[fridakallio]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the TT forums and wanted to introduce myself. I am considering gastric bypass and am in the beginning stages of the process. I attended an information session last night. I have mixed feelings about it. What I know for sure is that I feel awful about myself. I hardly go out anymore because I am embarrassed and ashamed of my appearance. I hate eating in front of others. I think mean thoughts about myself. I'm desparate to lose weight and have tried just about every diet in the book. I'm tired of dieting and want to make a lifestyle change. I'm trying to simply change my eating habits to healthier ones but so far no change in weight has occurred. Anyway, I'm still in a decision making process about the procedure and looking for support.

Frida

[Chrissie23]

Hi frida, it's nice to meet you.

Don't rush your decision making, because trust me, it's a HUGE life-changing decision. It took me over a year to actually decide that I wanted this..I mean REALLY want this, and to follow through with the steps and process. I know how you feel about failing diets and embarrassment, I am/was in the same place. You'll find a ton of information and resources here and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Welcome to TT!!!

[Corrine]

Your story is common Frida.

Chrissie is right - don't rush into this. The changes (physically and emotionally) are bigger than I had imagined. But I would do it all again tomorrow because it gave me a life I could never have imagined.

But welcome to T-T. You in the best place so pull up a chair and read all you can.

[fridakallio]

Thanks guys for your warm welcomes. I really appreciate it. I've started looking around at various posts to see what people have experienced pre- and post-surgery. Very informative. I'm sure information I gather will help me make my decision.

[AAA]

Welcome. Glad you're here.

[Highlandlass]

Hi Frida, Glad you are here too. Its certainly not something to rush into. Do your research, speak to your doctor, ask questions here and most of all follow your insticts. I jumped at the chance to have the surgery and have never regretted that decision, but then again everything has gone along very smoothly for me. Do you know which surgery you are leaning towards. Mine was the Lap. RNY. Post any questions or concerns in T.T. and you will have the advice of many wonderful people who have been just where you are now. Welcome.

[Cynthia]

Welcome. I am also new to this forum and am in the begining steps to get approval for my surgery. I agree with everyone else that you should definitley take your time before you make this decision. It is also a good idea to attend a few seminars to get as much info as you can. This is a great place to help you on your journey.

[Marella]

Originally Posted by fridakallio

I hardly go out anymore because I am embarrassed and ashamed of my appearance. I hate eating in front of others. I think mean thoughts about myself. I'm desparate to lose weight and have tried just about every diet in the book. I'm tired of dieting and want to make a lifestyle change.

Hi Frida. Welcome to Thinner Times.

Your description of YOU was pretty much, ME. I finally approached WLS out of desperation. I just couldn't stand it anymore, it was either surgery or death.

Needless to say, I not only chose life, but I learned how to "eat to live" instead of "living to eat". My life USED to revolve around going out to eat occasions. Now food is on the bottom of the list and I choose and plan more adventurous outings NOW that my body can do more things.

Originally Posted by fridakallio

I have mixed feelings about it.

This is not unusual. Many of us have gone through this, approaching surgery as, not a last resort, but as a failure of sorts. Why couldn't I lose the weight on my own? Truth is, those who are so vastly overweight have THE hardest time losing and keeping it off. It's the nature of our bodies. Yes, there are those who can follow a nutrition program, exercise and lose a ton of weight without surgical intervention, but that was not me.

If you approach WLS as a tool, which a tool is what it is, not a magic pill or a magical procedure, you can put your mind in a place where it's your ultimate fat tool that you can use to finally fight the demon of obesity AND win.

You are not a failure for not losing weight the old-fashioned way, and not a failure for choosing the path of WLS -- which many say we are taking the easy way out -- it most definitely isn't easy -- what this procedure is IS our ultimate chance, a chance that REALLY works, and works even better if you work it, change your eating habits, change your lifestyle and determine to live, think, eat and breath a whole new and healthy way. What we never learned or took to heart before, we are learning now and locking inside our brains, and our children and so on, will be better off for it.

Take care,

[VanessaSFL]

Welcome to the gang

[mistymee]

Hi there.. welcome to the group! There is a lot of information out there to read..... hopefully, it'll help you sort out your thoughts and help you decide.