Why WLS?

I completely understand. I have been there too. I'm finally on the liquid diet and having surgery in 9 days!! It seems so long still but I know Its right around the corner. I started this process 3.5 months ago. I'm 4ft 9 inches and i weigh 189 lbs. I love all your whys because they are mine too. I have had a lot of support from family and most friends. Thank goodness. Especially those who have seen me work out for two hours for 5 days a week for two years and get no where. I am also always hungry especially when i excercise.   It's so frustrating to get no where or maybe lose 30 lbs after all that effort only to gain it all back a few months later.

If there was another way i would do it but living like this is not living a full life. I miss me. Thanks for sharing. Not having anything to eat but protein shakes and broth is not easy and I have had a headache for the last four days. I think its from all the toxins im expelling. It takes allot of will power to do this!! Not doing it is harder! I'm kind of emotional these days grateful for your sharing because it inspires me. Hope you get here soon. I will be here to cheer you on too!!

Hi Patlivs,

Not sure how I missed this comment. By now your a couple more days into your liquid diet and I'm sure you're doing well! Hang in there. The best is yet to come and it'll be so worth it. I'm on my way to join you too!

This was not an easy decision for me because I know that the surgery will fix my physical hunger issues but not the mental ones. I'm hoping to start finding activities now to keep myself occupied so that I don't revert to my old ways.

I sat there half laughing and half crying as I typed all my reasons WHY I'm ready for this. I can't wait to start crossing them off the list!

"This was not an easy decision for me because I know that the surgery will fix my physical hunger issues"

Maybe, maybe not. Not trying to discourage you, just wanting you to understand that there are plenty of people who do have physical hunger issues after WLS.

You sound like you are so ready for this.  Go for it!  You won't believe how much easier it is after WLS to control your appetite, see results from your workouts, and jus****ch the weight fall off.  

Thank you! It's been a long time coming. I've been back and forth but now I feel "at peace" with my decision.

Thank you for sharing this.  You can do this.  It's in your power now so I wish you the very best!   Jane

Thanks, Jane!

You can do this!

What surgery are you having?  Make sure that you research ALL FOUR options before making your final decision on what surgery to have.  The Duodenal Switch, Vertical Sleeve, RNY and LapBand.  Personally I would steer very clear of the LapBand.  Shouldn't be performed anyway because of the overwhelming evidence of its complication rates and failure rates.  With your BMI and history of dieting, you need the malabsorbtion that the RNY and DS can offer.  Visit dsfacts.com to get factual information about the DS.  

It is very important to look at all the options because we are seeing more and more insurance companies moving to a one WLS per lifetime.  That means that you can only get ONE WLS paid for with insurance, EVER, no matter what insurance paid for the first surgery.  It is more important than ever to make sure that you research all of the options an choose the one that is best for you the first time.  You can't make the right decision if you don't know all the options.

Good luck to you!

Hi Clpeltz,

Thanks so much for the advice! I've actually been going back and forth between the RNY and sleeve but agree with you that the malabsorption would be a big benefit for somene like me. I'm leaning more towards RNY. DS, unfortunately, out of the question for me. The hospital I work for (and will be having surgery at) does not do this procedure because they said there are too many vitamin and mineral deficiencies long term and something about them wanting to keep their stats good to keep their COE status.

Nita

That is not a good reason to throw the DS away.  First of all, their information is incorrect.  Almost ALL vitamin/mineral deficiencies can be managed just fine if you take the correct vitamin regimen.  Make sure that you get FACTUAL information about the DS before you write it off.  It may end up being the best choice for you.  And remember that it is very important to choose the right surgery for YOU now because revisions may not be available by insurance in the future.  Visit the revisions board here and see how many people are seeking revisions to their VSG and RNY's.  I'm not saying that it will not work for you, just don't settle just because your surgeon does not perform the DS.  There are other surgeons out there.  Good luck.