ismini9

Other than back pain and loss of energy, i also had knee pains. I have tried every diet there is and always ended up gaining weight as I could not control what I ate. I was quite afraid of the surgery, as I would be for any surgery - and this is a major one, believe me - but I went ahead and did it. I did it on the 1st of July, have already lost 5 kilos and I am very excited for my future. For me, being a person who cannot control herself with food, the only way out of it was ending the hunger. I have not eaten since the 30th of June and I am not hungry!

In the last two years I gained 20 kilos and I am just going up. My BMI is around 40 today and I too was afraid of it increasing. I am not sure however if you can have the operation with a BMI below 40.

Furthermore, my age (32) was an important factor in my decision making. The body will recover after the surgery and readjust to the loss weight much easier. It will also give me chances for a healthier life.

Finally, regarding keeping it a secret from anyone but your family, I think you could also tell your close friends. You will need their support. I too feared about being judged but I am opening up to more people every day and it feels good. I have received no judgement, but rather supporting comments. Also, you should not be ashamed of this - it happens more and more every day. You should be proud for fighting obesity in any way you can.

One last comment: Get references for the doctor you choose - it is a very delicate procedure!

To answer some of your questions:
Is working the sleeve just like being on another diet? No - when sleeved: (1) you do not feel hunger as you do when on a diet (you may feel hunger after 3-4 hours have passed since your last meal, but then you eat again), (2) small quantities of food are more than satisfactory, (3) as time passes you will realize that you do not need the same foods as previously to be satisfied - basically you will be eating lighter food because it will be easier for your stomach to digest and taste will not be that important to you any more... You will be eating just because you have to... And, mind you, having small meals every 3-4 hours is the best thing for your body as it will constantly be burning fat - will lead to a healthier life.

Do you always still have to have tremendous will power? No. You will not have any other choice than to eat small (healthy) portions. Even if you do have to have tremendous will power in the beginning, it will get better as time passes - remember, your body's needs will change. I admit, i have cravings some time, which I always satisfy, for example i went and got myself a double cheesburger from McDonalds, however i was only able to eat a very small portion of the burger as the sleeve couldn't handle it. It is not healthy enought for smooth digestion. Now, I don't even crave it any more. I now crave foods which will not mess up my digestive system...

This might sound rediculous but I hear some say they are craving foods and are some really hungry and others full, are you ever hungry and full at the same time? What does that feel like? Never

What you have to keep in mind is that being sleeved is a life-changing decision. It will be difficult at first to get used to a new lifestyle, but it will become easier as time passes.

Hope my reply helped you a bit.

To answer some of your questions:
Is working the sleeve just like being on another diet? No - when sleeved: (1) you do not feel hunger as you do when on a diet (you may feel hunger after 3-4 hours have passed since your last meal, but then you eat again), (2) small quantities of food are more than satisfactory, (3) as time passes you will realize that you do not need the same foods as previously to be satisfied - basically you will be eating lighter food because it will be easier for your stomach to digest and taste will not be that important to you any more... You will be eating just because you have to... And, mind you, having small meals every 3-4 hours is the best thing for your body as it will constantly be burning fat - will lead to a healthier life.

Do you always still have to have tremendous will power? No. You will not have any other choice than to eat small (healthy) portions. Even if you do have to have tremendous will power in the beginning, it will get better as time passes - remember, your body's needs will change. I admit, i have cravings some time, which I always satisfy, for example i went and got myself a double cheesburger from McDonalds, however i was only able to eat a very small portion of the burger as the sleeve couldn't handle it. It is not healthy enought for smooth digestion. Now, I don't even crave it any more. I now crave foods which will not mess up my digestive system...

This might sound rediculous but I hear some say they are craving foods and are some really hungry and others full, are you ever hungry and full at the same time? What does that feel like? Never

What you have to keep in mind is that being sleeved is a life-changing decision. It will be difficult at first to get used to a new lifestyle, but it will become easier as time passes.

Hope my reply helped you a bit.