ObesityHelp

You're the only one that can make the decision...and answer those questions.

Don't know what you weigh but I weighed 355. Dieting had not worked. I was sick and tired. I was diagnosed with Diabetes.

Fast forward 2 1/2 years.
I'm happy and healthy. I just finished up Plastics to get my body fixed.
I eat what I want, bacon, butter, cheese, steak...in moderation.
I stay away from sugar.
The only regret I have is waiting so long to do it...because I was afraid and because I didn't want to give up food.

First few months were hard.

No one said it would be easy.

Take a good look inside.

If you are not ready to make the commitment to this lifestyle change, well...shelve the surgery and get some help.

 Thank you for your posts.. I weigh 299 Pds and got told that I'm borderline diabetic. I don't have a gallbladder and I think that is where most of my weight gain came from and also poor eating habits. I want to lose the weight so bad but yet it is sooo difficult without this surgery. I also was reading up and found out that you get hair loss. That scares me the most. I have fine hair but lots of it and I love my hair! Is there something I can do to prevent this? I'm just scared but I think with having support, I can make it through this.

 Thank you jersey mom!! That helps me out a lot! I guess everyone has to make sacrifices to be thin and healthy. I know I need to. I'm only 24. Im guessing after a year, your body goes back to normal?

Nope. Hair loss is a side effect. I have uber fine hair and thinning up top. I had some significant shedding, it's let up quite a bit. I've always experienced hair loss, so it wasn't a big concern for me.

I couldn't have lost my weight without WL surgery. Actually, I probably could have, but not without a huge amount of struggle. Maintenance is hard enough.

And yes, we do have to do a major lifestyle change. But man o man, is the payoff worth it to me! Much better health, small size, look good in clothes (just bought my formal dress for the upcoming OH cruise!), greater self confidence, and I love living in my shoes these days!

You have to make your own choice after weighting all the costs and potential benefits.

Good luck with it!

Ok..so Im scheduled for surgery soon for the VSG but I'm having a hard time coping with the fact that I'm losing my ability to eat or to be able to pig out later on in life.

I've gotta admit, this was a psychological stumbling block for me, too. I LIKE eating, and I really didn't want to give it up. (*grin*)

3 ounces is a LOT more satisfying after surgery than before. I chose the DS,  so my sleeve started out about as big as a stand-alone sleeve ever gets to be---my surgical reports describes it as 3-5 ounces.

Here's the really amazing this---pre-op, I was always hungry, and no matter HOW much I ate, I was just never satisfied. My sateity mechanism was broken, I guess you could say. But removing 85% of my stomach changed that, dramatically. Pre-op, yes, I'd have lost weight if I could've stuck to eating 3-ounce meals---but I could NOT.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that as a post-op, I *feel* like I can eat as much as I ever did---but I don't, can't, don't want to.

Now, here's something else for you to think about---your BMI is 48, and you're borderline diabetic. You REALLY should consider the DS---not only does it have the very best long-term, maintained weight-loss stats, it's also the very best at resolving or preventing co-morbs like diabetes and high cholesterol.

Hair loss---Google telogen effluvium. It'll tell you all you'll ever need to know about the temporary hair loss that can follow ANY kind of surgery.

WLS was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.  I have battled my weight my entire existence...however I learned that you WILL be able to eat again - but you are building a "new" relationship with food.  It isn't the same - and you savor the taste of food differently  as well.  Understand that exactly what was stated earlier by some other friends *****plied to your post... you won't eat like a bird and 3 oz. will fill you after surgery and you will not be hungry.  The time goes by very fast in comparison to your entire life... The surgery is NOT a quick fix to the problem but rather a very very helpful tool to loose weight - but it is work and you are the person in control.

About the hair thing.  Well.... I had incredibly thick voluptuous long curly hair - and it WAS my crown and glory all my life.  But I lost 45 to 50 % of it.  I was devastated - but got over it quickly because that can happen with any surgery and I really cared more about being healthy and living a long time with my husband and kids.  Don't get me wrong - it was hard.  I cut 10 inches off and went with a short bob that would allow the hair to grow back without tons of notability.  I'm glad I did.  I use Nioxin shampoo and I take Biotin supplements 2x a day and guess what?  my hair is actually really coming back quickly.

I wish you the very best and I will pray that you have a positive outcome!

I will be three years out on Feb. 18 I had the gastric by pass and I dont regret doing it, I was scared just like you are. I was afraid that I would  only drink protein shakes and just certain foods, well little to say I dont do the protein shakes at all now. I eat a sensible meal plan which consists of fresh veggies, fruits, and meats, I dont use sugar at all.
My doctor told me before the surgery that he can give me the tool to lose the weight and it was up to me if I use the tool properly, then I would keep the weight off. I still dont drink with me meals at all, I stay away from all junk foods as this will definitely put the weight back on.
Good luck in your decision !!I  I prayed  before I make the decision and I know it was the right one for me . Good Luck in whatever you decide. I didnt have any hair loss at all!!!

Maybe a good test would be to start eating 3 ounces 6 times a day and see how you do. See if you can maintain that for a year. that will answer your question for you for sure.

If I could have done that,why,no why would I have needed surgery.. I couldn't do it though. It would be a good check for you to see.

I don't eat like a bird. I actually eat normal portions for my sleeve and nobody has ever commented on me eating like a bird.

I know hair is important,but, is it more important than your legs or your eyes or your kidneys? You have said you are prediabetic and actually there is no such animal. you are either diabetic or you are not. I am guessing  you are bit your PCP doesn't want to treat it yet. It is like being pregnant...you either are or you aren't. there  is no pre pregnant.

You are young enough to stop diabetes in its ugly tracks. Trust me,as a nurse for 22 years,I can't count the number of people I have seen come into the hospital every year,losing their legs a little more,  losing their sight cause the diabetes ruined their eyes and being on dialysis cause diabetes has burned their kidneys up. It is not *if* it happens.it is *when* it happens,cause it WILL happen to every diabetic if they live long enough.

Hair will grow back,legs eyes and kidneys don't . Not trying to scare you,although you *should* be scared,but trying to help you see this thing in a more serious way than just cosmetic,though I have to say,I am *LOVING* the cosmetic effects of my sleeve,and loving the fact that I am not diabetic any longer.

food for thought....

So glad you are able to see past your fear. Fear is normal,but not if we let it cripple us from taking action. Fear should make us "poop or get off the pot",not cower and make no decision about how to help ourselves. That is when fear is crippling.
"I can eat all day every day and never feel full..." certainly answers the question of why you can't do the same thing without surgery,doesn't it?

I would have been thrilled to have this life saving surgery when I was in my 20's and am so glad it is available to people your age now.

Rock on,you can do this and we have your back all the way!