Im Scared...am I doing the right thing? - ThinnerTimes

CandyMarie · 10-19-2005, 07:27 AM

I am so tired of living my life fat. I am getting ready to start the process of getting accepted for gastri bypass. I had a talk on the phone with the nutritionist..and i need to gain a few more pounds to be accepted! ugh, so as gross as it sounds, i've been trying my hardest to put a few more pounds on. at this rate, i'd rather gain weight to lose it! the nutritionist is very nice though...throwing hints my way..she told me to even start the process of pre op and that she just needs to see the "magic number" on the scale once before surgery...she also said 'no ankle weights'...but also threw in that she doesnt do a "naked" weight. which means...pile on the clothes and whatever else you can hide in there..lol.
anywho, i dont really have anyone to talk to about this..my hubby is supporting me, but not liking the idea, and my mom feels the same way. i suppose they are afraid i will die or something..and i understand that. does anyone out there have any words of encouragement....advice? Thanks for your time guys!
Candy

katlover66 · 10-19-2005, 07:38 AM

It is your decision as to what you decide to do. You're hubby should be educated so he can support the decision. Good luck with the journey.

eyesthatkissu · 10-19-2005, 08:10 AM

Welcome! Gastric Bypass should always be a last resort, and not a quick fix. You need to weigh the decision very carefully and fill yourself with knowledge before you decide. Have your husband and mother attend the educational seminar with you. Knowledge is power, and it was the only thing that helped my husband understand. This is a very personal decision and I wish you all the best in making it for yourself!

Bypassingme619 · 10-19-2005, 08:33 AM

Hey Candy. Welcome to the group. You seem really bummed out. Only advise I can give is to stay focused on what it is you really want at this point. Be sure to educate your mother and husband on GBS. A lot of people are mis-guided in information. Get them involved in your pre-op stages. Hopefully in time everything will work out in your favor. My prayers are with you.

lealphachienne · 10-19-2005, 08:41 AM

I guess it depends on how much weight are you talking about and what co-morbidities you have. If you have diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, or breathing problems, then you can qualify at a lower weight; ie a BMI of 35 or about 80 lbs overweight. If you have none of these things, then the minimum BMI is 40, about 100 lbs over. But hitting that "magic" number is no guarentee that you'll get approved. Without some sort of health issue, insurances may say you need some documentation of being over BMI 40 for a few years. If you're on the path of self pay, then you may find a surgeon who will smudge the numbers in your favor. Though, I would question a surgeon who is willing to budge outside of the parameters. There's a reason for those criteria based on over 50 years of research.
It's your life and your decision. But, this is serious surgery and it won't fix your unhappiness with yourself. Bypass surgery is about correcting health problems first.

CandyMarie · 10-19-2005, 08:56 AM

Thank you for all the quick replies. My husband is a physician assistant, so he is educated on it, which is why it scares him. dont get me wrong guys, he is very supportive. i have decided to get thru the holidays and then start with the process of gastric bypass. I know that being here with all of you will help a great deal...because you have all been thru it or are going thru it and i'll need the support and information. Thanks for welcoming me!

LisaBoston · 10-19-2005, 02:36 PM

Don't make the decision lightly. What is your BMI?? ...maybe you are not a good candidate for GBP.

Only you can decide, BUT if you choose to, don't wait - get the process started now as it can take come time. Talk to your doctor, get a refferral, document history of weight loss and programs and go into the doc with all your questions and concerns....Then make an educated decisoin on whether its right for you or not.

LizardQueen · 10-19-2005, 02:53 PM

How many lbs are we talking here? A couple I can see but anything over 10-15 lbs I don't know. Personally, I would be concerned about the ethics of a nutritionist who advised you to gain weight. Just my opinion. Do you have co morbidities? What is your BMI? Is this really what you want to do? Have you tried everything else? This is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. Do lots of research and see if this is really the right choice for you. Good luck!