Over 16 years ago I came to Obesityhelp.com

I remember coming to this website in 2002, I was overweight, miserable and considering WLS. I ended up getting right up to the actual surgical date and changing my mind. I am so glad I did. I wasn't prepared mentally for the changes and honestly I wasn't in a good place in my life.

I did have Roux en Y surgery in mid 2015. I just wanted to let you all know that even if you don't decide this isn't the right time it is perfectly acceptable. Get all the information you can, absorb it like a sponge. Get support from others who is walking in your shoes or who has walked in them. Hear the good, bad, ugly and triumph. Make the decision when you're ready as the surgery is "just a tool" the ultimate weight loss is still in your hands and your eating choices. Looking back now this is the best decision I've ever made and am so glad to have had the support of this website and all of it's members for all these years.

I'm glad you posted. We see many posts about preop jitters and this is a good reminder. If someone is have real fear of surgery, it's always best to seriously consider the reasons. And to keep all options open for yourself including the option of cancelling.

Someone can always re-schedule. But we can't undo things once the surgeon is finished.

I didn?t delete my message !

it was the following : you also won?t get back the years you COULD have lived a rich, full life. Instead of body- shaming and social isolation and workplace discrimination you could have given yourself a much better chance for success in every area, could you have conquered your fear.

Honestly I would say no to this. I was young, in a bad marriage, had terrible self esteem, low income etc. Back then there wasn't laparoscopic it was cut open surgery. I wouldn't have been able to follow through with the proper way of eating, I wouldn't have been able to afford the supplements, vitamins, protein drinks etc. Also I wasn't anywhere near mentally ready for the changes about to take place. Even when I had RNY in 2015 NOTHING prepared me for the loss of my best friend....food. Nobody, no therapist, doctor etc can prepare you for the depression, mood swings, dumping, etc. This is a journey only you can do for yourself. I am so glad I waited because I am successful and it is harder than I thought.

Welcome Back and thanks for the update and insight. Realizing you were not ready mentally is key and kudos to you for waiting. So many don't deal with the head issues and end looking into a revision a few years down the road. We hope you stick around and pay it forward.

Regards,

Kathy

It has been three years almost since RNY and I am still here :) wish I could go to the conference one of these years :)

We hope you can too

You SHOULD go ... just to see the amazing worked out defined formerly-fat bodies and ( better yet ) inspirational accepting kind learned-from-our-mutual suffering wise souls .

We are such a totally cool , creative resourceful and fun community!!! Welcome :)