me succeed with the surgery are: 1. The determination to lose the weight. No matter what it took for me to lose the weight, I was going to do it. That is why I had the surgery. 2. After surgery I had to psyche myself up to know that if I ate certain things (i.e. sweets, sugar, oily foods etc.) I would get sick and i did. It was enough to keep me away from them still to this day. 3. The confidence I feel everytime I look in the mirror and see how beautiful I am becoming. It amazed me. Also the compliments I get from people who saw how I looked 8 months ago, and how I look now. This surgery was the only way I was going to lose weight. I tried every diet there was and failed at it. This surgery not only changed my diet but my behavior. I don't eat the things I can't have. I stick very close to the post- op diet my doctors' office gave me.
   — Sharon T.

December 17, 2000
1. Research and getting good information about this surgery (This site). 2. The right surgeon, one who gave pre and post op instructions and offered support after surgery. Also he was able to give me dietary resources. 3. GOD and the prayer and support.
   — Courtrina Amur W.

December 17, 2000
Sorry about that...The 3 things that have helped me succeed: 1. Research about surgery. i could never get enough information about the surgery. I would stay up late in the night just reading profiles on this website and searching for as much information as I could about being successful. 2. Support from my family and friends. Without the support I would feel very alone and may not have been as successful as I have. I feel you need the support and love from those you love, without it things may not feel "right". 3. God. With his love, guidance and direction, I was able to make the right decision for myself and my family regarding my health. Hope this helps...Hugs~
   — Marni

December 17, 2000
The Number ONE thing that helped me succeed with WLS was learning that there was <b>more than one type of surgery.</b> Learning that I had many different options, as far as the <b>TYPE</b> of surgery to have, was the absolute KEY in my success. Had I chosen any other type of surgery, because of my individual needs & life style, I would have been doomed for failure. Insead of making a list of pro's & con's for each surgery, (because we know all surgery types work), I made a list of "features" that each surgery has to offer and chose the one that I could, honestly, live with for the rest of my life. <B>SECOND</B>, I had to choose a qualified surgeon. One with years of experience & a great after care program. <B>THIRD</B>, compliance. Do what your surgeon tells you to do and listen to the nutritionist. If you've chosen the right surgery for you, this shouldn't be difficult at all... I would have to add a <B>FOURTH</B>....All the information gathered from my online buddies, preops & postops, was absolutely invaluable and played big part in my success!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 17, 2000
Prayer, which led me to this site and support and knowledge which then led me to the right surgeon and hospital! Then, prayer, to keep it in God's hands- every time I take it back, I screw it up! No failure here!!!
   — [Anonymous]

December 17, 2000
1. My beautiful bride of 18yrs. Without her help and support my success would have certainly been diminished. 2. An early death. I had some comorbidities, i.e., HBP, high cholesterol, heart disease in my family, etc. I wasn't going to die in a week or year for that matter, however, I was certainly not going to be around to see grandchildren at the rate I was going. 3. I hate being or getting sick and this surgery has made me unable to tolerate sugars and other foods that got me to my highest weight of 343-lbs. This to me is a blessing. I am now 18 mos. post-op (Open RNY)and now 171-lbs. Best regards, Mark
   — Mark B.

December 17, 2000
Since everyone has covered the first things that leap to mind, God, right surgery, right surgeon, loving spouse, the hands-on, everyday things that helped me to reach & maintain goal wt would be lots of protein supplement & vites, no milk or sugar, support groups.
   — vitalady

December 17, 2000
There's more than three keys to success, but mine would be ... 1. Being absolutely clear about what having surgery would or would not do for me. It's a tool, not a magic cure- all, and a lifestyle change, not a "quick fix". 2. Having absolute faith that the surgeon I went to was the right guy for the job, and that the surgery I had (an open VBG) was the right one for me. 3. Having a family (particularly my mother) who supported my decision and have been with me every step of the way. Hope this helps you! Warm skinny happy holiday thoughts,
   — Cheryl Denomy

December 18, 2000
Excellent question. My 3 things would be: 1) Knowledge because knowledge is power and made me confident in my decision to take control of my health 2) Commitment because this is no cake walk, and there are rules to follow and 3) Patience because this process changes your life in so many ways - including ones you cannot anticipate or comprehend until they happen.
   — Paula G.




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