Pre-OpLoser619

It was a yes or no question' date=' so my answer was no. I did not read it to say to refrain from answering if you have had a good experience. At least that's how I read it. I do not think my positive response invalidates anyone's bad experiences. At least I did not mean to come across that way.[/quote']

Hey dooter... I thought your answer was straight and to the point... Others made it sound like the op did something wrong or something and that just kinda got under my skin.

Well most answers are responses to what we were told and weren't told by the Drs. and how things were glossed over. Most so far' date=' who are decent people and wish Mews wasn't suffering are just saying they were told what could happen, didn't feel hoodwinked and even with complications are okay. That doesn't mean her pain isn't valid or that she isn't supported.[/quote']

I wasn't really referring to those that said their experience and offered condolences... More the ones that were making it sound like she must have not followed dr's orders or that she just wasn't really ready for the commitment it takes.

Also she didn't ask for people to be all, nope I did fine... She asked if there were things people wished they'd known prior to surgery. That's what this thread should be about! The rest of the forum is filled with success stories and I don't think the negative side gets truly represented enough on this site. Even people who had major complications and months of suffering are so disillusioned that they are like oh well this is the best thing ever... I'm sorry, but if I'd gone through what some people have I would not be painting such a pretty picture of it. I'm super excited for those that do have great successes, but lets also remember there are those that don't and they should also be able to feel validated here as well.

I sorry for all that is happening to you....however I do find that we as individuals do not take the time to manage our own health and welfare. We depend on the Dr.'s' date=' and as much as we hate to admit this, they are human. Just like any sales man, their livelyhood depends on the number of surgerys perform. We as responsible adults must take the position of understanding their own health. This means research, speaking with other medical personell, double checking credentials and using all amenities available to you. We can not lay blame on what we have control of....I wish you luck and better recovery and I hope you find true happiness in the decision you have made for yourself.[/quote']

I don't agree with that at all, dr's should be nothing like sales men, they hold people's lives in their hands and shouldn't be hearding people through like cattle! I do agree that we do have to take responsibility for our health to, but dr's get paid the big bucks and go through all that schooling so we can trust in them. From what the op said, she did check him out and they didn't live up to expectations or what they even said they'd do. Not every surgery will be a happily every after... Thats the only thing that gets on my nerves about this site is that if people come on here, like this lady, it's like people try to make it sound like it must have been something they did... Not the case here I don't think. I'm sorry for your experience, op, and I wish these kinda things didn't happen but they do. You even stated you weren't trying to discourage anyone from it who really needs it or wants it. I think there are people who do really need this surgery to save their life, but I think that for every one of them there are about 5 that see it as an easy way/fast way to achieve weight loss.

Congrats! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

Thanks everyone! Your words comforted me and made me relax a little and realize I still have time to think about it and think about the long term results and not just how easy and comfortable it is right now. I'm definitely gonna make some lists about my habits etc when I'm stressed etc and see if I can figure out if I can overcome those things without turning to foods. Normally, with me, I would stay with a diet for maybe a month and then have a bad day or week, lol...and then say forget it. I would struggle every single day to stick with it. Now, though, I don't find myself struggling with the diet at all, I'm exercising for the first time in a long time and not feeling like it's torturous... Idk... You all gave me alot to think about, so thanks!

I came to this forum so sure the sleeve was THE answer for me... I'm in my second month of three till my paperwork will be submitted to insurance for approval... However... As I have gone through these last two months of starting my fitness pal, talking to everyone (you all, docs, nuts, etc.), maintaining a 12-1300 calorie diet, starting to walk on the treadmill for 30 mins each day, losing 20+ lbs on my own with no real struggle I have begun to think maybe I can do this on my own without surgery... Then I waiver as I fear failure once again... I'm so tired of bouncing back and forth! I'm looking for some kind of sign, lol, of what to do...

Good luck! I'm sure things will be fine. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers!

All of your stories are heartbreaking and yet so inspiring at the same time. I have mentioned on this forum several times, that heavy people are some of the strongest, bravest people I have ever met not only because of the prejudices and cruelty we face each day as heavy people but because I am all too aware of the trauma that many of us have gone through that helped form our poisonous relationship with food. I too suffered through horrible things as a child and I suppose throughout my life so far. For a long time those things drove me to be a perfectionist and over achiever, except where food was concerned. Food was my friend, it reminded me of some of the best times in my life vs the ugly that was rattling around in my head. I was sad, I ate. I was happy, I ate. I was mad, I ate. I was stressed, I ate. See the common theme there. It wasn't until my miracle was born almost 5 years ago that I really began to examine myself, my thoughts, everything. It took me almost 5 years and a couple of scary close calls in the er to really shake me and wake me up that if I didn't change, really change, I wouldn't be around to see my daughter grow up or grow old with my husband. I had gotten pcos, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and most recently fibromyalgia and autoimmune issues yet all of this and all the meds didn't wake me up to what I was doing... Slowly killing myself. It was the accumulation of all these things and also the grace of God that finally made me see things clearly for the first time in 37 years. Whether I end up having this surgery or not... I know things will be different this time and I will get to my goal either way! Thanks for letting me share my story!

Woohoo! You are doing awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!

I agree with everything chickadee said! You CAN do this!

I've heard people say they asked their surgeon for a video of their surgery...

Congrats... You look amazing and this is so inspiring. Helps me keep in mind why I'm doing this!

Yeah...go back in, edit and just type delete or something

Awesome! Keep going... It'll get easier as you go.

Congrats! Way to go... And yes He is!

That sucks! I have alot of health issues and have come to realize that these days you pretty much have to be your own advocate or things don't get done. Annoying I know!

Is your doc just against the surgery all together? At least you have another option.

Thats great! I can't wait to do that too. I have so many smaller size (only a couple of sizes smaller, cuz I've always been bigger) clothes I can't wait to wear again. Congrats!

Yes definitely need good carbs too! None of this processed stuff though... Sugars, hfcs, etc. you can get plenty of carbs with nice healthy veggies! Everything, imo, is about balance. I don't think it's healthy to ever exclude something completely unless you are allergic or something.

Yes we need fats! Fat doesn't make you fat. Our brains are 2/3 fat. Granted it's a different fat than what is on our abdomin. So yes in moderation enjoy full fat dressings, butter, etc.

Hi there... I have ibs and lots of the other stuff you mentioned. Although my ibs is not as severe as yours. I don't think it will stop you from having surgery though. I'm fairly sure you will still be able to do this despite your food issues. Most people end up unable to tolerate dairy and some of the other things you can't have till further out anyways and most people eat Protein first and don't have room for a lot else... I think you'll do fine!

What about adding some Protein Powder to your oatmeal to bring that up and counteract the carbs... Just a thought.

Not sure what the medical review is but good luck anyways!

Keep pushing through! You can do this!