Linda in MN

Hi!
I'm new here. (I've actually been lurking around for a while ) My round of pre-op appointments begin next week. I've been researching, thinking, and praying. There is no doubt in my mind that I must loose a lot of weight. I am about 85% sure I want to go through with the surgery but, I have nagging questions.

First of all, I know the surgery will help me tremendously. I'm just wondering if it is really the only way. I'm an overweight diabetic. I take three kinds of oral meds and two kinds of insulin. I need to lose 100-120 pounds. My mom once asked me, "Why don't you just eat the way you have to after the surgery and NOT have the surgery?" I'm not sure how to answer that. Possibly the answer is that surgery will help me KEEP it off. I mean, I lost 27 pounds last summer eating very low carb for about a month. The problem is that I couldn't maintain it. Maybe I'm just too weak or distracted, or whatever. I regained that weight over the course of a year. I already have neuropathy in both of my feet. I know the danger of diabetes is breathing down my neck. I have been diabetic (that I know of) for about five years and I'm only 43. I don't see myself having a long or healthy life at this rate.

I'm also concerned about how much extra cost there will be for special foods after surgery (protein drinks, etc) I already run short on our grocery budget every month feeding three strapping boy (ages 11,12, and 15) There isn't much in the budget to buy special foods for me. And how do I live on such a restrictive diet while I still have the responsibility of shopping and cooking for my family? Growing boys do not eat like a bariatric patient!!
I'm hoping I can find some honest input on this from those who have been there. I'm really teetering on this decision and I need help!

Thanks~
Linda

justawoman

Hi Linda,

I tried diet after diet and always seemed to regain my weight back, I think that is pretty normal for most of us. I always looked at it as an addiction, I was addicted to food and this tool helped me with my addiction. I can honestly say that almost 2 years out I dislike food now, I eat for fuel for my body. I never thought I would say those words but this tool has taught me so many things and also changed alot of things for me. Foods I use to love I hate now, food even taste differently to me. Food is not the number one thing on my mind anymore.

As far as grocery money, I totally understand where you are coming from. I have 4 children, 2 stepchildren and a very hungry husband. The only thing I spent that was "extra" was my protein drinks in the very beginning. Which now I don't buy because I hate them and get my protein from regular food. My grocery bill actually went down as I Dont eat much! In the beginning it was rough as the kids wanted mac n cheese and I thought I really wanted all those things that the rest of the family was eating but further out I found out I didn't even want or like those things anymore, it was all in my head. IE: head hunger. I do eat with my family but started making healthy meats, vegetables, salads and everyone has adjusted. My kids still eat snacks and such, I just don't eat them. When we have movie night and the kids are eating chips, I will eat yogurt or fresh fruit. If you want this bad enough everything is possible.

I wish you luck in your journey and hope you stick around as there are great people here and great information, you find the good, bad and ugly here!

Take Care!

__________________
pre/current/goal
258/ 123/ 150 ...5'7 29 years old
November 14th 2005 LAP
Preg start weight - 125lbs
Preg ending weight-163lbs
Baby Amari born June 28th, 2007 7:43am 7lbs 14oz
Current weight- 123lbs
HOLY S%*T I HAVE GAINED WEIGHT FINALLY - 139LBS. This is where I want to be so now time to try and maintain it!

****RENEE******

www.myspace.com/reneenredd

Linda in MN

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer, Renee! I appreciate it
(keeping this all in my "think about" file!)

Linda