BMC blogger

So I preface this with....I need a moment to vent. I'm not far into my journey, currently in my 6 month supervised. I was originally keeping a lot of this process to myself, partly because I didn't want to say anything only to find out the I wouldn't qualify. Partly because I was afraid of the various reactions. But based on conversations with my boyfriend I started feeling a bit guilty about the possibility of just springing surgery on my family and close friends. So with that I started to tell folks little by little and every reaction thus far has been completely unhelpful and depressing. I know most are reacting to concerns about "surgery" and associated dangers, but the result has been a number of comments and questions that make me regret opening the door for their opinions at all: 1. Do you really qualify? 2. Seriously, you just need to deal with your stress once you do that you'll be able to manage things. 3. Well it's no surprise you'd consider surgical intervention 4. Just get a new job 5. Are you sure you wanna do this, once you have kids you won't be able to eat with them like a normal family. 6. Even my freakin podiatrist- omg are you really doing it, my patients who have done it can't manage all the vitamins and they have a really hard time when pregnant. 7. We'll if being skinny is the most important thing for you 8. I hope you realize this isn't a magic bullet Etc..... I feel like this is partly on me for introducing the subject, it seems I've somehow given permission for all these reactions. I'm just really annoyed and I'm trying really hard not to let these opinions sway me from doing something that's right for me (if I make this choice). All of this has left me feeling like I'm shallow and only going through this for cosmetic reasons. I'm constantly defending myself and trying to explain the medical reasons that have gotten me to this point, but I'm pissed that I've even got to do that. And even when I do explain, most still don't think "it's bad enough for surgery." Clearly I'm at my wits end, hoping for a little insight from others....

Good luck!

Newbie here - still doing my 6 month supervised piece. This liquid diet piece has been freaking me out a bit, just curious with all the protein in the premier and shakes. Do you actually feel full? Is the hurdle more mental or physical?

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the thoughtful comments.

Hi all- I've been lurking for a bit, but could use some advice on WLS and children. I'm almost half way through my 6-month requirement, but during my first visit with the surgeon I was throw for a curve. I went in expecting to discuss sleeve, but due to my issues with acid reflux that was tossed. I know it's the gold standard but I'm struggling with the malabsorption pieces, especially since I'd be looking to get pregnant shortly after I get the "ok." I'm curious for those starting or who have gone through the process. Would you wait (or have/did wait) to have WLS until after you've had children? Or do you go for it before? Full disclosure, we haven't started trying yet so I'm don't know if we'll face challenges or not. I know WLS can help improve fertility, but assuming for a minute fertility isn't an issue, what do you do?

Thanks for asking this question, been struggling with this too. I was recommended bypass because of GERD, but having a hard time wrapping my head around the malabsorption. Especially since near term (with 1-2 years) I'd be looking to get pregnant and it would be my first. Anyone with experience there?