QOTD: So what's your story?

What was your defining moment in seeking out WLS surgery? Did something specific happen, or was it just something your dr. recommended? My doctor recommended me for WLS surgery back in 2003. At that time I didn't think I needed it and thought she was nuts. I was only 240 lbs. I could lose the weight on my own, or so I though. Over the course of 2003 -2004, I gained an 32 additional pounds. In Dec 2004, I finally took my PCP advice and went to see my surgeon for a consult and decided that it wouldn't hurt if at least went through and did all of the things the insurance company wanted me to do just to see if I'd get approved. My thinking was -- if I get approved, it doesn't mean I have to go through with it. So I went through 6 consectutive months of seeing my PCP for a weight check, sleep apnea testing and got cleared by a cardiologist. My information was submitted on October 25, 2005 and I was approved on October 28, 2005. When I got the phone call that I was approved I started SHAKING! I just couldn't believe it. Even at 272 lbs I was not convinced that I needed WLS! I told the surgeon's office I needed a few weeks to decide if this was something I really wanted to do. The insurance company had given me a 6 month time frame to get this surgery done, so I was in no rush!! My defining moment happened on my 10th wedding anniversary. My husband and I were at the Pocono's Cove Haven Resort and we were walking up this STEEP hill behind the dininghall vs. waiting 20 mins for the bus to come to take us back to our room. I huffed and puffed the whole way up the hill. My husband, even with his bad hip, was about 20 ft ahead of me. When we reached the top, I stopped to catch my breath. I took a few more steps and passed out - I assume from lack of oxygen. When I fell, my knee came down on a rock and I sliced open my jeans and my knee. Truth be told, I need stitches, but refused to spend my 10th wedding annviersary in the ER!!!! Lyle said he heard a thud and turned around and I was on the ground. He ran over to me and I woke up. After realizing what happened, I went into our room and called the surgeon's office and left a message on their voice mail that I did indeed want the surgery and would be calling back at 9am Monday morning. Anyhow, that's my story! I look forward to reading everyone elses stories! Susan

My story: I always wanted gastric bypass and had lots of people I knew who had the surgery. I did not have health insurance except medicare because I was injured at work and my husbands compqany closed down leaving us without insurance. Anyway Feb of 2005 my 42 year old sister had a brain anuerysm and after we got to Texas and the doctor gave us the leaflet on what causes brain anuerysms and all the risk factors (I had a lot of the factors, but my sister had every single one) I decided it was time to do something about it. After she passed away and I returned home I purchased health insurance and went and saw my family doctor and then my GYN who gave me a list of my weights from the time my last child was born. 13 years of up and down weights and even a few refusals in there because I knew I was fat and didn't need his scale to tell me. My doctor, and my gyno both agreed this was the best thing. I then proceeded with it from the surgeon. It took me from June 2, 2005 through Jan 30th 2006 to complete it. I am so happy I did this for me and for my family! Thanks for asking such a loaded question. Chris

Hey Susan: Thanks so much for sharing your story... I honestly never would have had this surgery if one of my best friends did not have it the year prior. I saw her success and was amazed by it. But even when she first started losing weight I still did not think I would have it. I knew I would qualify but my friends and loved ones kept telling me there was no way I would qualify and that was easier to believe than the reality of the situation. But then I was diagnosed with pre-Diabetes. I did South Beach and my numbers immediately returned to normal but I knew that I no longer had control over this nightmare anymore. Every day I looked at my young son and wondered if I would always be around for him. I started talking about the surgery with my husband. At first he was against it. But then he read a study on Type II Diabetes and he came home, held me and wept. He was so worried that I would end up with that fate. I made my final decision, though, while talking to my Mom. She was 100% against the surgery but the more I talked about *maybe* having it, the more pliant she became about it. One day we were sitting together, alone, and I said (without even meaning it!), "Mom...I am going to have the surgery." She looked at me long and hard and said, "I would just love for you never to have to worry about your weight again." That approval from her was the clincher for me. I am SO thankful that my friend had the courage to have this surgery (which she credits to her brother for having it a year before her). A few weeks ago she had planned to come over and I told her to remind me to tell her something when she got to my house. We were playing with my son on my bed and she said to me, "Oh...you wanted to tell me something?" I leaned over, took her face in my hands and planted a big kiss right on her lips! I thanked her for having the courage to do this because, without her, I never would have made this decision. She could not wait to call her boyfriend and tell him what I had done! So...that's my story! Have a great day, JM

Same ol story...up and down most of my life. Hit my thirties and then it was all UP! I guess my decision was made when I was on the phone with my sister in law. She told me that her son (9 yrs old) was made fun of at school because of her. It happened IN FRONT of her! He started to cry and told her that it happened often. I decided then and there that I would NEVER be the cause of my son's shame or embarrasment.

Valerie: What you said is very profound and it is something I have though of, as well...I do not ever want to be an embarrassment to my son! He deserves better than that. Good for you for making this decision with your son's future in mind! All the best, Jersey

Some day my daugher told me in a school meeting: "Dad, have you realized that you are the BIGGEST person at the room? I felt freezed before her comment!!!!. Much toughts after that!!! Alejandro from Guadalajara Mexico

Well, my friend, I bet you will never be the biggest Dad in the room ever again. And that is definitely something to rejoice about! Yay for us shrinking parents! Love and hugs and BIG THANKS for always saying such nice things to me! Smooch, Jersey

Hi Susan, I started considering Gastric Bypass about 2 months before my cousin was scheduled for hers. Once I saw the wonderful outcome I went ahead with mine. It has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. Carly

Great question!! I had always thought about it, but didn't think I would qualify. Then, a friend told me he was having it done and he also had less than 100 pounds to lose, but had comorbidities, lots. Well, I decided to check into it and was thankfully approved by the surgeon. I think a lot of "light-weight" people don't think they can have the surgery, but I am so thankful that I checked into it and had it done. My father passed away from a massive heart attack at 54 (almost 5 years ago) and it really had an impact on me. I want to be here for my children and grandchildren. I want my children to be proud of me. I want to be healthy and look good for myself and my husband. This surgery has given me back my life and I am so grateful! I'm proud to be a member of the January losers, because we are all such winners!! Lisa S.

I looked into WLS about 5 years ago. Life long obesity, ups and downs but mostly up in weight. My husband and I talked about it over the years but I truely believed I could loose the weight if I just tried harder. What a big joke. I was on Atkins again and had lost the usual twenty pounds and was starting to put weight back on. I was at work and heard the people in charge of our health plan were looking at ways to save money. Well, that means the WLS covered today will be the first to go. So I talked to the DH and I started the spproval process and got the surgery. My date was 1/16/06 and our policy stopped covering WLS 4/1/06! I think it was just the time for me to do it. I am successful now because I know I tried everything before and this was the last avenue to explore. Teresa