I regret it.....

[Jaxmom77]

Hi all!

I am 3 weeks Pre-Op. 396 lbs at just over 5'10". I have always been overweight with no real health issues but gaining 100 lbs in 2010 after the birth of my only child has begun to take it's toll on my health. In recent labs I was diagnosed with PCOS (which I have prob always had), slightly high cholesterol, high this and that, fatty liver etc. I have tried WW several times and don't seem to have the self control to diet and exercise to maintain my health. I decided to schedule the Sleeve at the urging of my OBGYN (who had a successful VSG) to lose at least 100 lbs and try for another baby in 2 years. I realize this will be a lifestyle change and the Sleeve is just a tool that will make me do it. I want to eat right and exercise and I have begun taking necessary steps to set myself up for success post-op. Today I saw a dietician. My goal is to begin to have a plan to make sure I am getting all necessary nutrients post-op for the best possible outcome after being sleeved. I want to lose the weight to be healthy not skinny. She basically told me that I was too young and hadn't tried enough to do it the right way. I am self pay and asked to be referred to a dietitian and a therapist because I know these professionals can help me with this process. Most people covered by insurance are required to do these sessions right? I respect her professional opinion but in my head I keep hearing my OBGYN saying, "Lots of people do not take off over 100 lbs in a year and keep it off long term. That is why the show Biggest Loser is so popular because it doesn't happen everyday." I don't want to waste anymore of my life wondering if I will ever have the self control to do it "the right way". I know with the sleeve I will have no choice.

Am I crazy for thinking this way? I see so many VICTORY stories and pics from people just like me and I want to be on that loser's bench too! Do you regret your decision?

[Think]

During my time on this forum I have seen many people express their thanks for this surgery, but few actually post that they regret it. And I can think of at least one forum member who had been diagnosed with PCOS, have the surgery and loose weight, and then get pregnant! I am sure there are others, just not that I can think of off the top of my head.

Best wishes with your journey. I am self-pay and will be going to Mexico to get the best bang for my buck. You are smart to want the nutritionist visits and such. I think with this tool I will be fine without them, but won't hesitate if I need them.

[novastarr]

Well, that's exactly how I feel. I have always been large and after having my son in 2010 i have gradualy gained 80 more lbs. I'm disgusted! I have tried numerous diets, programs etc. Some have wored but only short term. I am now the biggest I have ever been. I do not have the self control nor is my lfie designed to follow a diet. Call it excuse if you want but it just doesnt work for me. So, I to am seeing this as a tool that will "force" me to follow through and hopefuly give me the motivation to kick this fat butt for good!

[blessedahf]

OMG I just want to pick up the phone and call you and say DON'T LISTEN TO THEIR TRASH TALK!!!! If we could lose it the "right way", don't you think we would've already done so? I mean, seriously. I would have laughed in the nutritionist face. I bet you 150% she's thin and in shape, huh? She doesn't know anything about being overweight and fighting it and the depression that goes along with being so overweight. It's easy for them to talk like that. You have just made the BEST decision of your life. I know its hard to see right now because you're only 3 weeks out, but GIRL!!!! You wait a year and you come back and tell me whether you regret your decision or not And then just for grins and giggles, I'd be all up in that nutritionist office lol I'm bein ugly, I know, but its all in fun. But really I'm very serious! NO I don't regret making the best decision of my life. I wish I would have done it earlier in my 20's. I was 28 when I had mine done. I'm down to 128 lbs and I can't talk strongly enough about my decision. I just want to walk up to people I see in public who you can see depression written all over their face because they think there's nothing out there that can help them. They're basically dying and can't hold on to any diet or exercise plan. Some of us just simply can't do it on our own. And that's why the sleeve is such a life saver! It IS the tool that helps get us there!! I always tell people, it's that too-good-to-be-true thing that's actually true!! I need to copyright that phrase I say it so much lol But it really is. You think, I'll be that one person that it won't work for. But ask my aunt who was 375 lbs in February and now is down to 265 I think, on her way to goal. She is beside herself, she's been heavy ALLL her life. She can't believe this is really happening. And my mom who also suffered from fatty liver, was on her way to a transplant list and was in deep depression. Now her liver is spotless and she now owns a thriving photography business in the Atlanta area Clear Creek Images » Photography by Linda Scott. YOU! CAN! DO! THIS! And you will NOT regret your decision!! Stay the course!! We are routing for you and we are ALWAYS here for you!!!!!!!!

[Avalon13]

Sweetie, I would NOT PAY HER bill!!!!! Here you are, trying to do something positive with your life and a health professional is putting you down. I would talk to your surgeon and ask who HE or SHE recommends. I am 56 and a breast cancer survivor so we dont have the same issues. But I had my primary dr say she sure wished I would do it on my own. And my surgeon told me to ask her to give me the numbers of at least two of her patients that have lost at least 50 # and kept it off for two years and I would do what they did. My primary remained quiet. : )

I have two friends 25 and 27 who have had this surgery. One three years ago and one last november. Both lost over 100 pounds. The one 3 years ago had emotional issues and still has them. The other is flourishing in her new life. Losing weight is not going to make you more outgoing, friendly or funny, just weigh less. So if you have issues, get rid of them before surgery but know that you know yourself better than anyone. Blessings to you. : )

[MeganES]

I haven't had the sleeve yet. But I know for a fact that the people who gain back the weight do so because they stray from the life change. Many people return to their old habits. You can absolutely keep the weight off but it takes effort. Do what is best for you. This is your life, no one else's! Best of luck!!

[robertajanzen]

I was 7 months post op yesterday. I am down 102 pounds. I had my results from BW yesterday and for the first time in years...everything was normal...I was always told the same as u...I dreaded seeing the Dr because it would be just some other overweight medical problem due to my weight. I have no regrets..Ive completely turned my life and health around. I think the biggest problem most ppl have is they over think the sleeve and what u must/shud do...I was self pay also with the support of my PCP here in my hometown...I paid 8700...plus airfare...was worth every dime as I had the best surgeon and 0 complications. I am a almost 47 retired nurse...starting weight 347...now 245...and still losing I work out 6 days a week and eat very lil..I am healthy ..my only regret is I didnt find Dr Alvarez before and have the sleeve done much earlier. Its tough i wont lie...but once u get past the first 3-4 months it all sinks in and u adjust. Life is grand on the losers bench!!! Gl and keep us updated. hugs

[lornadoone629]

I wish I could have had it when I was younger. You can avoid so many of the co-morbidities and health issues that us older folks have, save teh wear and tear on your bodies, not to mention the fact that your skin should bounce back a lot easier than those of us who have stretched ours out for decades! best of luck!!!!

[Kimpossible318]

I am one of those people who lost 100 lbs, but couldn't keep it off. Back in July 2009 I started the South Beach diet. I also started working out...at first water aerobics and then walking and then running. I would have bet big money that I would never have willingly run a day in my life and though I can't say I actually ever liked running, I LOVED the feeling of accomplishment (runner's high) afterwards. I lost 106 lbs and started doing 5Ks and then half marathons. Flash forward to Oct 2010 and I got injured (pelvic stress fracture) which lead to me gaining weight. I was depressed to have worked so hard just to not be able to run for a while. Then in Feb I got into my first relationship after an abusive one and there were triggers everywhere...packed on more weight. Then flash forward to May when my busy (stressful) season at work began and I packed on more weight (emotional eater, obviously) and at my highest, I outweighed my previous highest by 27 lbs meaning I gained 133 lbs. Where was my shut off valve?

Sorry for going into my whole life story, but my point is that I totally agree with your Ob/Gyn. In actuality, a lot of peeps who are successes on the BL end up gaining a significant amount of weight back too.

We need this tool!

I especially admire you for taking action when you are self-paying your way through this surgery and transition. I admire you even more so for taking it upon yourself to seek out a NUT. This just goes to show how serious you are about transforming your life...you have put the time, energy, research, and money into it. That speaks volumes!

You will be a success story as a sleeved woman and I, for one, can't wait to read about it as you post your updates! =)

[Ladyinwaiting]

well, for sure this isn't easy and I don't regret it for a minute. But, the people on the biggest loser had support systems, cooks, dietician and coaching. What do we have. Our own selves trying to push thru the process, getting it right and loosing, getting depressed and gaining. I can only tell you from my experience that I am 51 and wish I had done this sooner. Don't live with the kind of regret that I have. Be healthy and active...

[lori123]

I am pre op too. My sister, brother in law and niece have had the surgery. My niece asked her surgeon if anyone had ever said they want it back after the surgery. He said no one!
I'm 66 and I wish I could have had this when my children were still home and I could have done more with them. I'm doing it now so I can enjoy my grandchildren and be around for them longer.

[Narasweet]

Awesome post, smiles wide.

[niamh]

My personal feeling is that the chances of someone who is as significantly overweight as nearly 400lb losing weight and keeping it off are so remote as to almost not be worth considering. Particularly with PCOS on top. I don't know how old you are, but you are facing massive fertility problems and if you want to have more children, getting the weight off will be a huge help. As someone who hasn't had children in part because timing got in the way, if you feel strongly about wanting to have more children, then go ahead and go with the route most likely to guarantee significant weight loss.

I think you need to change your dietitian, not your mind. Find a dietitian who specialises in supporting WLS patients, not judging them. Good luck!

[Jaxmom77]

Wow! Overwhelming SUPPORT! Thanks to you all!!!!

[Munchkin]

From what my center told me (a big hospital in Boston), not all dietians know how a WLS should eat. You need to seek one who specialize in diets for WLS patients. Regular dietians will tell you to eat lots of grains, follow the food pyramid. That is not how WLS patients eat.

However, this is only a tool. You can gain weight back if you don't follow the rules. But it is the best tool out there (80% success rate to keep weight off vs 5% success rate from regular diet & exercise). So keep that in mind. You still need to do work. Good luck.