1NaturalLoser

I love this forum and I really appreciate everyone's candor. My choice to have RNY became even easier after eliminating the Lapband as a possibility. I was fortunate enough to observe a coworker's weight loss after her Lapband procedure and I just wasn't impressed. A few months after her surgery she told me that she'd lost a total of 40 pounds. She slimmed down a lot and looked great but when we returned to work after summer break, it looked as though she'd gained the weight back...and then some. VSG never really was an option because I was told from the start that my insurance policy doesn't cover it. I've done so much research on RNY and as nervous as I am to undergo such an invasive surgery, I'm even more nervous about living the rest of my life at such an unhealthy weight. I'd always rejected WLS as an option because I wanted to be able to say I lost the weight on my own. The truth is that I've tried so many ways for so many years to lose the weight. I'd lose a few pounds and gain a whole lot more. I've finally come to terms with the fact that if I could lose it on my own, I would have done so long ago. My surgery is scheduled for November 24 and my excitement to start my new healthier life almost completely outweighs my fears. Again, thanks to all of you who share your experiences and I wish you all the best on your journeys.

Fearing the unknown is quite normal. My surgery is 11/24 and I'm nervous but my excitement is greater than that nervousness. I know that this is going to be one of the best decisions of my life. For so long I've wanted to live a healthier lifestyle for myself and my young children. If I continue living in the skin I'm in, I won't be living life to the fullest. My lack of energy is slowly taking a toll on my household and I've run out of excuses as to why I never want to do anything. My family deserves more and so do I. Congrats on your surgery date and good luck on your journey!!

November 24th!

I started this process in December 2013. I completed my required 6-month diet program (really 7-months, whew) and was scheduled to have surgery on 9/22. As much as I wanted to have the surgery on that date, I reluctantly rescheduled to 11/24 since it's undoubtedly a better time for me and my family because I will already be off from work during that week. I've waited so long to have this surgery; what's a few more weeks gonna matter? That's what I keep repeating to myself and it works for me.

I took Phentermine and absolutely loved it the first time around. I was rarely hungry and when I did eat I would feel full with less than my normal portions. I lost about 20 pounds in the first month and about 5 more total. I stopped taking it because I got pregnant and honestly it was quite expensive ($100 month). The second time around my results were minimal and I did gain the weight back but I won't necessarily blame it all on Phentermine. No matter what diet or weight loss medication I've ever tried, I've always felt so ravenous the moment I stopped and would eat everything in sight. My experience with the drug was a little weirder than those I've read here though. Not only did it make my mouth extremely dry but it caused me to grind my teeth uncontrollably...very annoying. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I absolutely did. My paperwork was sent in on 7/22. I patiently waited for what seemed like an eternity. After 2 weeks had passed, I could wait no longer so I called them every other day. Finally, on 8/15 I was told that my RNY was approved.