Comfy_Blue

I haven't had the procedure yet, but I'd still like to add my two-cents as to what has been resonating in my mind as I am deciding whether or not to go through with WLS. Having any kind surgery is a risk and pretty scary BUT my chances of losing weight and having a healthier life are so much high, whereas if I continue on the path I am at not (alternating between shoveling food down my throat and yo-yo dieting) than the chances are even higher that I'll continue to develop health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, blowing out my knees, joint pain, etc. To me that's so much scarier than WLS IYou'll have to decide for yourself of course, but to me, i feel like WLS is worth a shot, versus if I stay where I'm at and allow my body to continue to turn against me and become my executioner.

I'm still an extreme noob to all this...not having my first consultation until the beginning of November, so if you don't mind my asking, why is it hard to get your fluids in immediately after surgery? Does your stomach hurt? Is your throat sore? Are you just not hungry?

Thank you so much everyone for reaching out to me. I really appreciate the support and it's only my second post! Please, if you have any advice, want to share experiences, etc, reach out to me via the forums or pm. @TooMuchFun: I live in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) area, so out of state for us is only a 10 - 20 minute drive depending on the area. I am considering having it done in VA because in MD, my friend (who had the band 2 years ago) said you have a 1 year waiting period, whereas in VA if you're eligible you can jump right in after a psych evaluation and other prepatory mesasures. @Karen: Sounds like we're kindred spirits in that department! What I wouldn't give to go back in time and shake myself and say"You're not fat! You're not even a little hefty! Love yourself!" @Alligator: I am going to private message you, but THANK YOU THANK YOU for the bit you posted. That actually makes me feel a lot better and I think I will try to start making changes now (well once I am approved for an operation) to help me get into the groove of things. @Hazel and Bandist: I'm glad to hear that I am not alone in using food as a coping mechanism and it makes me feel better to hear that this procedure can help a food addict looking for recovery.

Howdy, My name's Blue and I've always felt fat even when I was skinny. Back in high school, I weighed 140lbs (I'm 5'7), but I thought I was fat because my two best friends at the time were teeny, tiny. One wore a size 00 (Extra, Extra Small) and the other a 0 (X-Small), whereas I thought I looked like a beached whale in my size 8/10. In addition to self esteem issues, I suffered from untreated OCD most of my life which contributed to my 100lbs weight gain over the last decade. I know the LB is not a magical cure and the hardest part is going to be retraining my brain not to reach for food as a comfort (and not to replace food with another vice like excessive drinking, gambling, shopping, etc). I am fearful of choosing the wrong doctor and the incision getting infected and/or having some weird complication that threatens my life or possibly kills me. HOWEVER, if I continue on the path I am now, then my own body will be my executitioner. Right now, I am in the planning phases. I've been researching online for a LB surgeon in my area so I can get in initial consultation. One of my friends had the procedure done in another state, so I'm thinking about asking who did hers. A little non weight stuff about me - I'm 29 years old, a classroom teacher, and the wife of an amazing man. I'm kind of artsy-fartsy and though I can't draw very well, I appreciate art and enjoy seeing it in books, museums and exihibits. I'm always reading and want to publish a novel someday soon. I listen to a varity of music (rock and roll, alternative, punk, classical, New Age, pop, etc). I watch more t.v. than I should, am a Christian who believes heavily in karma and good vibes and I like going to the movies, dinner, road trips and shopping.