Hello! One month pre-op

[Gru]

I just joined today and wanted to introduce myself. I've been a yo-yo dieter since college and now it doesn't seem worth it to diet anymore. I get to a certain point, plateau, fall off the wagon and find myself at a higher weight than when I started dieting. I know this wrecks my metabolism too. My BMI is right at 40 now (285 lbs) and just feel so frustrated with my weight.

I've heard that with gastric surgery it does lower your body's 'set-weight' so that will help with metabolism. I think the only thing that can really help me now is the gastric sleeve. I know all the benefits of this surgery, but I do feel nervous about it. (It's the permanence of it and unknowns that come after). It helps to read all the comments on here and see the great changes in peoples' lives. It sounds like it has really helped a lot of people, and I haven't seen any regrets on here so far.

One thing I know I'll have to fight at some point is grazing. I know I do this, so I'll have to really be careful to stay away from that.

Nice to meet you all!
Tom

[Stacey03]

Good onya tom, I don't regret it for a second :-)

[Hoosier]

I'm right there with you Tom - same thoughts/fears. This site helps though. I don't think I've come across someone that has regretted having the surgery. Most say they wish they would have done it sooner. I'll be starting the process in Jan.
Roger

[Gru]

Thanks Roger. I saw your post and the replies were one of the things here that reassured me.

Tom

[Tuesday2]

Welcome! I'm 7.5 months post op and like most others, this was the BEST thing I ever did. I also yo-yo'd my whole life, and have always been an "all or nothing" kind of person. I'm either watching EVERYTHING I eat and dieting like crazy, or I have zero control. Since the surgery, I'm still careful about what I eat, but I have noticed that I no longer need to obsess about everything because if I want chicken wings for example... I can have 3 and feel full and super satisfied and not deprived at all.
I also no longer crave cakes and cookies either, mostly because if I'm hungry, a few bites of chicken or a carrot and I'm pretty full. It's hard to want to eat junk when you're already full.
Plus, being smaller, lighter, faster, and healthier feels REALLY REALLY good.

[DHB]

Welcome! I'm just 2 weeks post-op and I identify with your story. Just last year I lost 20lbs, then gained 35. Story of my life. And then I had some testing and learned that my metabolism was shot and I couldn't consume more than 1200 calories without gaining. I could do that for a few days and then would blow it. I felt so hopeless.

Now I'm eating around 500 calories/day of pureed foods and feel stuffed. The surgery was actually easier than I expected. Almost no pain and a very quick recovery. My PCP had watched my weight adding up over the years and knew the health risks associated with obesity. He recommended the gastric sleeve as the only viable way to keep me from adding on more weight and more health problems.

So far I've made it through Thanksgiving with the entire family and my birthday and don't feel at all deprived. I just feel surprisingly full after a small amount of food which is still a shock to me.

All to say, you're in good company here.

[simplyseahorse]

Welcome to you! So glad that you found us - I have really enjoying becoming involved with this site. Lots of good advice and friendly people, so just ask and read to your heart's content!

[RehabNurse]

Welcome...I'm 2.5 years out with no regrets. The sleeve's been the best thing to happen to me medically.

Like you, I had been a yo-yo dieter for most of my life. The dieting started in my mid teens. I'd lose 30, regain 50, lose 60, regain 90, then rinse and repeat the miserable process.

Once I reached my 30s the weight became more difficult to lose, although I could gain it rapidly in half the time.

My post-sleeve live has been challenging, but better than my yo-yo years. I maintain a lower body weight with minimal effort because I'm simply not as hungry as before.

Good luck to you.

[Luv49ers19]

Welcome Tom. Like most here my only regret is not doing it sooner! Best. Decision. Ever.

The main reason I went with the sleeve is because I didn't want any rerouting of my insides. Everything I read about this surgery was positive. Yes it is major surgery and there is always a chance of complications but it is so much lower with this. Good luck!

[Christie13]

It is normal to have some fears and apprehension. I am almost 13 months post op and it was definitely the best decision for me. I am so happy I did it. And I am glad it is permanent. I never want to go back to the way it was. I started at a 41.8 BMI pre op. I am now a 21.8 BMI. I have lost 99 lbs and am 4'11". I can still go out, socialize, and enjoy life. I focus on healthy choices first since I have to give my body proper nutrition. I do not deprive myself of anything. I just give my body nutrients first. I have sweets and alcohol in moderation.

[Gru]

Thank you for the welcome and for letting me know what to look forward to. It definitely helps.

Tom