I'm new, and wondering how to answer my mothers questions. - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

watergirl · 02-26-2005, 10:33 AM

You're the only one that can make the decision to have this surgery. NO ONE else can tell you what you can and can't do. I understand the challenge to this surgery when someone close to you does not approve. My story was my husband. He threatened me that he would get an attorney to try to stop me. He can't, he didn't. I did have the surgery! I was going to have it with him or without him. He made the decision to join me only because I provided him with websites and articles - pros/cons. The more information he received, the more he came around. He knows that a happy Mom/Wife/partner makes the whole house a happy place.

My parents are my biggest fans though. They know the life struggle I've had throughout my life. My suggestion would be to provide your Mom with as much information as possible. I wish you all the best!

cedesigns · 02-26-2005, 11:09 AM

[quote=Meaghan]When she starts in on the "I know you can do it again Meaghan" I just explain that it's the "again" that is killing me... [quote]

I was a fat teen (although I lost weight many times), I managed to keep my weight down throughout my 20's but it always would come back. Something about the way my mind-body is wired/cofigured always would cause the pounds to come back on. I have great will power! I have lost 50-60-70 lbs about 20 times in my life, but it would always come back. That was a pattern that I knew after decades of living it would always be there if some major physioligical changes were not made. GBS alters you physiologically, the capacity you had to just load your stomache is gone. You can't eat that much anymore. Of course you can still eat foods that are loaded with calories, and if you are not willing to make changes in your eating, then I suppose you could gain the weight back. But believe me it is different. Overeating with a tiny little tummy hurts. I don't see GBS surgery as any different than any other surgery that someone needs to assist the best use and operation of their body. My stomache was too big. I have read the capacity of most GBS patients stomaches are as much as 2-3 times the size of a normal person. Also the ability for the stomache lining to stretch varies from one person to another. For some of us eating a lot of food really never hurt, or bothered us, it never really felt full. That's not the case for most people, their stomache lining stretches and they know it is time to stop. This surgery affects a lot of the stomache/brain communication. Your stomache tells your brain it is time to stop~

Meaghan · 02-26-2005, 09:01 PM

Melanie

Thanks for that bit of info. I've been working with a personal trainer since November - so I know I've got the muscle tone... just haven't been doing very much cardio. I plan on walking as soon as they tell me too. I hope you're right. But, you know at this point I'd rather have skin hanging off me than this fat!!!

That is great on your loss - it must feel incredible!!! I will be beyond excitement if I ever see the scale at 120!!! You give me hope!

Julie32 · 02-28-2005, 03:51 PM

I had the same thing with my parents. My Dad who is a doctor was against this completly. My boyfriend was against the whole procedure as well. My Mom who is an RN wasn't really sure but was happy for me. I had my surgery on 12/10/2004. I have lost over 50 pounds and don't regret a thing. My father finally did come around once he spoke to other doctors that had worked with my surgeon. It took alot for him to understand where I was at. He spoke to me all the time about losing my life in surgery and I explained to him that I was already losing my life and I had been for the last 10 years. I'm 32 years old. And I have like most people here been on every diet progam imaginable, even ones that aren't. My suggestion is take your time. Take your Mom with you to the meetings and allow her to be a part of it and allow her to ask her own questions. Hearing it first hand really helps.

LAD · 03-01-2005, 09:38 AM

Meaghan,
I've not seen anyone from LB before. I had my surgery in Jan. Whereabouts in LB do you live? If you ever want to get together to talk or walk or . . . Is your surgeon the same as most of these folks? Wow, someone from near me.

Meaghan · 03-02-2005, 01:19 AM

Lori,

Hi there! I live right across from The Pike and Convention Center. I'd love to get together anytime. I'd love to have someone to talk to locally about the surgery!!! Right now I'm beyond frustration at my doctors office. I'm going through Surgilite in Torrance. I called last week and was told there was to be a support meeting tonight at their office - of course no one was there and the office was locked up tight. It feels like I keep getting the run around by the staff there. Anyway, let me know if you want to walk or something sometime. Great job on your loss so far too!!!

LAD · 03-02-2005, 10:54 AM

Meaghan,
Do you love living downtown? I used to and loved walking everywhere! I live in Los Altos across Atherton from the Carpenter Center at CSULB.
How very frustrating for you re: the meeting. I am going to one on March 17 in Santa Ana. It is at a Kaiser facility but sponsored by my surgical group-Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. You're welcome to come with me. They're having a trainer speak.

I have to go back to work tomorrow so I con't know how my energy will be for a little while.

Talk with you soon.

Meaghan · 03-02-2005, 08:56 PM

Lori,

Yeah it is nice down here, but after awhile it gets old living across from Gameworks with a bunch of people yelling late at night. Otherwise it's great. I love being close to the water too.

I called the office this morning and was told that the cleaning lady must have locked the doors. There were 2 other people there? Whatever. I am looking into another place in San Pedro and they have a seminar on the 15th that I'm going to. I'd love to go your group - any info is great as far as I'm concerned.

I hope your day went well... I'm only planning on taking just short of 2 weeks off if I'm able. Anyway hope you are okay.