looking for information..

I am not sure what question to ask first. I have a BMI of 50 point something. When I look in the mirror I am not pleased with what I see, but such a drastic step. I don't know, I was watching a show the other day that was talking about this surgery and some of the people on there were looking at it like all of their problems would be over if they had it, I guess I am just sceptical about placing so much worth on something that yes will help them lose weight, but I understand there are alot of people who have had the surgery and lost so much weight only to put it back on because the physiology of thier makeup was changed but the psychology or thought process about food was not. I am scared to go through so much only to return to where I started. I don't want this to sound derogetory or anything, I am just asking for someones input on my thought, so that I can make some sort of informed choice. Please please know that I am genuinaly longing to understand...

It took me over a year to decide that I wanted the surgery. It's a big decision and a big lifechanging step. Do your research. Google "weight loss surgery" and if you can go to a coupld of seminars in your area to help you make an informed decision. Only you know what's best for you. For me I know this was the right decision. I feel better than I have in 20 years. I am down 92 pounds in just over 6 months and feel like I have my life back. If you like, read my profile for background. If I can help in anyway, let me know. Regards and hugs, Ronna

WLS will not make you a better mother. It will not make you a better wife..better daughter, friend, etc. It will not solve your financial problems, etc. What it will do, is give you a tool that will let you regain control over what you put in your mouth. After that, the rest is up to you. For me personally, surgery itself did not make me happier. The changes I made AFTER having surgery DID. For instance, I can do more, physically with my kids, I enjoy shopping..I went back to school for my RN...etc, ad nauseum...all these things were not possible for me when I was fat. Its a very personal choice..and its up to you...don't go into it lightly. Best wishes!

I.too made a decision to have this surgery not only to make me a better person for my children , b/f etc..but to myself as well....I searched and searched for a surgeon to do this surgery for me for almost two yrs and then after finding him , it took 9 mo's after this to be approved and surgery date is,(July 19-06) and let me tell you I havent regret any of it ..... You, have to decide what is best for you and what it is worth to you to have a better life....and Kathy is right its a personal choice and only yours...

It really sounds like you have it right. It's said a lot around here - 'they don't operate on your brain' and 'it isn't a magic pill'! But it is so true. The same issues / problems / hassles etc exist after surgery too (that is unless you work on them). Surgery isn't a magic cure all for everything that ails you. It is still a constant battle to make the right decisions day in and day out. It is a lot of work after surgery too - you still have to watch what you eat and exercise (no escaping that) if you want to keep it off. That being said, WLS will give you another weapon in the war. I have lost 121 pounds in about 8 1/2 months and I am healthier than I've been in a long time. My blood pressure is normal, my labs are good and I am able to JOG!! I've never, ever been able to do that. Just about a week ago on vacation in Colorado I went horseback riding! I researched the heck out of the surgery before I had it done. I had a year of doctor supervised weight loss to get through for my insurance and I used it to really be prepared. One of the most persuasive statistics for me was one I read on the Mayo website - without surgery 95% of the people who lose a significant amount of weight will gain it all back within 5 years; with surgery that number is more like 10% and 68% keep it off or gain back only a very small amount of the weight lost. It rang very true for me since I'd previously lost 110 pounds only to gain back 150 within 5 years. I wish you all the best in whatever decision you make. San