I am so addicted

hi there,
i too am a high bmi. I had a long time to wait to finally get surgery and during that year I actually gained around 80 pounds. You would think because you can't walk or breathe that should be motivation to stop eating. but yet there you are finding yourself either going through the drive-thru or eating something you shouldn't be. at least that was me.
I was never an emotional eater. I was a compulsive eater. I ate just because it was there. usually i was doing something else and just kept eating not paying attention to the food. it's weird thinking about it now.
Point is I wanted to lose weight so bad but last year was a really hard year emotionally for me and I think I just gave up. I didn't care if I gained weight or lived or whatever. I went for my first surgery in march and was on a 2 week liquid diet. 4 days before surgery i went to mcdonald's. who does that? needless to say because i gained weight the doc cancelled the surgery. it was a bit of a reality check for me. so i came back home and went to a surgeon here. i was on a month long diet of 2 shakes and lean cuisine and 1 week pure liquid.
it was really hard and i cheated a little. the first week was actually hell. you can see it in my pre-op diet video (link is in signature). but I'm kind of an all or nothing gal. I was SO scared my liver would be fatty that i forced myself to stay on the week long liquid without cheating. I did and lost some weight but when i came out of surgery the doc said my liver looked great.
I want to encourage you. If I can do this, you can. I'm right up there with you in having to lose a lot. I could barely walk or breathe. I was living in a cocoon. this skinny person that was looking out of this giant body. Now that giant body is starting to shrink and I can tell you, it hasn't been too easy afterwards but it gets better. It's amazing that sometimes I just can't describe it. The surgery is worth it. 2 months after the surgery you'll walk into the store scared but then realize you're able to walk further without your back killing you and it will give you the biggest high and a brand new smile shining for the world to see. Good luck on your journey.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

 Hey! I was lucky that my Doctor did not require any weight loss before surgery -- he even said "if you could lose weight easily, you would not need the surgery". I love him! :) 

My suggestion is that you look into finding a therapist, or a therapy group to help you understand and deal with your eating issues. Having that support, and a safe place to talk about what you are going through can be invaluable -- and help you feel more sure about what you can do.

:)

Kimberly

I started out at 425...  There are quite a few heavyweights here and we are here to support you through whatever you go through.

I think alot of what we feel is mental.  We are so consumed by our hunger, we forget to focus on the bigger picture. 

Take a moment everytime you put something in your mouth and write it down and write what you are feeling at the time you eat it.  Go to www.calorieking.com and find out the calorie content of what you eat when you go out.  I know that by making ourselves more aware of what we consume, we can get better control of why we consume it.

Take it one day at a time...

We are all here for you!

It is hard to make all these changes. Especially before surgery. But is is for your safety. Not because they want to see if you can lose weight. Eating is different with the sleeve. You simply cant pack the food away. Without the sleeve your stomach is folded up with tons of room for the food. Try to lose the weight by sticking to the plan your dr gave you. Like I said it is for your own safety! Good luck and keep us posted!

Aloha K- We have all been there, no matter if we started at 50 lbs or 350 lbs overweight. You have made a HUGE step in pursuing WLS and that first step takes ALOT of courage. Good for you!

I am out 5 months from my VSG. I started at 323, I am currently 205. Today I went to our local WLS group meeting ( held once a month but I haven't been for 8 months as Saturdays are spent either working or at kids sports). We have a guest speaker at these, today's was a personal trainer who had been working with one of our group members since January. This patient started her journey at 548 lbs and is now down below 400. The talk was so inspirational- she was confident enough to be his demonstrator as he showed us various exercises and they have a terrific relationship. It CAN be done, and takes guts- and you can do this!

I'd look for a support group in your area- one set up by a local hospital or your surgeon's group- when I go to these, I know that everyone there feels as I do, and has been as hopeless and despondant as I was, and has experienced the humilation and ostracism that I have. These groups have pre ops weighing well over 500 lbs to post ops that have been out 3+ years who help keep us accountable and from whom we learn the tools of success. If you are too far away, we are always here for you.

We have all failed at diets- that is why I chose WLS. The sleeve gives me so much control over food I still cannot believe it- like a heroin addict  who wakes up one day to find that POOF! Heroin no longer has any effect on him. Sometimes you want to overeat pre op or make bad choices because you are thinking you won;t be able to eat those foods again- that is NOT true- you will eat them, but in small amounts, and some will not even be appealing to you anymore.

You CAN do this- XOXO Lori

Hi Kbailey,

Everyone on this forum rocks don't they? We care so much. I think with every individual comes an individual story/journey. The bottom line on this forum is that we are very sensitive to each other's issues and you are right, here we do know how you feel.

I topped out at about 350 ( I stopped getting on the scale so it might have even been more) The last Doc before surgery said 345. I had already started Atkins. I couldn't walk; couldn't stand for very long and when I did it was in an upside down "L" shape; in other words I couldn't stand up straight. I couldn't breathe; couldn't sleep and I slept in a recliner. I couldn't bathe right; wipe right; and I had a plethora of comorbidities. Whatever weight I was at was the top of the line or end of the line for my body.

This surgery saved my life. I am now struggling with the emotional side of things because obviously that affects how I treat my body but with the VSG I feel better about myself every day.

Prior to surgery I couldn't walk and all those things above...so I kicked it in gear to save my own life...Don't you have a life worth saving? I believe you do.

Hugs,
Beth

My husband weighed 452.  He's 6'5",  He got his VSG on Oct 27.  He's lost 40 lbs.
His doctor did not ask him to lose weight before surgery.
His doctor did not have him on a liquid diet.
His doctor made him see a nutritionist (plus more appt after surgery) and his pre-op diet was low carb for 10 days before surgery.
We didn't bother trying to get insurance to cover it.  We just paid.  I will happily pay the monthly payemnts (home equity loan).  It is worth it.
I have only had minor weight issues in the past.  I probably only felt a portion of your feelings, but I understand a little. 
Don't hate yourself.  God loves you.  Life really isn't about food even though it seems like it right now.  I try to pray and ask God to help me know what he wants me to do.  I believe he can help you know how you can start making changes.  Being here is a good idea.  Going back to talk to your doctor about options is probably a good idea.
Good luck and post again, ok?

I started at 350 so you are not alone!

Wow, you all have made me want to cry!!  Thanks so much for being so open and caring.  It is so hard when you are not around anyone who can really know how you feel.  I think I am a compulsive eater like the one dear person said.  I should know about my approval this week.  They told me 10-15 days and today is 13 days. 

Thanks again to you all!
Karen