Oh My! What did I get myself into?

Beth is right! Beth is right!

Nothing else mattered to me except  "have the surgery".  When told I would have to give up soda (I drank a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi every day) I said, oh well.  I had to do what I had to do.  Seeing my 5 (soon to be 6) grandchildren grow up, meant that much to me.

Hi George

I was about at that level with the diet pepsi too. I was drinking about 7-8 cans a day, but now am down to 2.   I  will do it all, everything I need to do. I think I was just so overwhelmed I didn't see how I'd even get started.

Im in a much better frame of mind now and am seeing all this as what i need to do to get to the surgery date. I'm one determined woman and will succeed at getting healthy and strong!

I have 2 grandchildren  and want to see them grow up and see what kind of person they will become.

Linda

I was a diet coke alcoholic also. I probably drank about 7-8 a day and did it in 3-4 swallows. I cant stand diet coke now and if I do drink pop, its diet A&W root beer. I drink mostly chi tea that I order from Dr. Smoothie's online. I make it with water and blend it with ice, yummmmy. It taste like pumpkin pie. After 6+ years I still like water..later, Beth

Linda,

To answer your question - YES, completely overwhelmed, frightened to have surgery, but more afraid of NOT having surgery. It took me 3 years of soul searching to reach the decision. I waited until I was ready and am so glad I had it done.

Giving up Diet Pepsi - hard at first but I don't miss it now. I still chew gum with no problems. Some foods no longer taste good or are appealing, but I enjoy a wide range of better choices.

Two years ago today I had WLS. At some point I may write a long narrative about all the changes over the past 2 years. That might take a book, not a paragraph. I never dreamed it was possible to experience so many GOOD changes by giving up a few little things. No regrets.

A couple of highlights for you - 2 years ago I could hardly walk, my size 4X's were tight and uncomfortable, I was on 10 different meds. Yesterday morning I easily slipped into my size 3 jeans, took only supplements, spent the morning running around with my 2 grands, worked all day, went out to dinner with hubby and was NOT exhausted.

Do your research, feel comfortable with your decision.

Annette

Hi Annette

wow.. I said that to my husband this morning! I'm more frightened to not have surgery1

Thanks for posting those highlights.   Reading what you did yesterday morning, I  thought  that I'd be so exhausted now doing all of that!     

I think I'll be posting here often as you're all so wonderful and have calmed me down immensely.

Thanks so much
Linda

Linda,

You've gotten lots of responses here already, but I wanted to say YES, the process to getting WLS can be overwhelming, but look at what being obese for the rest of your life will be like and I think you can get through this part of things easily!  I had lots of pre-testing and whatnot, it seemed as though I was never going to get a date for my surgery, well, now that seems like a lifetime ago and today I am going to see my surgeon for my 1 year post-op (1 year 2 weeks after the fact (lol)) and the ability to life my life is now what I sometimes find overwhelming!  So, consider all that you have to do now as preparation to get you ready for the possibilities of living your life fuller than you have in a very long time, IT'S SO WORTH IT!!! 

Hugs and best wishes, Laureen

PS  And you will have the support of us here on OFF, they helped me get through all the hurdles that at the time seemed never ending.

Hi Laureen

I've spent the past day thinking of just that!  What would my life be like if I do not continue on this path.  I've tried every diet on earth and have had success losing, but not success keeping it off.   I keep gaining more than I lost.

My life if I remain obese will get worse. My health will deteriorate.  I will end up in a wheelchair with damaged joints. As an elder, I'll be in a nursing home because I won't be able to care for myself easily. And they'll have to move me out of the bed using a lift.  

Or....

I can move forward with surgery.   Lost over 100 lbs, get healthy and strong. Live a long healthy and happier life doing the things I've loved doing but can't do now.   I will be a positive influence to my sons, my grandchildren and most importanly, myself.


I choose life and health!

Thanks for your post and for your caring.
Linda

Hello Linda......once I decided to have surgery I forged ahead. I was upset that there was sooooo much to do. I had way to many extra hurdles to overcome but I kept my eye on the prize and kept on going.
I am so glad I did!!! My life is now so much better in so many ways. I am happier and can do just about anything. I was headed for a wheel chair and now I go out and dance the night away!!
I love WLS....it was all so woth all the effort it took!!
I wish you the best of luck. Hang in there...don't be discouraged. If you feel overwhelmed just come to us. We are always here for you!!

Hugs sweetie......connie d

Thanks, Connie

I am forging ahead and creating my plan based on the information I was given.   I know I can do this and reading all the information here, I know that help is but a question away here.

The physiologist and nutritionist told me I can just email or call them with any questions too.

For the first time in my life, I have all the support I will need to succeed in this quest for a healthy, strong life.

I can do it!

Linda

I am so happy to read everyone's contribution.  I am also pre-op and haven't yet quit the diet Coke.  But I know that I will and I am so looking forward to my surgery.  I will be 60 in December and look so forward to the next year of life.  Thanks for all of you being so supportive for each other and I hope to get to know some of you.

Pat