BasketballMom94

"I’m pre-op, starting at 488 lbs with a goal of 190. As I look for inspiration, I’ve noticed that People Magazine’s 'Half Their Size' issue almost exclusively features 'diet and exercise' stories

"I’m 488 lbs and nervous about the first few weeks post-op. For those who were at a higher BMI during surgery, how did you handle the initial recovery? Any tips on staying mobile and managing the 'gas pain' or incision care when you have more weight on your midsection? I want to get out of bed and start my new life as fast as possible

What should I expect during the Evaluation at 400+ lbs? I have a lot of grit, but I want to be prepared. Did they focus more on your food history or your future goals

I don't know where else to post.

I'm looking for the 'Switch Sisters' and brothers who started their journey at 400 plus lbs. I am currently 488 lbs and moving toward a Duodenal Switch. I'm a former athlete and a single mom, and I need to know the 'real' on a surgery.

I'm a single mom of 2 and want to be active with my kids. What low-impact moves helped you build stamina before surgery without killing your knees

Hi everyone, I’m a single mom of two, and I’m finally taking the step to get weight loss surgery. To be honest, I’ve felt a bit embarrassed to post this, but my starting weight is over 400 lbs. I know I need a tool to help me change my life, not just for me, but for my kids. My "why" is pretty simple: I want to be the mom they deserve. Right now, it’s hard to keep up with them. I want to be able to get out on the basketball court and actually play with them, instead of just watching from the sidelines. I want to be able to cheer for them (and my Boston teams!) without feeling exhausted and in pain. Being a single parent is a lot of work, and I know the recovery and the lifestyle change will be a challenge, but I’m doing this so I can be around for a long time to see my kids grow up. I’m currently pre-op and feeling a mix of nerves and hope. If there are any other single parents or "heavy hitters" who started over 400 lbs, I’d love to hear your story. It’s a little scary, but I’m ready.

The Weight of the Decision: Why I'm Choosing the Tool Over the TrendFor a long time, I felt like I was stuck in a cycle of trying, failing, and starting over. But when you're carrying over 400 pounds, the stakes change. You aren't just looking to "fit into old jeans" anymore; you're looking for a way to save your own life. Lately, the conversation around weight loss has been dominated by two paths: Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss (like those once-a-week shots everyone is talking about). I've spent a lot of time on the fence, but I've finally realized where I stand. Why Medication Wasn't the Whole Answer Don't get me wrong--medical weight loss is a miracle for many. But for me, it felt like a temporary bridge. When you have a significant amount of weight to lose, the idea of being "on the fence" usually comes down to a fear of the unknown. Will the meds work forever? What happens if the insurance stops covering them? I realized I didn't want to just manage the symptoms of my weight; I wanted to fundamentally change the way my body operates. Surgery: The Tool, Not the Easy Out The phrase I keep coming back to is "I need a tool." At 400+ lbs, my biology is working against me. My hunger hormones are loud, and my metabolism feels like it's stuck in concrete. I view bariatric surgery as a physical reset. It's not a "shortcut"--anyone who has seen the recovery and the lifestyle prep knows that--but it is a permanent architectural change to my digestive system. It's the hammer that helps me build the house. I still have to swing it, but at least now I have the right equipment for the job. Looking Forward Choosing surgery is about choosing a definitive "Day One." It's about moving past the indecision and committing to a path that offers the most aggressive intervention for my health. I'm nervous, sure, but for the first time in a long time, I'm also hopeful