How did you know when you were ready? - ThinnerTimes

Pokey757 · 07-05-2005, 07:59 AM

Hi all,
I know some of you know the struggles i have had about WLS. Whether i do it? Or do i not do it???

I just cant seem to make the commitment to having the WLS. I also cant seem to commit to any type of "way of eating" either
I have been on the MRC program since April, and have lost just under 20 lbs, and have lost 28.5 inches.
The thought of being fat for the rest of my life is so depressing. But the thought of having WLS is more terrifying then anything else. I just have this deep fear of dieing on the table, or having complications that i will have to live with for the rest of my life. I am so terrified of it, yet i am realizing it may be my only chance of losing weight. I can feel my blood pressure rising as i am typing this, just the thought of it....

I need to know, did anyone else have an overwhelming fear of WLS but took the plunge anyway?

pambragg · 07-05-2005, 08:39 AM

Let me put into perspective what my reasoning was. I could either die trying or die by not trying and being obese w/many co-morbidities. I chose to try. I don't regret it for a minute.

Dara · 07-05-2005, 08:43 AM

Danette:

I contemplated WLS for seven years before going through with it. I kept thinking there had to be another way. I tried starvation diets and liquid diets. I was very successful at losing weight and I always thought the weight would stay off, but it never did. In 1999, I went on my third fasting diet (HMR) and lost 90 lbs. in four and a half months. However, as soon as I started eating again, I gained it back at an average of 10 lbs. per month! I just couldn't keep it off, so I gave up.

Severe hypertension, GERD, an ulcerated esophagus, joint pains, and even stress incontinence weren't enough for me to decide to have surgery. My "moment of truth" came when I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and was basically sentenced to sleeping with an oxygen mask on my face for the rest of my life. That was enough.

I was very fortunate that I had no surgical complications whatsoever and had a very smooth recovery. I reached my goal weight in eight months and have been maintaining it for seven months. WLS was the best decision I have ever made for myself and I will never regret it. I am living better today than I have lived my entire adult life. All of my health problems are gone and I feel like I have been given a new body.

I hope you will know if or when your "moment of truth" comes. Wherever your heart takes you, best wishes!

Jennimaria · 07-05-2005, 09:01 AM

I was skeptical about the surgery also until I saw my mom go through it. The pro's even a few months out definetly out-weigh all the co-morbities by far. You can think of it as, do you want to be overweight and live in misery or take a chance at a wonderful life.

I won't lie, I had a complication with mine but things worked out and I'm a week post-op and feeling great already. Once they took out that stupid drain I felt 100% better.

Whatever decision you make, I wish you luck with whatever happens

newbetterme · 07-05-2005, 09:38 AM

For me, I had looked at the surgery 10 years ago. When I did make the decision to do it, it was clear with out question or fear. All the doors were opening and there was no way I could ignore the opportunity that was before me. I took that opportunity and have not looked back.

Fear of complications is normal and healthy. I would be worried if anyone scheduled surgery and didnt think about the worst possibilites.

When it is right for you or the right time for you, you will know. The risks can be great but so can living with over 100lbs that your body was not intended to carry.

Good luck and listen to you instincts.

Donald · 07-05-2005, 10:04 AM

When I look back over my life, I realize it's the things I DIDN"T do that have caused me the most regret. Ask God for guidance - it will be advice you can trust.

Blueyz · 07-05-2005, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pambragg

Let me put into perspective what my reasoning was. I could either die trying or die by not trying and being obese w/many co-morbidities. I chose to try. I don't regret it for a minute.

Danette~

This is how I felt, too....just like Pam said.

I have no regrets and I personally have been down a bumpy road.

You will know when it is time for you to do it.

bridgetgirl · 07-05-2005, 10:09 AM

U was so tired of being tired. My left ankle used to give out from under me from my own weight. Do you know how embarassing that is? When you are falling people either think YOUR DRUNK or so fat you can barely walk. I used to twist my ankle once every couple of weeks, it was humiliating and hurt like hell. I couldnt run without peeing on myself, now talk about embarassment...

I knew I would continue to get heavier, I knew my health problem would increase. I had to do something and fast!! WLS is the fastest way to lose weight when needed to do so on an urgent basis. Like Pam said, before my own weight killed me, I had to do something other than fail ANOTHER diet!

Best wishes on your decision!

LizardQueen · 07-05-2005, 12:58 PM

I was so scared I almost cancelled the day of surgery. Now, I am so happy I did it. This is a very personal decision. Think long and hard before you proceed. I wish I could just say go fo it but I can't the only person who cna make this decision is you!

Gladitsme · 07-05-2005, 02:30 PM

Pokey,

My moment of truth was when my then 7 yr old son told his Sunday School teacher that his arms and legs hurt from holding on while sitting on my lap. The poor guy was almost doing the splits to reach around me. I decided then and there that I was not going to be this weight any more. If holding onto me hurts my child, then that's too far.

It's not that I'm doing this only for him, because I'm not. But that was my defining Ah ha moment.