It's days like this that remind me why I need this surgery...

I just went to an information session last night on one of the bariatric programs in my area (Maryland, GBMC) and I definitely feel better about my decision to pursue WLS.  I knew it was getting to that critical point for the past few months, especially after failing at so many different diets (recently and through my life).  So when I went to my doctors and he suggested surgery I wasn't really surprised, I've had doctors suggest it before.  This time was different though, I didn't run for the hills I really started to research the different surgery options and get as much information as I can.  I also realize that I should still star****ching what I'm eating and try to get in more activity a week...

So for the last few weeks I've been trying to make healthier choices, not snack as much, and get in activity when I have time (usually 20-30 min walk at lunch).  I haven't been perfect these last few weeks, but I've definitely been better than before when I wasn'****ching what I was eating at all.  So today I decided to jump on the scale and she how I'm doing...  I GAINED 2 LBS!!!   Which puts me at 290, my highest weight ever. I almost cried, and still want to cry when I think about it.  Why is this so freaking hard!!!  I'm so worried that even if I do get the surgery I won't lose weight because it's so hard for me to change my lifestyle :(  I feel a bit lost, confused, and frustrated.  I know I'm not a surgery patient yet, but I really needed to vent to people that have "been there" 

Thanks for listening! 

I'm going to make an appointment to see the surgeon early next month.  I need to get this ball rolling and get some feeling of control back.

I haven't had mine yet so I know how you feel.  There are days when I cheat or don't have time to work out as much as I'd like and see a small gain on the scale.  But that's the beauty of the surgery, it's an amazing tool to help ya get through those hard patches.

I have major feelings of doubt about not being able to lose, like I'd be that one person it doesn't work for... but somehow I think that knowing I have my sleeve will give me that extra little push to go work out that day and it'll definitely help me watch what I eat.

Hang in there, I'm sure once you do it  you'll love it.

We're so lucky in Maryland to have so many quality medical facilites nearby - Johns Hopkins, UMBC, U of MD., and St. Agnes (where I had my surgery), are just a few of the places that have highly rated bariatric programs.  I suggest that you continue to investigate the options and attend as many "forums" or support group meetings as you can find. (St. Agnes group meets 1st & 3rd Mon. at 6 p.m. - mtgs. are open to anyone).  You will hear both success stories and about some of the problems that come with this major life-style change.  It's not for everyone, but, for some of us, it is the last-best hope of achieving a longer, healthier life.  I'm 65 and the surgery-diet-exercise program has resulted in a loss of 115 lbs. in under 5 mos. - and the loss of diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and "general grouchiness" to use my wife's term.  But I made a full committment to the program and I work exceedingly hard at it every day.  For me, that's what it takes.  Good luck as you work towards a decision.
Pop-pop 

 I know exactly how you feel!  I would diet, cut out all fast food, which was a big problem for me, and not lose.  If I did lose, it was so little that I would wonder why I was trying so hard without the results!  On the other hand, my husband would cut out Pepsi and drop 10 lbs,...kind of like that commercial!    Very discouraging.  Having this surgery has been the best thing I have ever done for myself!  I could never have lost 70 lbs in a little over 6 months with any diet!  I say go for it!  I think everyone has the fear that they may be the one it doesn't work for, but it does work!  I am so happy that I had it done and it has truly changed my life!    

Beverly

Honestly, I ate pre-surgery much the same as I eat now as far a lots of fish, protein (bigger quantity of course), what not.  I was working out everyday religiously and could never drop a single freaking pound.  I don't know what it is about our bodies that make us suffer so.  I had tried every diet know to man with no success above 20 - 30 lb lose.  So I had doubts in the beginning.  Here I am a year later telling you it is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I would do it again 100+ times (which is how many lbs I've lost!!)  Good luck on your journey, it's quite the ride!!

I was worried too that I would not loose weight after the surgery that I would just go back to my old habits. I did struggle a little at the beginning and here and there but I haven't given up and I have lost over 100lbs.  since December.

No, the surgery doesn't change the issues we have on why we eat the way we do so you will still have the bad habits. Most diets that I tried before the surgery usually didn't work out. But after the surgery when you do your diet and watch what you eat you will see the weight loss and that is a lot of motivation to keep you going. I think the biggest thing that I have learned is you will have your ups and downs but it is important to get right back up and start over.

This surgery has given me my life back and I would do it over again in a heart beat. Good luck on your decision and your surgery if you do go that route.