Deciding about WLS

I too had a high BMI--66. something. I didn't want the band because I needed to lose more than the average loss with the band. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it so it works the best for me! I have been obese most of my life (there were a few months in high school when I wasn't!). I was starting to understand the urge to just go to bed and never get out of it again. My life was getting so small because of my inablility to get out and do anything. My life was worth more than that to me and I had the insurance to cover it. I did my research, went to the seminar, and went from there. You need to do your own research (the internet is great for that) to augment what you hear from others. My surgeon was very straightforward about the risks but also about the likelihood of the risk. Even at my size, he was able to do the surgery laproscopically, which makes healing easier. The greatest gift of this surgery is that it gave me hope. Hope that I could live like the person I want to be, hope that the weight will come off and stay off unlike every other diet effort. This surgery is all about you and change--good change but some challenging changes, so while I would do it in a heartbeat again (and wish I could have years ago), it is finally up to you. Best of luck, Sally

Sally, yes, my pcp has said to me that she knows I will be happy I had the surgery and will be mad I waited so long. I am going to the Wish center on Wednesday, they do both surgeries. I feel sure that at my BMI they will recommend RNY. If they do, I will do it and deal with it. Thanks for writing. Julie

Julie, As with others that've posted, I cannot give you advice, but I can offer support & encouragement. Make the choice that best fits your life. I know that sounds "cookie cutter", but really it's true. I chose to have open-RNY because I liked the benefits and the "STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR---FOREVER" comedy my surgeon worked up for me! Naw, I'm just kidding....my surgeon has a completely dry sense of humor. But he has the SKILL! I researched this surgery for a long time. I was still not prepared for what would happen when I had the surgery. It was so surreal when I went into the hospital to be admitted. I kpet looking around thinking, "Is this really happening?" Quite a few times after surgery I thought, "What the junk did I just DO?!?!" Julie, I can't tell you what to do. It is your decision. However, after almost 3 months, I can tell you that I would do it again in a milisecond! Wanna know why? Man, you shoulda asked me that last Sunday, when I completed a 5K! I FEEL BETTER!!! I walk without huffing and puffing. I don't.....have that extra 60 pounds hanging on my bones! I completed a 5K!!!! And today in church, as I ran the sound booth, I danced my brains out!! Could I have done that at 321 pounds? Oh, sure. Comfortably? Shoot no. I am healthier and happier now. I am in control of what I eat and how I exercise. Can I tell you what to do? Nope. But you'll know the answer, when the time is right, to your question of whether or not to have surgery. Not to romanticize it and make it all "magic & fantasy", but look at the results. Not everyone is the same, but we all feel better, generally. There are those that don't, and they don't recommend the surgery. Check out what they have to say. Be informed. But, Julie, again, you'll know when you know....in your heart of hearts, you'll know whether or not the surgery (and what type) is right for you. Good luck. And even if you make the decision to not have the surgery, stay on this site. I have found that this is the best support for any kind of weight loss issues. People will support you one way or the other. Have a great journey! Jen Halliday

Jen, First of all, WOW about the 5K. I can't imagine being able to do that! I read your profile and enjoyed reading about your journey. Thanks for sharing the bad and the good. I know I felt better when I had just lost 23 lbs, so I know it will be so great to lose more. I actually kind of look forward to eating little princess type meals and only eating the best little bites. I want to do that now, but I have the most amazing HUNGER. I watched Oprah this week and again she says that weight is about issues with childhood. I really have my doubts about that for me, as I had a wonderful childhood and a grandpa, uncle and aunt that weigh or weighed as much as me. I think it is more likely heredity and bad choices and dieting that have put me here. Anyway, I don't know why I am on this soapbox today, but it's what I've been thinking about. I want to eat right and I want to stop overeating. I feel a little glimmer of hope that I can do that soon. Julie

Sandra, Man, I would love to give up my CPAP machine. I had to give up overnight trips in our sailboat, because I could not stand the amount of condensation that would build up in the tubes and also worrying about whether we would have power so that I could run my cpap at all. I am so happy to hear you do not mourn food. I honestly think that if I could somehow remove food completely from my life I would do it. I've had enough. I want other pleasures. I am still faily active and healthy for my weight, but I feel my life going downhill and all that love me worry that I will die too soon. I have talked about my options to all the really important people in my life and most feel I should have RNY. I will be sure on Wednesday after I go to Wish Center for evaluation. Thank you so much for writing. I had read your profile a couple of weeks ago and added you to my bookmarks. You are truly an inspiration. Julie