Arthur Dent

My experience is like @Sosewsue61's. For me, there was no one event that broke the camel's back. I've had to deal with so many issues over the past 15 years or so, including needing seat belt extenders, not being able to buy T-shirts, getting winded on walks, hating seeing myself in the mirror, and so on. But then, in January or so, I had an epiphany. I realized that all of the things I've done simply have not worked, regardless of whether or not I stuck with them or bailed out quickly. This included private trainers, nutritionists, and four attempts at Weight Watchers. So, there was no single thing that pushed me over the edge. I just had an a-ha moment when I knew I needed the surgery.

One of the reasons I'm really eager to have weight-loss surgery is because I want to travel! It's embarrassing to ask the flight attendant for the seat belt extender, and to have to keep pulling my CPAP machine out of my carry-on bag at the security checkpoint. I don't like getting winded as I walk around, and I especially don't like being unable to do certain things because of physical limitations. Two thoughts are going through my mind: Am I going to regret the surgery because I won't be able to enjoy food when I travel? How will I be able to make good food choices when I'm eating out three times a day? Anyone else grappling with these issues?

Hello, all! First post. I have decided to have a sleeve gastrectomy, and I've told my parents, brother, and a few very close friends. (Of course, my spouse knows too!) Should I tell more people to help build my support network, or would that invite criticism from people who will just say I need more diet and exercise? Who did you tell before the surgery? Why did you decide to tell them, and what kind of reactions did you get?

My surgery won't be for a few months (I'm aiming for the end of summer) and I find myself trying to debate how to handle eating. On one hand, I want to be as disciplined as possible so I can lose a little weight and prepare for the post-surgery diet. On the other hand, I keep finding excuses to eat things because I tell myself I won't be able to eat them after the surgery. I think it's OK to have a few "last meals" at favorite restaurants before the real pre-op diet begins. However, I need to really cut out the snack cakes, cookies, ice cream and so on between meals and late at night. What are your thoughts? What have you done to balance the need for "last meals" and mindless snacking?

This is good advice. Instead of thinking about this as a divorce from food, I should look at it as trying to adopt the right habits before the surgery. I'll try to think that way — but there may be a few slip-ups along the way! The more I stick with a healthier diet, the more confidence I'll gain.

I would like to know the answer to this too. Also, can you just swallow a little Ambien tablet, or must it be crushed up?

Will I be able to drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters after the surgery?

Does anyone know how we're supposed to take pills post-op? I currently take a few, and my doctor says I can crush them up. However, if I'm on a liquid diet after the surgery, what can I mix the pills into? Additional question: If the pills require to be taken on a full stomach, what will I do about that, as my stomach will definitely not be full?

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. (The "daddy" comment was funny!)

For me, it's going to be airline seats. I need them in first class, but at least the seats are somewhat wide. In economy, I have to suck in my gut for hours and pull my hands in front of me so that I take up less space.

It seems to me that many people want to keep the news close to their chest. I feel the same way. I have probably told 10 people, including one or two people at work so that they don't get too concerned when I tell them I have yet another doctor's appointment. For the most part, I figure this is my business and I'll tell people when I want them to know. One thing I'm doing is keeping a journal (in blog form) of everything that I'm thinking and doing. I haven't told anyone the URL yet, so no one would know where to find it or even to look for it. I figure that right before the surgery, I'll announce it on Facebook and let everyone know where to find the blog. That way, everyone will know why I sought out the surgery, why I have failed with diets and exercise in the past, and what the experience has been like. For now, though, it's kind of like a diary for myself.

This is horrible. I have told several people, and asked them to keep it quiet until I announce the news myself. This is your story, and you should be able to tell it when you want to, to whom you want to. Other people should not be making that decision for you.