Gastric Bypass vs the "holistic" approach - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

StinkyG · 02-08-2009, 11:41 PM

Okay guys, God love my parents, but they are beginning to drive me nuts. I've been overweight ALL of my life, to the tune of over 300 all throughout high school and now at 400 lbs now that I'm 25. They have always tried to help with new diets (at least my mother) and throwing articles of health at me (my father). They are both relatively normal weights and so are my two brothers.
As for the title of my blog, my father is now (after laying dormant for a while) really pushing me to see a new "holistic" doc. Now, mind you, I have wanted gastric bypass for yeeeears and have finally researched since the beginning of last year since my job's ins covers it. I appreciate what he is trying to do, and I have tried the holistic approach. I lost 80, gained it back + 50 more. I've tried nicely and then again more assertively that I have pretty much made up my mind about the surgery unless something amazing profound happens. I have already jumped through all the hoops and now waiting for surgeon review and approval.
I guess what REALLY bugs me is that I didn't just ALL OF A SUDDEN get fat, not overnight! So, why, all of a sudden, when I finally make this decision for myself does it become NOW so imperative that I try these other options. And trust me, I have tried many other options. He's convinced this is the answer. My mom has now been on the "diet" for 3 weeks and lost 10 lbs.... okay, first, that is my water weight, and we were all great at sticking to the diet for the first month or two.
Okay, now I'm just ranting. But why didn't he push like this before? Like I said, I didn't become 400lbs overnight and it's only now that I'm decided to go through with the surgery that he is really stepping in! HELP!

MonkeysUncleByMarriage · 02-08-2009, 11:51 PM

I think it's a common misunderstanding by people who have never been in our position that we haven't already tried everything. Most people who choose Gastric Bypass (or maybe I'm assuming too much), have already tried "everything" out there and it's not working.

It's nice to have supportive people around you. Most everyone in my family was supportive, even if they didn't really want me to do it. My wife was a Godsend. So, I suggest that you find a few people who are very supportive to counteract those who may not be, heck this website is a start.

I had a really good general physician who also had the surgery and she and her staff were a great source of encouragement to me. Hopefully you can find something like that to help you along your way.

But all in all, it just comes down to what you want and what feels right to you. Do not worry about what others say, positive or negative. You have to be comfortable with the decision and know its whats best for you. Whatever happens, good luck friend.. I know how it is. I just turned 31 (saturday as a matter of fact) so I am not that far removed from where you are now.

StinkyG · 02-09-2009, 12:14 AM

Thank you so much for your rapid response. I truly appreciate it. I've been lurking around on this site for about a month and it is a Godsend! I keep telling my parents that I have yet to meet one person that regrets having this surgery done, and that is very encouraging! And yes, you are right, I have tried "everything"

I'm comfortable with my decision (it took me a long time to make this decision) and I just wish everyone I talked to knew exactly all of what I have researched and tried. Unfortunately, that is not reality. Thank you for your support

MonkeysUncleByMarriage · 02-09-2009, 12:30 AM

Well it is good that you have researched it for so long, you dont want to make such a big decision on a whim. All in all, I researched Gastric Bypass for four years before I finally decided to start the process and even when I started the process my insurance required the 6 month diet plan, I did a year.

Trust yourself.

StinkyG · 02-09-2009, 12:34 AM

BTW, happy belated birthday

and congrats on your progress!

'thann · 02-09-2009, 06:18 AM

People who have not struggled with obesity simply cannot understand what we have gone through. That's their problem, not ours.

Do your research. This board is fantastic -- ask every question you can think of, even though you might think it's embarrassing or silly.

When you've done your research, do what is right for YOU. Don't let anyone who doesn't have first-hand knowledge sway you. Thank them for their input, then go ahead with whatever decision you make.

Best of luck -- we'll be here for the ride!

'thann

scoman187 · 02-11-2009, 02:56 AM

I started researching WLS in early 2006. Id do it again if I had to.Its the best thing thats ever happened to me.

StinkyG · 02-11-2009, 11:58 AM

Thanks everyone, I really do hope after it's all said and done that I will be able to write the same kind of comments on someone's thread about how WSL was the best choice I ever made for myself

PS: the surgeon is reviewing my file today.... ::crosses fingers::

Godsblessedme · 02-11-2009, 12:36 PM

i agree with all the above, and i think the time has come to take that next step. Diets just arent going to work otherwise they would have. I say go for it! Your insurance covers it thats about 90% of the blessing right there

LisaM · 02-11-2009, 01:37 PM

I think that reading the board might change their mind, if you can get them to... and I think their biggest objection, even though it's unvoiced, is that there is the perception that it's life-threatening, whereas "dieting" doesn't bring that risk. It's very scary for parents, and particularly parents who haven't struggled with their weight, and who believe that willpower can make anything happen.

I dieted for 30 years and ended up at 303 pounds, so I do understand... I've lost up to 80 pounds at a time, and they always came back and brought their friends.

Since the surgery, I have changed my entire life, become an active proponent of myself and my dreams. There are days, and I won't kid you, that taking all the supplements and making sure I don't eat the things that hurt me gets exhausting. There are moments where I desperately miss eating anything that I wanted and to hell with the consequences. But overall, I would not go back for anything.

Living as an obese person is destructive to everything that makes us human and part of society. I am not the thinnest person around, but I love who I am right now more than I have ever done, and am proud of my decision to risk my life in order to save it.