Hi, Long time reader, 1st time poster... - ThinnerTimes

Omega · 04-26-2007, 08:57 AM

Hi everyone,

My name is Jason and have been lurking for a bit now across several forums and this one is where "it" seems to be. A bit about myself... I am a network engineer (read computer geek) for a major city in Ohio so I am not up and moving much. Married for 3 years, love my, wife, motorcycle, dogs, and friends. I am the kind of person that sits in the back of the room when I don't know anyone and the guy that everyone wants at the party when I get comfortable with everyone... My Highest that I know of is 386, I am 5'10" and 33 yrs old and a Virgo

I haven't even started down the road to any procedures, I am just on the extreme info hunt for fact and emotion. with this said, I hope that is alright for me to ask some questions?..

This will be for the guys here, but please anyone chime in.

I am very apprehensive about any surgery after having 2 of them on my back for blown discs... How did "you" handle the mental stress of deciding to do this and working through the steps of this process?

Since I am a man, and we all seem to have the Superman gene that says we have to handle everything ourselves and we don't then we failed, how did you handle this?

Do any of you have/had significant others that were again you getting WLS, particularly GBS? and if sho how did you handle that?

How did you handle giving up food? Or what I would deem as trauma of food separation?

I am not the type that has to eat all the time, but I eat too much when I do, kind of like I don't understand the feeling of satisfied until it too late...

Thanks for your time,
Jason

lealphachienne · 04-26-2007, 09:21 AM

You have come to the right place to get answers.

My ex had his WLS before I did. I know for him, he had many similar concerns. However, he really never sought help for all of his issues. He had a very strict mindset that once he had surgery, then he was fine and didn't need any other help. He refused to go to the support groups. He thought losing weight would make his life easier. For him, he eventually turned to other addictions and didn't make the transition for his emotional side. (He was a computer geek too)

It is imperative to gain support from those around you...find others in the area that have gone through WLS. I am very good friends with many here. This has helped tremendously. WLS is one of the most difficult things you will go through......it's years of relearning how to eat, what works for your body, to identify who you really are and how you relate to others. It is complex recovery that goes beyond just losing weight

ACORNEY · 04-26-2007, 09:25 AM

Hi Jason I Am New To , I Ahve Found This Fourm To Be The Best Off All. I Am Waiting For The Gbs . I Have A Few Things I Need To Do First , Before I Can Get A Date. You Will Gain Such Much Info Here . You Are In The Right Place. I Have Had Family Member Who Have Had The Gbs, And Are Handling Things Alright So They Say. What I Was Told Was To Go To Your Local Support Groups And Here . Althought I Am Per Op And I Find . When I Go To Support Group It Help Dealling With All Kinds Of Problems. Good Luck

I Wish You Lots Of Luck.

April

Luna Lurker · 04-26-2007, 09:36 AM

Grab a seat, we don't mind if you gravitate towards the 'back of the room', that's usually where they find me at or local support group meetings. You'll find answers and comfort at this 'family' forum. No questions here seem to be considered dumb, just an opportunity to share the gathered information and personal experiences we have lived.

JenBear7 · 04-26-2007, 10:24 AM

Welcome to the forum! I am pre-op, no answer to your questions yet. But, you will find answers here. You will also find more questions.. and then more answers... and it never ends...

Caroll · 04-26-2007, 10:36 AM

Hi Jason,

I can answer one of your questions. I am also new here. I had my surgery April 9th. My husband of almost 7 years was apprehensive of me having the surgery as well. After in depth talks about it the fear was more what if something happen to me during surgery(losing the weight wasn't worth risking my life) and secondly he made it very clear that I wasn't to go through the surgery "just for him". I wanted to have the surgery and I'm a nurse and saw a handful of people at work that have had it done and they have all done incredibly well.

I am now 2.5 weeks out have lost 25# and am feelling good. My husband isa excellent supporter! I'm amazed at the energy I have with the so little calories I take in. In the last 2.5 weeks I have not been hungry at all I have to make a conscience effort to eat.
Good Luck and Welcome!!

Dave in NY · 04-26-2007, 10:41 AM

Jason,

I can not help you decide whether the surgery is good for you or not. I can say I am now 10 weeks post op. I have had several surgeries in the past including back surgery. The surgery is no fun and you will have to recover from that some folks feel good after a week and others may suffer longer due to complications. For me the bottom line was am I going to see my grandchildren grow up if I don't get control of my morbid obesity. The answer was hell no. I decided to go with a local WLS Clinic and began the path on 10/06 and I already am doing much better. I did have a few complications but I am well on the path to being a very healthy grandfather. By the way the young heal quicker. I am 6'0" and topped out at 387 (sound familiar?).

Jason the concept of surgery will always give pause.
You are on the correct path. Collect data . Talk with your Doctors openly and with Honesty. Share your thoughts with your loved ones who will be your support group. Keep on asking questions and moving on the path of improving your health and life.

Omega · 04-26-2007, 11:36 AM

I want to thank you all for your input! And so fast.

Trust me, I will keep reading and asking things as time goes on, and hopefully I can make a good decision for myself in the near future...

One more question though. How long did it take from the time you made up your mind to your operation date?

I know there is insurance and reschedules and the such, just wondering...

Thanks!!!,
J

lealphachienne · 04-26-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omega

How long did it take from the time you made up your mind to your operation date?

Thanks!!!,
J

My ex took 8 years to decide for it. My mind was made up when my PCP said my weight is getting me in trouble and she recommended WLS. From that appointment forward (in July 03) I did everything I needed to get qualified. I started my 6 months medically supervised diet with my PCP, I requested all of my medical records to be sent to me from 8 different doctors over the previous 5 years. That was fun as one my weight loss docs had died and we couldn't locate where the records went. I went though all the hoops, got all the tests needed, attended the required seminars, appealed a denial and cried for joy when I was approved and then had the surgery in May 2004.

I would still do it all again in a heartbeat, though now I've had some compilications and am constantly getting sick. Traded off having a heart attack or stroke to putting up with a series of acute illnesses. God I love this life!

LyndasRoom · 04-26-2007, 02:17 PM

Hi Jason,
Welcome! It looks like you've got lots of great answers already, I just wanted to say HI and welcome!