Zane's Mom

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

Forget the hypothetical, here is my situation.
I’m 43, and 5’5” and my highest weight was 190, which was my pre-op diet weight in June 2014.
I was thin as a child, and my weight has gone up and down, and up and down, since my 20’s.
I have ACA insurance, so coverage was not available no matter how much weight was involved or which procedure.
I decided the weight was just getting higher and higher and my doctor said my cholesterol and triglycerides were too high. I have dieted every type of diet, some with great success for a while and other not. I went to a group that advertised Lap Band locally.
I was told that if I had a hiatal hernia that insurance would pay for some, and I would have to pay out of pocket for the rest. I told them that I probably didn’t have a hernia, because I did not have reflux, pain, or anything like that.
I left doing more research and I chose another doctor to go see for the Band. I met with the surgeon on the first visit and I told him I wanted the band. I started my process and began meeting with the nutritionist, having the psych exam, etc.
I was told the same thing about the hernia and I was scheduled for the EDG one week before surgery. I was given two out of pocket costs depending on the outcome.
In the meantime I went to my OB, PCP, and Psychiatrist. All three were 100% on board. My psychiatrist was concerned that with the band, the size of the stomach opening was altered to smaller than a pencil width. I take three medications daily for MDD and she wanted to make sure I could continue to take my meds. She asked why I did not consider sleeve because the opening was not changed, and I told her that I thought I was only a candidate for Band. She said she had another patient about my size that did sleeve very successfully.
So, I went home and really did some research a comparing band to sleeve. I was also concerned about the band slip and erosion, and possible additional surgery for a revision.
I called the surgeon’s office and asked them to talk with the doctor and see if I could have the sleeve instead of the band. I told them my concern about the medication and band failure. They called back and said I could switch to sleeve.
I did the EDG and when I woke up they showed me images of the procedure and said: You do have a hernia and quite a few ulcers on your stomach. Many of those will be removed during the sleeve procedure, and the rest should heal with the PCP. I was shocked. I had no idea and no symptoms.
One week later, and about 2 months into the entire process, I was sleeved. Was this my last resort, no. I could have tried dieting and failing again and again until I gained more and more weight.
This was my decision, and I made it after doing enough research to make an informed, educated, and more importantly, right decision for myself and my body.
Believe me, if you read my other posts, you will know that there were so many other reasons for my decision. I wanted to leave those out of here though.
If blanket statements are going to be made, then go ahead, judge me. I’m the exact subject of this post, but I stand behind my decision, and my surgeon, and everything about the sleeve. I am willing to be anyone’s friend in this journey, no matter where either of us started. It’s the common goal we all should share.

And once again, your comment above reveals that you are opposed to "quick fixes" and how people don't deserve access to WLS if they've "never dieted a day in their lives" and that you're "steamed" because WLS is only deserved by people who "used it as a last resort."
You are entitled to your perspective and opinions. But, once again, I don't share your perspective OR your opinions.
For one thing, I don't think that only those who have suffered as much or more than you (or me) should be allowed to have a medical procedure that can dramatically improve their life's trajectory.
And when you consider that many overweight and obese people who are not morbidly obese and aren't as old as me (69) haven't yet developed any comorbidities (although some of them have), it should be clear that those folks have much lower risks for surgical and post-surgical complications. So there's another potential objection laid to rest.
And even if you really do know "many" people who didn't meet your standards for WLS who regained their weight, then they're simply among the 50% of all WLS patients who regain their weight. Hopefully, you and I and those I've gotten to know on these boards who didn't meet your standards for WLS will be in the other 50%.
I doubt you will change your mind about any of this. But I do thank you for the thread, because it's given me a chance to examine more deeply what I think about WLS and its validity as a medical procedure and as a deeply personal choice.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

Momma_d, I think you just don't get it. Look at most of the success stories. Look at the ideal weight and height charts. Aren't most women shooting for about 135 to 145 as "normal" and most of all obtainable with the sleeve. If you have someone who cannot successfully lose weight for whatever reason, then why is surgery not an option. A medically proven procedure with long term results.
I think the decision is very personal. Do you look at obese people and say "I found something that changed my life, so I recommend it to you because you deserve to not be obese." But you say to an overweight person, "you just aren't trying hard enough".
Are you kidding me? At 6 months out I look at society as a whole and think how sad that food rules and ruins so many lives. I think, why doesn't everyone who needs this surgery get it. It's so life changing. Doesn't everyone deserve to be as healthy as they can both mentally and physically. I think this shouldn't be so hard to get through insurance and I say the people who have gone outside the U.S. Did not do so carelessly. They made a major decision that effects the rest of their life.
I personally commend all who consider, commit and continue in this journey that happens to include a WLS tool. No matter where you started . . . Getting to a healthy you is a win every time.

What do I think of the doctors who are doing this? I think they are in a heck of a lot better position to judge their patients needs than you are. I think as fat people we get judged enough for being fat and we darn sure don't need to be judged by you for not being fat enough.

I was one of those people who lost a significant amount of weight pre-surgery. I would have wanted to blast anyone who questioned my right to pursue WLS at my new weight. I would not like to be judged by anyone who does not have all of the facts.

I lost 40 lbs before surgery and the intake nurse at the hospital actually tried to talk me out of having the surgery saying I didn't have that much to lose. I literally wanted to hit her. She had no idea of what I had already gone through in my life of weight loss struggles. I had 70 more pounds to lose and wanted it to stay off forever. I was approved for surgery by the surgeon and by my provincial health care plan, so really it was no ones business but my own. And that's exactly what I told the nosy nurse in January of 2014.
I am now 11 months post op and am at 145lbs. 5 lbs from my goal. I wear size 5/6 jeans and can share clothes with my 16yo daughter. As opposed to the size 24 pants I wore previously.
So really, just because we are lightweights, doesn't mean we don't matter or that we don't "deserve" surgery. We have our own struggles and weight related health problems. ( we also have feelings too)

Ugh...Okay....how do you know someone else's Before, During and After WLS journey? There are some of us on here and I'm sure on other boards who chose to change their lifestyle BEFORE weight loss surgery.
I had to attend a seminar and 3 nutrition meetings with a nutritionist. I learned all kinds of facts and tidbits about being obese that stuck with me. So much so that I made a deal with myself....If I could make some changes now...I could get this surgery. I had my surgery on 12/16/14 after losing 50+ lbs on my own....at a bmi of 32.
So I guess I'm one of those "people" who took advantage of WLS. H*** yes, sure did. You are not aware of my struggle with obesity since I was a kid. You are not aware of any part of my journey. But I am. i will lose the 42 lbs I have to reach goal and I will not gain it back.
Guess I need to remind some...Weight Loss Surgery is a TOOL. And please remember....Everyone is on their own journey...RESPECT them by giving the benefit of doubt.

Fifty pounds is not a lot of weight to lose when compared to 150 lbs, but it's still a lot. If I had known when I was only 50 lbs overweight that I needed intervention because I could not lose weight AND maintain it, the choice of WLS would have spared my body a lot of damage. Internal damage to my heart, arteries, and kidneys; external to my joints that are forced to carry around a massive amount of excess weight; and emotional damage to my mind.
I think some people are just wiser and nip it in the bud. Others like me, fight a good fight and still go down swinging in full denial thinking maybe just one more diet will work. And yes, there are probably a handful of folks who have other motives but that type of mentality probably permeates many other areas of their lives as well.

im doing great. 6 months down 45 pounds to 145. Really slow loss past two months but I feel and look great.

I hope you guys are right because right now I can't tell I even had surgery. I'm trying to stay positive and I know that I'm lucky I haven't felt any type of pain but my mind is running wild thinking "oh the doctor just took my money and didn't do the surgery." But everyone was so nice at the hospital and why would anyone do that?? I hate to think like this but I honestly can't tell that I had surgery. And I definitely DONT want to feel any type of pain but I need some type of proof that I will have restrictions ????

im doing great. 6 months down 45 pounds to 145. Really slow loss past two months but I feel and look great.

Hello fellow sleevers. I was 190 June 10 when I started my pre-op diet. Sleeved 6/17 and today I'm at 149. That's 41 pounds in 4 months. I'm thrilled with the results so far.
I have had a pretty easy time with little pain and no real complications. I just read and post to figure out how to work past some of the quirks that go along with the sleeve.
My dr said that since I'm so close to goal, 10 to 15 pounds, the weight loss will be slower from here on out.
I have stalled twice for weeks. My hair is also coming out more than before, but I've been reassured by all the members here, so I just take it in stride.
As for getting to old habits, I either pass on a "treat" or I have just a small bite.
I'm so restricted, I prefer a great meal as opposed to Snacks.
I'm always glad to know others are out there like me, and I'm happy to answer any questions about my journey.
Best to us all ...

I started with a BMI of 33. Have gained and re-gained the same 50 lbs for 20 years. I'm 35 pounds down. Goal is to lose 60 lbs. Weight loss has been a little slow. I had a one month stall that finally broke. Amping up my exercising.
I was self pay. From first appt it took 2 weeks to get surgery. Cost was about $10k w/ Doctor and Hospital and all labs and includes lifetime follow-up.
I have told only a few people and feel great!