Question:
I am doing this for the right reasons?
I am only 24 years old and am 5'6, 268 pounds. I don't have any co-morbitites other than high cholesterol and some arthritis. Since I am getting closer to REALLY having the surgery, I am wondering without major problems now, and I really doing this for cosmetic reasons? I know if I continue on this road, I WILL end up with other problems like my family, but I guess I just needed some support. Anyone else wonder about this? — emilyfink (posted on February 16, 2002)
February 16, 2002
I am 10 days post-op. I could never have done the surgery when I was
younger because I wasn't ready to admit that I couldn't conquer the weight
by regular diet and exercise. It tool me until I was 46 to accept my own
limitations and seek a medical solution.
— Kathy J.
February 16, 2002
I'm not sure there is a right or wrong reason. The politically correct
thing to say is "We are only doing this for my health and being
attractive isn't a good enough reason to go under the knife" to which
I say crap. I did this for many reasons, including wanting to slink around
in fredrick's of hollywood. It's no one's business what your reason is. I
know I will probably get flamed for not going with the party line, but so
what. I didn't have many comorbs either, except for being really really
fat. Why wait to get them so suddenly the reason seems to be a so called
worthy one? Good luck whatever you decide
— Becky K.
February 16, 2002
Hi, I am going through exactly what you are I am 25 and I have my first
consultation on April 8. The closer it gets to that date more fear sets in.
Unlike you I do have some morbitides but I also wonder am I doing this for
fun and fashion or am I really concerned about my health. Well I have to
admit it is both why wait yo-yo diet somemore and get bigger or have wls
while I am young and my body is able to bounce back. I go with the later so
that I can live a happy healty long life. :)
— Martrice H.
February 16, 2002
I'm 39 and wish I had done this at your age and you see that posted as a
common regret for a lot people. It is something you need sure you want you
could always reschedule to later date while you think about it.
— Candace F.
February 16, 2002
I totally understand where you're coming from with this--I'm 23 and even
though I know I mostly want this surgery so I can be healthy, I think about
this stuff too. I want to know what I would look like if I had a figure,
and what style of dress would look pretty on me, and how it would feel to
not be the fattest person in the room....<p>
I don't think there should be any shame in admitting that factors like this
are a part of choosing to have surgery. There are a lot of reasons to have
WLS, and like others have said, there's nothing that says you can only have
one motivation. For me, there was one bottom line: are the benefits of
surgery--ALL of them--worth the lifestyle changes I'll need to make? If I
didn't believe both my health AND appearance would improve, I'm not sure
how easy it would be to say yes.
— Kristy S.
February 16, 2002
I had similar questions as I approached my date. I didnt have any
comorbitities. Nothing, nada, zilch. I am 5'7 and was 278. Here is what my
thinking was... what was I waiting for, high blood pressure... would that
justify the surgery? Diabetes... would that justify the surgery? A heart
attach...would that justify the surgery? Arthritis or knee problems...
would that justify the surgery? Hey... with nothing wrong with me but being
morbidly obese I should be lucky to have the surgery without all the bad
stuff complicating my surgery. Plus... just think about it... MORBIDLY
OBESE... do you really think that isnt reason enought to have surgery. That
is a pretty friggin scary label. I am still 5'7" but I was 165 this
morning... I wish I had the opportunity to have done this years ago... what
heartache I would have saved myself. You will never regret this procedure.
It makes you realize how pathetic and small your world was.
— SusanMaria
February 16, 2002
Thank you all for your wonderful responses. You have been most helpful!
— emilyfink
February 17, 2002
Emily, I didn't have any medical problems either. However, after living (or
not living) my whole life as a fat person, I was tired of it. I WISH I
could have had this surgery at your age. I'm now almost 39 and had my
surgery a little over 3 months ago and have lost 62 pounds. What a
difference it makes in knowing that your not going to lose this weight and
then turn around and put it back on again!! Many people told me since I
didn't have any problems I was just doing this for "cosmetic"
reasons. If I'm 100 pounds overweight, how can it be considered vain or
cosmetic to want to lose that weight so I can live life like a
"normal" person?? I missed out on a LOT of living before I had
this surgery. Don't make the same mistake I did.
— Patty H.
February 18, 2002
I decided to have the surgery while I was still "small" (BMI of
43) and healthy (only high cholesterol) rather than wait until I was
heavier and sick and thus risk dying on the operating table. I came thru
the surgery just fine and have had no problems. I am glad I had it now so I
don't have to go thru all the medical problems and then work to get well
again.
— ctyst
February 18, 2002
Emily, Don't wait if you can have the surgery done now! I'm 43, divorced,
and you betcha, I'm doing this for cosmetic reasons! I want to have a
social life again. To fit into sexy lingerie again. Ok, I do want to be
able to tie my shoes without getting lightheaded.... Don't wait until back
pain, high BP and other co-morbities sneak up on you. ENJOY your life!! --
11 days to go!
— Mary C.
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