Question:
Rosy Colored - Overestimating impact?
I'm pre-op and starting to wonder if I'm overestimating the impact this is going to have on my life. I dream of a future where I'm not having to "heave" my body around and I have such hopes pinned on this being a major life-altering tool, physically and mentally. I picture myself being so much more free and happy. Am I setting myself up for disappointment or can I go on wearing the rosy-colored glasses? — jen41766 (posted on July 22, 2002)
July 22, 2002
You will be much happier and healthier. The best thing to do is to only
have the expectation that the weight will come off. Reality hit me hard
when I realized I was going to be thin overnight. And even now I'm down to
a size 14 from a 28/30 and I get depressed because I'm not a 7 yet. The
surgery has it's down falls, the pain you experience if you over eat and
the deprivation of not being able to eat anything you want. But....I bet
if you asked every person that had gastric bypass surgery 99% of them would
do it again in a heartbeat, I'm one of them.
— Angie B.
July 22, 2002
If you expect to be a size 2, this surgery won't get you there (unless you
become anorexic and bust your butt at the gym) ... but if you have
reasonable expectations, i.e. to be out of the "obese" category
and possibly into the "slightly overweight" category, this
surgery is a Godsend! I have gone from 407 lbs. to 215.5 lbs. in 16.5
months. I would like to get to 190 lbs. (realistic goal), which means I
have 25.5 lbs. to go. Am I wearing rose-colored glasses? ABSOLUTELY! It
is so important to look on the bright side and to constantly tell yourself
you can accomplish your goals. I am in a size 18 now. My goal is a 14/16.
Since my goals and expectations are realistic, I look at this surgery as
such an amazing tool and YES, it has drastically altered my life. Every
single day I thank God the technology existed to help me.
— Terissa R.
July 22, 2002
If someone had told me this time last year that I would be wearing a size
8, I would have told them to lay off the drugs!!! I hadn't even had my
first consultation for my surgery at this time last year. Now, 8 1/2
months after my surgery, I'm down 103 pounds and from a size 24 to a size
8!!! I've never had anything this wonderful before. If you really follow
the food plans the doctor has set up for you and exercise, this WILL work
for you. This is a lifetime change. Not something that you'll stop in a
couple of weeks like previous diets. If you truly believe that you can do
something, you will. Set small goals for yourself and once you achieve
them, set another goal for yourself. I have seen people lose 150 and 200
pounds after this surgery and some even more then that. That just show it
CAN happen to you, but only if you want it to and do everything on your
part to MAKE it happen.
— Patty H.
July 22, 2002
Jennifer, I'm glad you asked this question because I realized
that I had been wondering the same thing. I read all the
posts and rejoice with everyone's losses, but can't help but
wonder if I will do as well. I think most of us have been
large for so long, that it's impossible to imagine ourselves
thin. We just have to experience it to believe it. I can't
wait! Good luck to you. Ginger
— Ginger N.
July 22, 2002
jennifer- i am waiting for approval (only been 1 week) i am wondering the
same thing. i look at these profiles every night and dream of the future.
i think that we are all going to do well and the "fear" is from
the unknown and not really knowing our own recovery process. just keep the
positive attitude and all will work out!!! = )
— gale C.
July 22, 2002
The other posters are right - be realistic and you won't be disappointed.
I was MISERABLE for the first 4-5 weeks - I was rapidly losing weight but I
was so sick and tired that I didn't even care. Now that I am 8 weeks out -
I feel better, am starting to exercise (which I have NEVER done before) and
feel "normal" again - and I have 45 less pounds to lug around
already. I kind of hoped I would have lost 60 pounds by 8 weeks - so I had
to adjust my expectations a little - but I am not disappointed or sorry I
had the surgery. Your hopes of not having to 'heave' your body around and
feeling free are completely realistic - if you use the surgery as the tool
it is you shouldn't be disappointed. Good Luck!!
— Kim A.
July 22, 2002
This is a great question. Sorry it took me so long to answer as I was out
running about with my new found energy! The surgery and weight loss has
brought so many awesome things into my life, I can't even begin to explain.
BUT, there is also a ton of emotional baggage that doesn't melt off with
the fat. This is not a cure all. "If I was thin, everything would be
perfect." That isn't true. There are so many issues that are thrown
your way throughout your journey. I highly recommend a support group
and/or 1-1 counseling. This healthy life is wonderful; I wouldn't go back
in a second; but there is a lot to work on; like what got us there in the
first place. You must deal with that during your first year post op or
Lord knows where you'll end up...Good luck.
— Jeannet
July 22, 2002
If anything I underestimated how wonderfulthis surgery would be for me. I
was thrinking in terms of moderating pain, being able to move, getting up
off the floor without calling out the mounted police, and maybe shopping in
regular size shops. <p>I have never before known how good a size 8
feels until now. I have never before known what it is like to just pull up
the jeans and button and zip 'em without hyperventilating. I hoped for a
size 14. I have 20 pounds left to goal. According to everyone I've talked
to that is two dress sizes ( a 4? really?). The plastic surgeon says his
magic will take me down another size. That sounds an awful lot like a size
2. I cannot even relate.<p>I do know that I can wear a boys' large
rashguard to swim. The alst shorts I bought at Wally-world were size small
(4-6). Drat it feels marvelous.<p>I can eat a taste of just about
anything I want. The difference between now and pre-op is that a taste is
enough. That and I go into withdrawl if I miss swimming for a day.
— phoebe
July 22, 2002
Ok, yes it changes alot. But not everything. You are and will be the same
person and no matter how much weight you lose, you will still emotionally
feel just like you do today. Maybe a bit less self consious, but still you
nonetheless.
— RebeccaP
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