Bobby46

I asked the question when I had my first NUT appointment. I was told 80% of the wls patients will gain "some" weight back. About 20lbs. He said he sees about 50 patients a week and probably sees about 4 a year who put a significant amount of weight back on.....and its always because they choose to eat foods they know full well are not on their new diet plan. You will eventually be able to eat normal foods...just less of it. So you can choose to eat candy and icecream or you can eat healthy foods. Weight gain after surgery is choice of food, not failure of the procedure. And, if you read something about insurance companies saying that wls doesn't work or is a failure, keep in mind that most insurance companies consider a 20lb gain a wls "failure". Really? A failure? In my opinion, that is insane. A severely obese patient.....say 300lbs, who reaches goal weight of 150lbs, then 2 yrs later puts 20lbs back on... how in the world is that a failure?! I guarantee you that once 300lb person would be a happy little camper to be 170lbs when its all said and done! Honestly....do not dwell on the comment/opinion of one person even if its from a doctor or nutritionist. Do your own research. Read the studies and form your own opinion. No one on this site has a doctor or nutritionist who is all knowing.
I absolutely mean all of this in the kindest way possible....typing seems to come across so harsh. I just hope that you, and anyone else on the fence, doesn't take this "failure" talk as an excuse to back out of something that can be a kick start to an amazing change in their lives.

I asked the question when I had my first NUT appointment. I was told 80% of the wls patients will gain "some" weight back. About 20lbs. He said he sees about 50 patients a week and probably sees about 4 a year who put a significant amount of weight back on.....and its always because they choose to eat foods they know full well are not on their new diet plan. You will eventually be able to eat normal foods...just less of it. So you can choose to eat candy and icecream or you can eat healthy foods. Weight gain after surgery is choice of food, not failure of the procedure. And, if you read something about insurance companies saying that wls doesn't work or is a failure, keep in mind that most insurance companies consider a 20lb gain a wls "failure". Really? A failure? In my opinion, that is insane. A severely obese patient.....say 300lbs, who reaches goal weight of 150lbs, then 2 yrs later puts 20lbs back on... how in the world is that a failure?! I guarantee you that once 300lb person would be a happy little camper to be 170lbs when its all said and done! Honestly....do not dwell on the comment/opinion of one person even if its from a doctor or nutritionist. Do your own research. Read the studies and form your own opinion. No one on this site has a doctor or nutritionist who is all knowing.
I absolutely mean all of this in the kindest way possible....typing seems to come across so harsh. I just hope that you, and anyone else on the fence, doesn't take this "failure" talk as an excuse to back out of something that can be a kick start to an amazing change in their lives.

I asked the question when I had my first NUT appointment. I was told 80% of the wls patients will gain "some" weight back. About 20lbs. He said he sees about 50 patients a week and probably sees about 4 a year who put a significant amount of weight back on.....and its always because they choose to eat foods they know full well are not on their new diet plan. You will eventually be able to eat normal foods...just less of it. So you can choose to eat candy and icecream or you can eat healthy foods. Weight gain after surgery is choice of food, not failure of the procedure. And, if you read something about insurance companies saying that wls doesn't work or is a failure, keep in mind that most insurance companies consider a 20lb gain a wls "failure". Really? A failure? In my opinion, that is insane. A severely obese patient.....say 300lbs, who reaches goal weight of 150lbs, then 2 yrs later puts 20lbs back on... how in the world is that a failure?! I guarantee you that once 300lb person would be a happy little camper to be 170lbs when its all said and done! Honestly....do not dwell on the comment/opinion of one person even if its from a doctor or nutritionist. Do your own research. Read the studies and form your own opinion. No one on this site has a doctor or nutritionist who is all knowing.
I absolutely mean all of this in the kindest way possible....typing seems to come across so harsh. I just hope that you, and anyone else on the fence, doesn't take this "failure" talk as an excuse to back out of something that can be a kick start to an amazing change in their lives.

Ditto, I am scared and excited. I am more afraid of the actual surgery itself than anything else. I want to be around for my 7 year old daughter. I no longer want to be the fat mom. I flip and flop daily. I think it is the unknown that gets to us.

I feel the same way. It's big decision for us.
Best wishes

Go for it. You will never regret it. I had mine done March 10th. I'm already feeling like a million bucks. I have so much energy. I go places now. I am not just watching the world go by. The main thing is to do it for you! You deserve good health and happiness.
Happy Losing,
Mississippi Girl

I haven't even been approved yet....but, because my paperwork was sent in to insurance last week my brain doesn't shut up. Constantly thinking and questioning....am I doing the right thing? I'm 46, why now? I want this, I don't want this. I'm scared, I'm excited. I am so anxious I can hardly sleep. What if it doesn't work. Am I actually starving myself with this surgery. What am I going to do with myself as a thin person? I have no idea. And then....I cant wait to be thin! I cant wait to buy new clothes and be comfortable in them. I cant wait to mow the lawn and not feel like collapsing afterward. Or walk the dog and need a nap. Then back to....is this the right thing for me? Does anyone else play this game with themselves? Were you 100% positive from the moment you made up your mind to do it or did you flip flop too? Because, every time I question myself about whether I'm sure or not, I always say Yes!! Just wondering if I'm alone with this train of thought?

Thank you all. Its nice to know youre not alone even in the "thinking/waiting" stage. I had anxiety attacks for 3 nights. I think I crossed that bridge. But it was a rough one! Hopefully it wont return when I hear back from insurance! I'm a mess lol

My paperwork was submitted today. I have Anthem BC/BS. I was told by my case organizer that they approve pretty quickly. Crossing my fingers. But, I'm trying my best not to think about it every single minute of the day. Very nervous and scared, but excited! Trying not to get my hopes up because I keep hearing stories about the insurance company coming back wanting more info or something. So, I guess I will just have to wait.

My paperwork was submitted today. I have Anthem BC/BS. I was told by my case organizer that they approve pretty quickly. Crossing my fingers. But, I'm trying my best not to think about it every single minute of the day. Very nervous and scared, but excited! Trying not to get my hopes up because I keep hearing stories about the insurance company coming back wanting more info or something. So, I guess I will just have to wait.

I have a 23 yr old niece who is a dietician and a certified personal trainer. Her opinion is that everyone is lazy and has no self control and it disgusts her. Young and ignorant. She has voiced her opinion many many times....indirectly, she knows better than to comment to my face. I love her dearly but she is the last person I will tell until it is long over. I really don't care what anyone has to say otherwise. I have been dealing with ignorant people my whole life. I gave up letting them control the way I feel about myself a long time ago. (I'm not a Saint....it pisses me off! But I let it go) I really just want to have the surgery and get on with my life.....A better happier, healthier more active more engaged life. But I hope that my niece....and every other smartass will see in the end that surgery is the absolute best decision for a lot of people. That life isn't black and white. And we can achieve the same goals by traveling a different road.

Hi. I haven't had surgery yet. They are suppose to be getting the paperwork together to submit to insurance. Just waiting. I am terrified of losing more hair. About a year ago I lost a lot of hair when my thyroid went out of wack. Tons of hair on the bathroom floor, in the drain, in my hands, on my clothes....frightening. It stopped falling out about 7 mths ago but is noticeably thin to me. Its also starting to grow little fine hairs now. I had super thick hair....couldn't see my scalp when I parted it.....now you can see my scalp, some what, and it scares the holy mess out of me. Having surgery and the thought of losing more of my hair because of it almost made me stop the process. But....after surviving the thyroid issue and hairloss, I know that my hair will grow back. A month ago I started using Nioxin hoping to get a jump start on the hairloss. Honestly, I noticed a difference the 2nd time I used it !! I get less hair in the drain now.....even though my Hair loss already stopped....I don't notice hair on my clothes and when I put gel in my hair there are only a couple strands on my hands. It gives my hair a little body too...which helps disguise the scalp where I part my hair. I have also been taking 5000mg of Biotin a day and I take B12 under my tongue 2xs a day. I also make sure I get Protein with every meal now too. I am going to do anything and everything I can to avoid the hairloss. But, If its going to happen, regardless of what I do, I know that it will grow back and life will go on. Its a small...all be it, scary....price to pay to drop this weight once and for all!

Hello Fred. Have you ever thought about joining Weight Watchers? It is a weekly support group (you can go to more if you would like) and they weigh you every week. They help you stay in check. My nutritionist said that the people he councils who have joined Weight Watchers after WLS have been the ones who have stayed on top of the weightloss. Its a great plan. Easy to follow....they encourage Protein, veggies and fruit as your first go to and then you can work in your favorites without guilt. I lost 70lbs on Weight Watchers several years ago. I gained the weight back when I thought I had it under control. I now know that the support is what I need. I am having the surgery...hopefully soon....and then joining Weight Watchers when I'm seeing goal in then near future. I have lost and gained weight on every diet known to mankind.....honestly, Weight Watchers is the only smart approach. Surgery will be the tool to take it off and Weight Watchers together with the surgery, will be the tool to keep it off for me. It may not be for everyone but its my plan.

Very good. Thanks for asking. I saw Dr. Needleman at OSU yesterday. Wonderful guy. He drew pic and explained meds. I will be having surgery June 16. At 7 am. Preop diet starts June 2

I have a 23 yr old niece who is a dietician and a certified personal trainer. Her opinion is that everyone is lazy and has no self control and it disgusts her. Young and ignorant. She has voiced her opinion many many times....indirectly, she knows better than to comment to my face. I love her dearly but she is the last person I will tell until it is long over. I really don't care what anyone has to say otherwise. I have been dealing with ignorant people my whole life. I gave up letting them control the way I feel about myself a long time ago. (I'm not a Saint....it pisses me off! But I let it go) I really just want to have the surgery and get on with my life.....A better happier, healthier more active more engaged life. But I hope that my niece....and every other smartass will see in the end that surgery is the absolute best decision for a lot of people. That life isn't black and white. And we can achieve the same goals by traveling a different road.

I have a 23 yr old niece who is a dietician and a certified personal trainer. Her opinion is that everyone is lazy and has no self control and it disgusts her. Young and ignorant. She has voiced her opinion many many times....indirectly, she knows better than to comment to my face. I love her dearly but she is the last person I will tell until it is long over. I really don't care what anyone has to say otherwise. I have been dealing with ignorant people my whole life. I gave up letting them control the way I feel about myself a long time ago. (I'm not a Saint....it pisses me off! But I let it go) I really just want to have the surgery and get on with my life.....A better happier, healthier more active more engaged life. But I hope that my niece....and every other smartass will see in the end that surgery is the absolute best decision for a lot of people. That life isn't black and white. And we can achieve the same goals by traveling a different road.

I have a 23 yr old niece who is a dietician and a certified personal trainer. Her opinion is that everyone is lazy and has no self control and it disgusts her. Young and ignorant. She has voiced her opinion many many times....indirectly, she knows better than to comment to my face. I love her dearly but she is the last person I will tell until it is long over. I really don't care what anyone has to say otherwise. I have been dealing with ignorant people my whole life. I gave up letting them control the way I feel about myself a long time ago. (I'm not a Saint....it pisses me off! But I let it go) I really just want to have the surgery and get on with my life.....A better happier, healthier more active more engaged life. But I hope that my niece....and every other smartass will see in the end that surgery is the absolute best decision for a lot of people. That life isn't black and white. And we can achieve the same goals by traveling a different road.

I have a 23 yr old niece who is a dietician and a certified personal trainer. Her opinion is that everyone is lazy and has no self control and it disgusts her. Young and ignorant. She has voiced her opinion many many times....indirectly, she knows better than to comment to my face. I love her dearly but she is the last person I will tell until it is long over. I really don't care what anyone has to say otherwise. I have been dealing with ignorant people my whole life. I gave up letting them control the way I feel about myself a long time ago. (I'm not a Saint....it pisses me off! But I let it go) I really just want to have the surgery and get on with my life.....A better happier, healthier more active more engaged life. But I hope that my niece....and every other smartass will see in the end that surgery is the absolute best decision for a lot of people. That life isn't black and white. And we can achieve the same goals by traveling a different road.

I have a 23 yr old niece who is a dietician and a certified personal trainer. Her opinion is that everyone is lazy and has no self control and it disgusts her. Young and ignorant. She has voiced her opinion many many times....indirectly, she knows better than to comment to my face. I love her dearly but she is the last person I will tell until it is long over. I really don't care what anyone has to say otherwise. I have been dealing with ignorant people my whole life. I gave up letting them control the way I feel about myself a long time ago. (I'm not a Saint....it pisses me off! But I let it go) I really just want to have the surgery and get on with my life.....A better happier, healthier more active more engaged life. But I hope that my niece....and every other smartass will see in the end that surgery is the absolute best decision for a lot of people. That life isn't black and white. And we can achieve the same goals by traveling a different road.

If you are like me, then you will understand what I mean when I say that I have been hiding for many years and that I have a deep-seated fear of "being seen." I have been carefully nuturing my very private, unknowable identity for a long time. You won't find photos of me out there, you won't find strong opinions or frequent posts on Facebook, you won't be able to Google search me with any success, you won't find people in my life outside of my husband and children who know things about me--including that I've had WLS. I protect my name, location, my face, my body and my deep self in this way. Even my presence here on this site is secret in that I am just my words and nothing more.
The question is, which came first - does the fear cause the weight or does the weight cause the fear?
Some may think that the fear of "being seen and known" would cause one to physically shrink, but in our society it is the overweight that become truly invisible. This is one of the payoffs of being heavy. Anytime I have lost weight in the past, the comments, compliments and questions from others as I lose has been unbearable and undoubtedly one of the (several) complicated triggers that has caused regain.
Enter WLS. I am losing weight. I am fully committed - physically and emotionally. People are starting to notice. I am feeling uncomfortable feelings. I am awakening. I do not have food as my comforter, that which dulls the senses and self-medicates against too much reality. That which stuffs down feelings and dreams and ambitions.
Awakening means dealing with these dreams and ambitions. Becoming smaller means being noticed, being judged. It's amazing how many people are more comfortable and satisfied with us while we are fat. We are non-threatening, just a nearly invisible enormous person: just how they like us.
Do I have a magic solution to this challenge of identity and weight? Nothing particularly tidy.
Except this time, I have my own strong will. I have a different approach to self talk. I am determined to be so brave. I am committed to feel and not be afraid. I am going to allow myself to be judged (could we really stop it anyway??) and realize that it will not kill me. I will still wake up the next morning and be myself with my own life and my own needs and my own goals.
I will awaken.

Hello Gettinsmall. I too am new to all of this. I had my psych, med and nutrition eval and will start a 4 class pre/post op nutrition course next week. I also have an endoscopy scheduled for the 25th. After the classes are done then they review and submit to my insurance. I should be able to have surgery in June. I am really scared of the complications too.....very nervous. I am a single mother of an awesome 12yr old boy. Its just the 2 of us. I need and want this to go well. I've missed out on a lot of things with him because of my weight.....used as an excuse to not get too much involved. I don't want to miss out on anymore. He's my motivation. Good luck...I wish us both great success!

I have Anthem too. I had no requirements. My first appointment was in January and I was sleeved march 31. Probably would have been sooner but the weather caused some appointments to be rescheduled.