Still considering WLS but wondering if you can just do the diet without the surgery?

I  have been considering WLS for several years now, but keep going back and forth. I am a TOTAL all or nothing person and have been able to loose weight on Atkins/Weigh****chers etc in the past, with nice 50+ lbs losses each time, but of course, like everyone else I just gain it all back and more. Last year I got married and blended a family of 6 kids (aged 4-11), started my own business and bought our first home with 9 acres (= busy busy!!). I basically stopped caring AT ALL about what I ate and ended up at 335lbs!!!
 
I was on the wait list for WLS a couple years ago but it was about a 4 year wait and I was loosing weight on my own at the time, so I took myself off the list.....then I regretted it when I gained again!!! Finally, this month my husband and I are getting serious about losing weight and I have been training myself to eat tiny portions and healthy choices. I started myfitnesspal and have been averaging 800-1000 Calories a day even though I was aiming for 1200. I see that I need to add some shakes to my diet to increase my protein and might add some vitemins too. I know it's only been a short time, but I can see how this is realistic on my own and I am working on the HEAD GAMES part this time, to not give up entirely when I have a slip up.

My question is: If I can do this diet without the surgery, would that be a better choice?

This week, I went to see a new surgeon who will operate quickly if I can record food/weight for 3 months and lose 32 lbs, but I still can't make up my mind. I am most worried about not having a "normal" life after the surgery. Like, if I could join in on extended family get togethers (which always includes food). I don't want to be able to binge eat again, but I want to eat socially without making anyone feel like they need to cater to my "special" diet.  Also, my life is so BUSY, that I can't spend too much time on my food intake due to the restrictions of WLS (right now I am eating WW meals, canned tuna, fruit/veg, and easy-grab snacks, and I can't image making the time to blend or cook special meals just for me!).  I also am debating having a child with my new husband (our first together), and not sure if I want to wait the 2 years that is suggested.

But MOSTLY I am scared that if I work hard to lose the weight on my own, I would just gain it back like I always do, since I heard there is a 90% likelihood that I would!!

I read on here someone giving advice to not do the surgery unless you're SURE, and I'm worried that I won't ever be sure. I have the opportunity to do the surgery in a reasonable time frame, and I don't want to give that up, only to regret it again down the road!!

I know I sound so back-and-forth, but that is exactly how I feel and I would appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and share their opinions from someone who has either done the WLS or decided against it.

I guess only you know the answer to this.

I'm an expert dieter. I can diet like no one's business. I've done it a LOT. And managed to regain it and get up to 375.

The bottom line is that you aren't sure yet, obviously. You won't be ready until you are ready. It took me 10 years of consideration and research.

I was ready last year. That's why I'm succeeding so well now. I see people on here all the time that obviously were not and it shows.

If you're ready, great. If not, fine. If you can do it on your own, that's fabulous too.

Like I said, no one can answer this for you. YOU have to do that.

I am neither category - not had my surgery yet nor have I decided against it. I guess I am right where you are - in decision making limbo hell. I know its a lousy place to be and I am hating it. I wish I could just see the light one way or the other as I am sure you do as well. I just want to offer support and let you know there are probably many of us in the same boat...I wish us all luck and Enlightenment!!!

 You may not be ready. I would suggest looking at all the ways that WLS could improve your life, rather than the barriers. The first few months are the most difficult and the time when you can only eat a small amount of food. You don't need special food, just healthy food and minimal carbs. The "diet" is not a special diet, but involves a lifestyle choice of making healthier choices and being more active. Nothing special about eating dense protein, veggies, small amount of fruit, some dairy, and minimal carbs. You can eat anything that you choose to, but the choices need to be healthy. It is not a "diet" but a lifestyle change and one needs to maintain the lifestyle changes to be successful long term. If you go back to former habits, the weight will come back on.

Research Research and then research!!!!!!!!!  That is the best answer.  You will find out what and when you can eat what!  I think you will be pleasantly suprised.  The more you know the easier it is to decide.  And go on current info not on old and out dated stuff, because it has really changed alot.  Good luck.

read the first and second entries in my blog. I tried doing what you are thinking about. The only thing I regret about my VSG is that I just got it done...

 I went through the process 8 yrs ago. During that time by brother died. I didn't want my mom worrying about me in surgery (at the same hospital where she saw her baby take his last breath) I also didn't want to wish I would have tried one more time on my own. Fast forward 8yrs and 50+ lbs lost and gained over and over. I lost my mom then had a baby in 1 yr period. My son changed and saved my life. I need to be here for him. I know one day he will have to lose me but I don't want him suffering that pain prematurely. That is what cemented my decision. I didn't want to waste another year being obese. Do your research, ask questions, talk to people. Good luck!

 Hi Hopeful,
I totally think you should focus on the benefits of  living  life at a  smaller  size.  If  you're not ready,  then  you're ready.  You  should  check out the "What are you eating today" posts If  you would  like an idea of  what  life looks like after suregery and at  different times post op. 3 months out looks a lot  different than 1  year out.  Good luck!

If I could have done the diet without the surgery, and maintained the weight loss, I would have done it.

Cynthia...Why??