FLAME ME!!!!

Oh, I am so sorry for having started this....I, too, Dana wish that I had had the surgery earlier...I do not regret the surgery, just upset that sometimes, I see that I still weigh more than what some did at the time of their surgery.....I blew off steam and feel much better, but hope I hurt noone in the process....

Hey Ann, don't worry, this is nothing compared to the main board! hahaha... I think you have every right to vent and say exactly how you feel! That is what we are all here for...if we can't vent about this surgery and our feelings about it here, where can we do it!? This is a safe environment and I hope that others agree that all feelings and opinions and experiences and thoughts are welcome! Beth

Renee, I agree with you...I think I was a member of this site for at least a year and a half before having surgery. I read countless number of profiles and not once did I read one where it said the person regretted having the surgery. Maybe I didn't delve deep enough. I know I did visit the "Complications" board but I just figured that those people were the unlucky ones. I can only guess that those who are unhappy with having had the surgery just don't post about every little success, feeling or emotion...and they probably don't display that information on their profiles. That's the only thing I can think of because like you, I have wondered the same thing myself! I do happen to agree with you that it seems like only the positive "Best decision of my life!!" peeps post and are happy to exclaim it from the mountain tops. My good friend and I (she had surgery 2 weeks after I did) have always wondered why no one told us how things truly would be the first two weeks after surgery, in particular. Maybe it's one of those things that you just have to experience to believe. I just wanted to say that I do understand where you're coming from. I am one of those people who feels that they struggle for every ounce lost. I workout every day, sometimes twice a day at the gym and burn anywhere from 800 (on a bad day) to 1600 calories a day just in workouts (cardio only, not including machines). I have cut calories and increased calories, increased fluids, to no avail. My bod just does what it wants and when it wants. I blame PCOS, in part. Still, that's a lot of calories burned...you'd think it would just melt off, eh? I also have to say that we are only 4-5 months out. Think of the changes that have taken place and many more to come (in all aspects, mostly good ..hopefully...but maybe some not so good!). We'll just have to take it as it comes and do the best we can do. I think I have become more accepting of it all over time....what choice to we have? Beginning to ramble...sorry for the long post! Chele

Renee, just a question for you: Is the reason that you're regretting this so much due to the fact that you feel as though you haven't lost as much weight as you thought you would thus far? And that you could have lost the weight you have lost so far without GB? I wasn't sure if that's what you meant, so I just wanted some clarification. If so, don't forget that everyone is different and everyone loses their weigth differently. It would be so much easier on ourselves if we didn't compare our losses to everyone elses. I know I have done that on many occasions, but I was only hurting myself in the process. So I decided that I would only focus on my losses, and MY process with this surgery. Also, the weight you've lost so far is gone forever unlike if you were yo-yo dieting and many times we have gained the pounds and more back. I know this lifestyle thus far is frustrating as hell. But I made the choice, so I gotta live with it. I don't know what posts you've been reading, but many times I've read posts where people said they regretted thier decision to have this surgery. Even thought they regretted it, they come to terms that it was what the best thing for them at the time. I'm glad you posted your true feelings about this because it'll help a lot of people that want to know the real deal. Believe me....you've done great so far, so keep up the good work! SmoochesApril

Is this a good decision I made...yes. Is this the best decision ever....probably not. I love the fact that you're being so honest. I just feel bad that you regret it so much. Regret has such a big meaning, but hey if you can deal with it, I think I can too. I just hope you feel better...mentally and physically about this whole ordeal. Not overly ecstatic...but better. Thanks for being so honest! And thanks about the new pix...more to come! April

Hey Ann-- please don't regret your post-- I've enjoyed reading all the responses and thought all the replies were thoughtful and respectful. No one was being an a**hole It's great that we can agree to disagree without rancor! Cathy

Hi Ann and January buddies, I hear yah!! Parts of all your responses apply to my journey. The continum of feelings and expereinces is what makes this board so valuable. I had the surgery for several reasons: health, self-image, and just plain wanting to walk more than 6 feet without feeling like sitting down. I have always had an issue with food. Now I have other issues but at least not food for comfort. I'm glad we all vented- it's healthy!! love to all no matter where we are on this adventure. cj

Hey now Ive only lost 48 pounds. I try to get protien, go to the gym, drink more water then I thought humanly posible. What do you do..... Elsa