HI from North Texas, I have my initial visit with my chosen surgeon on Dec 1st. The 1st day my insurance starts. I have been looking at this for a year now, knowing I would have insurance on 12/1. I have to say I am kinda scared to think I will be giving up food, which has been my nearly only friend. I know I am looking at food all wrong, but its the truth, celebrations, disappointments, holidays, etc is was always food.

I made this decision because my Hubby was told he should have WL Surgery or be dead in 5 years, he declined, and doctors damn near hit the timing on the money. He died of a massive stroke from uncontrolled diabetes about 2 1/2 years ago(I've gained an additional 60 lbs since then). Although I have not been told, I am NOT ready to die & feel this is my only hope. But I have to come to terms with food or actually the need for less of it. It goes without saying my food choices are not the best.

I've been a "big girl" since childhood, and tried every imaginable diet, all working to some extent for some duration.

I have read where some have lost 10 - 25 pounds the 1st month. Can anyone tell me the reason for the big difference? I've also seen where some have lost 85 - 180 pounds the 1st year, again, why such a big difference?

Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

Roni

I was sad to read of your loss but encouraged to see that you are not prepared to suffer the same fate.

You wont be giving up food you will just be eating differently. I think a fair few of us have been heavy nearly all our lives but as we get older the weight piles on and our bodies dont deal with it so well.

There are so many reasons why the weight loss for everyone is different. As with all things relating to humans we are all different and our bodies deal with food in different ways, we all know people who can eat what the hell they want and never put on an ounce, or someone like me who could gain weight just by looking at food.

Willpower is a part of this weight loss journey and sometimes we will need a lot of it. For me it was more about determination, i was determined that if i underwent surgery it wouldnt be for nothing, i was determined to get as fit as i could again and take back my life, which was slowing ebbing away both physically and emotionally. My willpower kicks in when i go food shopping, theres no medals for having unhealthy food in the house and not eating it, as against just not buying it.

When i first started it felt like i had mount everest to climb, i felt almost envious of people who had half the weight to lose that i did, but with the right surgeon, the right support and the right mind set things began to change and suddenly that mountain i had to climb actaully seemed possible.

I really hope that you can get the surgery you want and wish you well for the future