Question:
Please help me to decide if this surgery is something that is for me!

I am am 36 5'3 and weight 215. I have been on every diet in the book, including illegal ones since i was in high school. I am very depressed about my weight and have been on anti deppressants for 20 yrs and keep adding more and more. I used fasten for 7 yrs and that helped, until the Dr. was instructed to discontinue use of this med. My work is being effected I am a Dr. asst. Ialso have high blood pressure. my mother is diebetic and I can see that coming for me too. I have just had enough i really feel that I have wrecked my metabolism, and am drainned pyscologically and WLS seems to be the right thing. Please Help!Lori    — Lori M. (posted on April 17, 2001)

April 17, 2001
You need to research this a whole lot more! This is a new lifestyle and not an easy out! This is our new tool but on a daily basis you are dieting and exercising. If you think you are depressed now.......just wait! Are you prepared to lose 10 and plateau for 2 weeks and still only eat 800 calories a day? I think too many people think that this is an easy way out and it is not! It is diet aid and not to be abused. You will give up practically everything that put your weight on and you have to be prepared mentally. Good luck to you!
   — [Anonymous]

April 17, 2001
I would think that if you are asking someone to decide if surgery is for you than it isn't for you.
   — [Anonymous]

April 17, 2001
Barb: I always enjoy your responses, but I respectfully disagree that 'The people who say they regret the surgery really shouldnt have had it.' I think that the *may* regret the surgery because they did not educate themselves enough, were not realistic about all the emotional/mental changes that one would go through in addition to the physical changes or didn't take the surgery seriously enough. It IS major surgery and carries serious complication risks. It IS a lifestyle change and *may* involve serious emotional issues that one may not have thought out beforehand or anticipated. Additionally, if someone experiences extreme complications -- even if they knew about it beforehand -- It is NOT the same as going through them. I think if one goes in TOTALLY PREPARED and having researched all other possible options, etc. and takes a lot of time beforehand to get firsthand experience from other post-ops, the transition will be smoother. I think the transition may be more rough for some because they may not have had access to information, may not have researched enough, may not have taken the surgery seriously enough? Going through a difficult transition period and wishing one didn't have the surgery can be avoided with education and experience. All the best,
   — Teresa N.

April 17, 2001
YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DECIDE WHETHER THE SURGERY IS FOR YOU OR NOT. I am 5'4" and 2 years ago I was 312lbs, I am down to 155lbs. I thought long and hard before I had the surgery and the people I loved backed my decision, but it was my decision. I don't regret having the surgery at all and am gearing up for my tummy tuck. I think you need to do some more research on the subject and decide if you can handle the lifestyle changes you will need to make. No matter what you decide good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

April 17, 2001
Now I will be happy to eat less, but really dont want my insides rearranged. Thats why I decided to get the Lab Band. Its a adjustable band thats put laproscpically around my stomach. One night in hospital, back to work in week to ten days, no drain tube, no permanent alterations at all of my body parts, much lower complication rate. Removable if ever necessary, and everything will return to how it was before surgery. Its in FDA trials in the US and expected to receive approval soon. Now the way I look at it doctors tell me there will be a safe effective drug out in the next 5 to 10 years for weight loss, one that REALLY works. Just look around you, everyone is overweight. Big profits for that drug company. Unfortunately I am diabetic and cant wait, but this way if another solution comes out I will be ready for it.
   — bob-haller

April 18, 2001
HI Lori. I just want to let you know that you are not the only person that has struggled with the should I or shouldn't I. I too struggled hard with the this. I also researched all the info for six months before I even asked my doctor about it. Thankfully he was extremely supportive and told me he thought I had made a wise choice. I think the indecisivness comes from fear of the unknowing and that is a very natural thing. However, I agree with Barb. Only you can make this decision for you and I think you are very smart to think it through completly before making a life changing choice. I have had some problems dealing with my emotions post op. Food and cold beer used to be my drugs of choice and having to deal with the day to day stress of life and relationships HAS been more difficult for me. But you know what? I have had to learn to take things one day at a time and am starting to adjust. Just like we all have to learn to do. It just has to be something you are ready for in your personal life. Maybe you should try another method of weight loss for a while and wait and see how you feel about this surgery later. The surgery will still be around and you will have had more time to think things through. Bless you in whatever your decision. Hugs ---Tonia
   — Tonia B.