Concerned and Lonely

I am a disabled vet from the first Gulf War. I have had 8 surgeries on my legs and gained over 130 pounds in the last 10 years. I went to a seminar in Muskegon last December and am now in my second week of pre-surgery liquid fast. Losing the weight should really take a lot of strain off my legs I am told. I am starting to have doubts about all of this and as tough as it is to admit I guess I am scared and just plain old tired of surgery. I am having to pay for this out of pocket. My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. Is this really worth it??

I definitely think it is worth it. I am 10 months out and have had no problems. I have lost 120lbs. Before surgery I had High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, and Diabetes. I was taking 6 different medications for these ailments, I am now down to 1 medication and my PCP lowered the dosage to half of what I was taking, today. Keep your head up and you will be on the losing side very soon.

Thank you for your reply!! I am not sure why I feel the way I do. I have overcome many challenges in my life but for some reason I am tripping over this one. I appreciate your support.--John

Hey there John, Yes, if you have complete confidence in your surgeon it is worth it! I am still in the process of meeting criteria for insurance to approve me. However, I have about 120 lbs to lose. I have had sleep apnea in the worse way, I've had IRS which even after modifying my diet and losing some weight has me as a borderline diabetic. I'm looking at a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. and not looking forward to it. I am a certified massage therapist who doesn't want to do massage work due to the fact that at 5'1 being overweight is killing my back and legs, even my poor feet. I want this so so badly! I believe it is the only life giving thing out there for us. I read these boards and blogs daily, they give me so much hope & inspiration! Everyone here has gone through this or is about to. Hang in there man you are so close to having your life back!! Life is good, go for it!! Yes, it is REALLY worth it!! ~Hugs & prayers on your journey! Steffanie

John, I am sick of surgery also. I have had multiple surgeries over the years and can tell you this much.... If I had to do this surgery over every year of my life to keep my body in the situation it is in now, over weighing 400lbs I would gladly do it. I was pre diabetic, had sleep apnea and an enlarged heart and ventricles from undiagnose high blood pressure, I had back and joint pain. I could not get out of bed in the morning without constant pain in my knees and feet. I could not get on my knees at all to do any normal chore, and I could not walk more than a block without being winded. ALL of that is GONE! This is my standard post for those of you that ask, I say this....This is NOT a cure for obesity, you will still struggle with food problems and you will have to make right choices for the rest of your life, however this gives you a great running start on weight loss and a chance to feel successful for once. It also gives you the training and starts you on the road to self discipline, with motivation to maintain your new healthy life. Wendy

Even with all the problems I have had, I would do this surgery over again in a heartbeat.

Hi John, I was scheduled for surgery today rny. I could not do it. I to have had several surgeries 2 back fusions and several abdomal sug. Go with your heart. and if it does not feel right please don't do it. You can always have it done. Can you just try and drink the liq protein drinks like you will have to after surg.I am glad so many people have had it done, and are doing well. I know for me I had to say no because I was not 100% ready.. I gained about 130 after my back fusions..... Good Luck. Sickofh20

Go and have the surgery!! I too had several problems that I shouldn't have had at such a young age. The surgery has elimiated them. Remember, you have friends here at OH and we will support you every step of the way.

John, We'll support you if you have the surgery or not! Only you can decide what's right. Make sure you are getting all of you treated, not just your stomach. I would suggest taking advantage of any vet's counciling that you can. You've been through a tough time, and after surgery it may get tougher. I don't know your situtation, but if you use food as comfort, it can be very very hard to adjust afterwards. Try to get together with some of the support groups here. Everyone is so supportive and friendly, and who couldn't use a few new friends? Take care of yourself and keep posting. It really does help! Brenda

HI JOHN YES!!!!!!!!! THIS WLS IS REALLY WORTH IT!!!!!! I AM JUST 5 MONTHS OUT SINCE SURGERY AND I AM FEELING SO MUCH BETTER!!!! I AM OFF MOST OF MY MEDICATIONS NOW AND MY LEGS AND FEET DO NOT SWELL UP ANYMORE WHEN I AM STANDING ON THEM ALL DAY AT WORK!!!! THIS IS NOT A CURE FOR BEING OVER WEIGHT BUT ITS A TOOL TO HELP YOU GET TO A NORMAL WEIGHT AND LIVE AGAIN!! YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS...PM ME ANYTIME YOU LIKE. I LIKE MAKING NEW FRIENDS!!! HANG IN THERE...YOU WILL BE GLAD THAT YOU DID!!! HUGS JUDY