How did you guys conquer your fears and just do the GB?

Go read my post above.  I was scared to pieces but the benefits out weight the risks in my opinion.  I am 6 weeks out and loving life!

It has to be your own personal decision, Michelle. Everyone can give you advice, but ultimately, it's up to you.

For me, my family health history did it for me. Both parents were diabetic and had high blood pressure. My dad died of heart disease, my mom of colon cancer. I had just been diagnosed pre-diabetic, and with high blood pressure. It was just a matter of time until I'd be full blown diabetic on meds, and on higher doses of meds for the blood pressure. On top of that, I had just had a kidney removed, so was living life with 1 kidney. There was no doubt that, if I didn't want to live the rest of my life using a cane, walker, on dialysis, or whatever my health "lot in life" would be in the future, I had to get the weight off. And, I knew that I needed very agressive measures to help me not just lose it, but keep it off.

So, when I walked into that operating room, I kid you not, I was not scared....I knew that for me it was the right thing to do.

Blessings to you, and whatever decision you make.

With only 80-100 lbs, why are you not considering the lap band?  Fears were conquered because of my medical history.  I was just shy of 58 when I had surgery and I sure wish I had done it alot sooner.  You just need to make a decision and let me tell you, surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be, the days, weeks and hours of worrying were fruitless.

It's ones personal decision.

Diane

Thanks Diane,

I guess my hesitation on the lap band started in the seminar when my dr. was definitely more pro GB.  The failure rate and all w the band makes me lean towards GB but I am scared of the fact that I can't reverse it if i get really sick.

michelle

I'm surprised that your doctor is pushing for GB and not going with Lap band.  You don't have that much weight to lose, not when you compare what others on here have needed to lose.  There is also failure with GB too.  You can eventually go back to your old ways and eat the things you used to, there is failure rate.  What it all comes down to, is how bad do you want to lose weight.  You have to work any weightloss tool that is given to you, it's not an automatic thing that you will lose.   It's all in your desire

Diane

Thanks Diane.  you are sooo right.

michelle

I was about in your same position, about 100 lbs to lose.

My motivation, well it took me 2 years of lurking here and finally admitting to myself I needed help.  That was the hardest part, admitting that I was obese and disgusting (In my mind).  It complicated my relationship, my life, my fun and everything.  I was tired of being obese.  Plain and simple, something had to be done.

I saw more good outcomes than bad, although there is bad with ANY surgery.  I haven't had any complications other than bad pain meds in hospital that weren't working so I was in a LOT of pain overnight, until they switched me.  Then I was fine.  It was so stupid.

But, it's your choice, only you can make it.  And you have to do it for YOURSELF, not your husband, boyfriend, girlfriend whatever.  You have to WANT to do it and do it right.

You'll know when it's time.

I wish you luck :)

I didn't have any fear. I knew what I want and what I was doing it for and did it.
Good Luck in you decision.
JOY

I had no reservations whatsoever.  I had my surgery 1 year ago, and have lost 116 pounds, and almost 80 inches!!!!  I have gained so much more than that though!!  My son and youngest daughter have been able to hug me all the way around my waist, and let me tell you, THAT'S A BIG DEAL!!!  My relationship with food has changed, but that's for the good.  My husband has even lost some weight, due to the amount of chicken and vegetables we eat in the house now.  My kids are learning better eating habits, and my youngest, 8 years old, has even decided that she prefers fruits and vegetables to meats.  How can I have made any other choice?  I will now be around to see my kids grow up, and even my grandkids (someday)!!!!

Hope you have a terrific journey!!!

Smiles:)

Tricia

Thanks Tricia,

Your story is very encouraging.  How awesome for you.  Did you have any complications?

Thanks
]Michelle