I wish someone would tell me what to do!!

I need to decide if I want the surgery or not. I have been reading and reading and reading and still undecided. I read so many good things and decide ok, I'm doing it then I read the bad things and am like ok, I just need to try dieting and exercise again.  UGH

I had labs done the other day by my pcp and they just called and said my vitamin D is low so I need to take vitamins for 12 weeks and be retested.  I know lots of people have this but it concerns me if its low now before surgery what kind of trouble will I have after.

And my a1c is 6.0 and my glucose is 109, not so high to be concerned over she said but needs to be addressed so I am going today to talk to a health management person.  I already know what she will say less sugar and bread more protein etc.  Diabetes run in my family.  Also, heart issues. My mom is 60 and in the hospital right now to have heart bypass surgery. 

I do have high blood pressure been on meds about about 5 years.  I also have GERD been on nexium for lat least 7 years but more just can't remember for sure. I think more like 10! I'm 45.

Just do it. Like what the Nike people say....

Well, you probably are considering surgery because you are obese and have health issues. And, you have probably tried dieting many times. Possibly you have lost weight, and then gained it back. So, the choice is continue doing what you have been doing, or commiting to surgery. For myself, my life is so much better post-op, and my health has improved greatly. If you can't make the commitment, then just keep reading and learning. You won't be successful unless you can commit. I wish you the best.

Do it.

I think the actual question here is "What do YOU want to do????"  You are the only one that can make this decision.

WLS works.  There can be complications, no doubt, and they can happen, no doubt, but there are more good things than bad in this surgery.

You are at a good age to do this surgery.  Just imagine spending one year learning how to deal with a new lifestyle, enjoying being outside, learning how to deal with the opposite sex in an entirely different way, and never taking bp meds or Nexium because you don't have high bp or GERD.  Cool!

Will it be hard?  It can be.  Will it be worthwhile?  YES.  Is your health a good enough reason to reroute your intestines?  YES.  

Do it.

Only you can decide if you are ready to commit to a new lifestyle. I will say that I had very low vitamin D levels before surgery but because I am faithful on taking my supplements post op my levels are now on the high end of normal at 30 months post op. I have lost 145 pounds and maintained that weight for 21 months. I have also lost knee and back pain,high blood sugars,high cholesterol and high triglycerides. My blood pressure is now normal on one low dose pill instead of uncontrolled on three. I am now not at risk for a heart attack like the one that took my mother too young. I will be around and living an active life for many years to come,and am so happy that I had my surgery. The decision has to be yours so just listen to your heart!

 

Here is a good article for you to read: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/obesity-chronic-disease-largely-biological-causes-cannot-cured-just-diet-exercise/medical-errors/

I wouldn't worry about the vitamin D. The further north you live, the more likely you are to have a vitamin D deficiency because you do not get enough sunlight. It is very difficult for anyone who doesn't live near the equator to get enough vitamin D without taking a supplement, and you will need to supplements for the rest of your life after surgery anyway.

The majority of bad stories I have heard have been consequences from people not taking their supplements as directed. Personally, I would rather be responsible for taking supplements than prescription medications. I told myself that I would start the process and give myself one last chance to lose weight with diet and exercise while going through the process. Well, I managed to lose about 8 pounds before I decided that wasn't going to work. My surgery date is less than four weeks away, and there is no way I am going to back out now. You can go to the initial consultation to get more information and discuss the best option for you without committing to anything. Maybe that would help you decide.

There are certainly many benefits to reap from WLS but only if you are committed to the process. And only you can decide if you should take this ste*****t. Also as others have said low vitamin d is fairly common among everyone north of the equator.  I took supplements before surgery and now take them after as well. But I don't have to inject insulin or take any diabetic meds and maintain a 5A1c. With your family history and current glucose numbers you will most likely be on some diabetic med soon. WLS will help you avoid this. But please don't decide to have the surgery unless you are 100% committed and ready to join us on the losers bench. It is a major decision with no right or wrong answer. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Thank you everyone! 

I guess one of my big issues is that my bmi is barely 35.  I need to lose like 75 pounds doc said I would probably lose about 50.  I just wonder is this too drastic to lose 50 pounds?

When I was in the consult I was the smallest one in there.  And right off the bat a lady was like, Are you here for weight loss? You don't look like you need it.  I was like well my bmi is 35 and I have high blood pressure, reflux and knee pain.....

I was on the lighter end of things too. Feeling like I somehow didn't deserve surgery because I wasn't as heavy yet or maybe that I was just being lazy. What it really comes down to is how important is your health to you? I made the committment and it was the BEST thing I have ever done. No more high blood sugar no more blood pressure meds and I can walk run and frolic without constant knee pain. It was soooo liberating to be pain free after losing the weight. 

If I had to pick a single statement that I read on here the most it's that I wish I did it sooner why did I put this off for years.

 

You are worth it no matter where you are on your weight loss journey. It sounds like I had similar starting stats as you if you want to private message me I would be more than happy to answer any questions about what it's like as a "lightweight"

Either way best of luck to you

 

Angel