Wondering about this...

Hello!! My name is Kristi, and I am almost 25.  I am close to 300 lbs, and 5' 6".  I am SERIOUSLY looking into WLS and am curious about it.  I have done a lot of research, and talked with a few people who have had it done.  One of my coworkers just recently had it done, and I have been living vicariously through her and seeing her journey. I am very active, have taught swimming lessons, lifeguarded, waterskiied, etc... My weight has never determined what I will or will not do.  I hate though that people judge me based on my weight, I haven't ever dated, nor had any guy show any interest in me.  The guys I have pursued, have shot me down, hard. How much support did you have going into the surgery?  My parents aren't entirely supportive, but I have friends that are.  I'm ready to change my life.  I've tried the "traditional methods" of weight loss and just gotten nowhere. I have many medical problems as well, PCOS, insulin resistance, and the most recent issue, a migraine that has lasted for over a year and a half.  It's insane!! Thanks all for any information you can provide.  I found a bariatric center in my town, and am planning on going to an informational seminar.  Kristi     

Not sure what more information you are looking for, beyond, this WLS20's board is grweat support.  And, if you're parents are worth their weight as parents...they'll come around.  A healthier you, I'm sure, is something they would like.  Welcome aboard, and good luck!

Welcome to the board Kristi!

I'm so sorry your parents are supportive of your journey.  Have you talked with them about the benefits as well as the cons?  Maybe they just want to make sure you're well prepared...

Thanks for the welcome, both of you!!  I look forward to getting to know more of you on the board!! I'm not sure why they aren't more supportive.  They are both on the heavy side, but they don't struggle from the medical problems that I do.  My mom is a nurse, so I had hoped she would be more interested. They both made the comment that it was a little drastic.  I'm not sure really what they meant by that, I've been on diets and exercising since I was 12.  It's not like I gained the weight overnight and am trying to get it off fast!  I'm looking for a tool that will help me in the long run. Thanks again for the welcome!!

Hi Kristi, welcome to the 20's boards.  Everyone here is really helpful and supportive!  I'm sorry your parents aren't supportive but see if they will accompany you to an info session or something.  They may change their minds once they see the info, and success stories.  And IF they don't...well, it's your life and your health.  I'm sure they want what's best for you but are just scared. I hope you find the answers you seek, we're behind you and here if you need us.  We're a very diverse group with RNY'ers, Bandsters, DS'ers even GastSleeves.  Best of luck to you and look forward to getting to know you!

wow, so reading your second paragraph i was like wait...was she talking about me?  I was that same person 7 months ago. never let my weight stop me from doing the things i loved especially sports, but there are always those outside factors that influence how we feel no matter how hard we try not to let it.   This surgery has given me a new life. i thought i was doing the things i loved before, but i never realized how much my weight had actually influenced those things. i'm back to playing the sports i love and working out...and i enjoy it again. i feel a lot more comfortable in my body then ever before and my confidence is way up, and people see that and they react to that as well.  I was lucky, my parents were very supportive. they saw how my weight was continuing to go up while my self esteem was starting to go down along with my health. they knew, or they at least accepted that after years of unsuccessful diets and weight loss attempts i needed something more, something to help me get this weight off and be really healthy for once. Look at all your choices and figure out what is right for you. this is your decision and it's up to you to do what's right for you not for your parents. like someone else said we have people on this board who have had every type of surgery so ask questions and get all the facts. and best of luck on whatever you decide. ~Jennifer

Another Jennifer with a football ticker...lol.  I like the numbers on yours better

lol, no worries yours will get there soon enough. hey good luck with your surgery, just days away now huh?!!!!! wishing you an uneventful surgery and recovery, best of luck.  ~Jennifer

I wonder if I tell them I am serious about this, if they would change their tune.  I'm honestly not sure. I've spent some time reading on the boards, just reading blogs and seeing the day to day struggles and successes that people have.  It  is absolutely amazing to me. I don't let my weight stop me if I can at all help it...but there are things that are out of my control that just make me sad.  I haven't been able to waterski on one ski in four years, I just have too much of me to pull up on the ski.  I've tried everything, all the diets, spent tons of money on gyms, foods, websites etc.  I like working out, but it hurts me right now, so it isn't something I enjoy doing. Thank you all so much for your warm welcome.  I really really appreciate it!!

With or without immediate family support, you will have to decide to make some HUGE changes to your life with WLS... It IS drastic....but also, probably the best decision you can make for your health, happiness and future... I wouldn't change my life now for anything...I have had a helluva ride since my surgery...EVERYTHING has changed for the better, and for the first time in as long as I can remember I AM HEALTHY... I can say no to temptation and make decisions with food that are good for me...my body is mine again and it feels so so good...It's empowering to do this while you're still young enough to change all the bad habits that made us obese... You will find an amazing ammount of support here...amazing people who have taken the same first steps and can be so helpful in guiding your journey!!!! Good luck to you...you have some very import decisions to make now...be sure to keep us all updated oh, and WELCOME!!!! xxxBecca