How did you know when you were ready? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

Ann N · 07-05-2005, 07:24 PM

Hi Danette!

I have struggled through my childhood and adulthood with "weight issues" - trying everything from individual therapy, group therapy, diets on my own, weight watchers, nutrisystem, several rounds of medically supervised weight loss (HMR - lost 122 llbs and 100 lbs), I have always been successful at losing weight but not at maintaining the weight loss.

My MD has been suggesting this surgery for over 3 years and I consented to the referral when I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. The pulomonologist said that I will not live a long life unless I lose this weight and keep it off.

Still, that wasn't enough - I spent months in therapy this year discussing this issue and once again trying to lose weight on my own. I have finally come to accept that this is the right choice for me. I can't FAIL again! I feel like this is my chance to recreate my life.

I know there will be risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks for me at this time in my life. I hope that you can come to terms with this and make the best decision possible for you! ONLY you can decide! Wishing you the best!

Ann

Pixie · 07-05-2005, 08:18 PM

Danette ~

I think we all experience the same kind of anxiety about WLS that you are, it just lasts for different durations of time, as you can see by all the prior postings. For my, I did the research for a couple years, like a lot of other people, but I knew I wasn't ready. At the time I didn't know why, but I kept putting it off. Well, after a long, arduous process of self-evaluation, I realized that I had a lot of issues that were wrapped up in my weight that I had to deal with before I could make the kind of commitment necessary to move forward with WLS. As soon as I worked through those issues 99.9% of my fears were relieved, and God opened doors for me left and right. There are still days like today, when I was writing up my Living Will, and Power of Attorney papers, where some of the worry returns, but for the most part I know I am too young to live the rest of my life like this, as are you.

Best of luck to you in your search for answers. We all have had different experiences, and we are all at different places in the process, but I think the common thread is no regret!

dkessell · 07-05-2005, 09:40 PM

Hi Danette,

I was heavy my whole life, but not as heavy as I got in the last 2 years, here I was 5 foot 10 inchs and 366 pounds.

My doctor says look you can die from being overweight or you can do something about it you have been on all kinds of diets and nothing worked for you. You need this surgery or you will not live very long.

Boy that opened my eyes I what to live for a long time but beening over weight was cutting my life short.

Don't cut your life short, do what you need to do to loose the weight.

For me this surgery was the best answer.

Just look deep in your self and you will find the answer you are looking for.

eyesthatkissu · 07-05-2005, 10:47 PM

I think it's different for everyone. I can say that I researched this surgery for over three years. I never ever felt compfortable until I met Dr. Callery. I made my decision the moment I left the educational seminar. Bottom line is YOU have to feel comfortable. YOU will know when and if the time is right. I believe in God, therefore I believe His hand plays a part in everything and if He means for it to be, then it will be. I think if you force yourself to go one way or the other you will never be happy with your decision. God Bless you!

Pokey757 · 07-06-2005, 07:44 AM

Thank You all Once again! Thanks for sharing your stories. As always you make me feel welcome, and more normal everytime i post.

lealphachienne · 07-06-2005, 03:53 PM

When my doctor mentioned that I was at risk of stroking out at any moment, that sealed it for me. Can you imagine, a stoke at 30???????

msterry · 07-06-2005, 04:21 PM

I think Pam says it best. When you've gotten to the point that you realize that if you don't do something your're going to die from all the afflictions that obesity causes, that's when you know it's something that must be pursued.

Terry

Mavisavis · 07-07-2005, 01:09 PM

I had already been diagnosed with high BP, high cholesterol, and gastric reflux.........when diabetes was added I made a last large effort to lose (which ended up in a 28lb loss.....temporarily), then I just decided that it was the only tool with a success rate that was even hopeful. I am 41......I am an awesome dieter, and very much a go-getter. I realized that if I hadn't been successful as a child to stop the torment, a teen to get a date, or to alleviate my evermounting health concerns......then it was not going to happen without a bigger intervention. Sometimes it just all comes together and you know it's time. For me, it's definitely time. I can't wait to be healthy

. Good luck with your decision......you are in the right place for all the help and info to make the best decision for you.

Marty

Lojak7 · 07-07-2005, 09:45 PM

You will know when you are ready. It is usually going to be many,many things, but is usually one single little thing that sends you over the edge when you make up you mind. With out going in to a 20,000 word tirade on why I decided to have the operation, I guess it comes down to 5 words......I wanted to live longer.........good luck with you decision, and good luck with wrestling your demons........

Barbarajo · 07-08-2005, 06:07 AM

I wanted to stop slowing dying and begin to live. I was 44 year old women who had many, many dreams and aspiration and I was just sitting around on disability watching my life and dreams go down the toilet.

Now I am living again. Example: I am leaving tomorrow afternoon for mission's trip to El salvador for a week. Something I would have never done 6 months ago. Now I can help others live as well. My surgery was a hand up for me, now I can give a hand out.