Hi, I've wandered around the forum quite a bit a put up a couple of posts but never really introduced myself...

I'm currently at about a 35 BMI...and gaining. I have been almost this heavy three years ago, then dropped about thirty five pounds, then gained it all back plus some...but prior to that I had always been overweight, not obese as I am now. Am I going to run into a "you lost it before, you can do it again" sort of attitude before I can be approved for surgery? I feel so certain that this is the right path for me BUT I'm having massive mood swings over the whole thing. Panic, then elation, over the PERMANENCE of it all....thinking this is the best idea I've ever had, then that I'm completely out of my mind.....did anybody else go through this?

A lot of my weight gain is due to medications for fibromyalgia and depression.....some of them make me eat, others just seem to magically attract fat--what if I go through the surgery and it doesn't solve the problem? Then....I'm doomed. Scary thought.

Somebody, please tell me this is normal! (By the way, I love you guys already. You're fabulous.)

KZol,

I spent my entire life in the overweight range and then in college fluctuated between overweight and obese and finally morbidly obese then back to obese my final year. After I left school I spent the rest of my 20's continuing the pattern of losing and gaining (more gaining than losing) with all sorts of diets, nutritionists, and exercise programs. So I completely know how to lose weight, which it seems you do as well, but could not maintain. I was borderline (not quite 40 BMI) when I went to the seminar with the surgeon I ended up using. He made a point during his presentation to say that it's unfortunate that the NIH does not recommend WLS to patients with BMI's between 35-40 who do not have certain comorbidities because at our weights we were on our way to getting them if we didn't have them now. You may want to explain your situation (bmi) to the office manager when you call to set up a seminar visit or consultation because they can usually recommend how to proceed (whether or not the surgeon will approve you).

Good luck in your journey!

Welcome KZol!!

I was a self pay- researched for several years, and when the time came- I just went for it.

Yes, lots of fears, concerns, but was more concerned that I would not be able to work anymore the way I was going....

Being a self Pay- my doc got me in right away- only thing that slowed me down was having to quit smoiking for a month- or I believe he would have done it the next day! LOL

I just wanted to say that you are completly normal. I have my surgery scheduled for the beginning of Feb. which gives me alot of time to think (I wish I didn't have so much time to wait, but I work in a school and want to have surgery around my break time) I go back and forth between total panic and excitment to get started with a new life. I just keep telling myself that the fears are normal, and I guess the people who really need to worry are the ones who don't take time to think over what they are really doing and what their life will be like after surgery. I have felt reassured by hearing everyone else has the same thoughts as me. Somedays I read something that scares me on here and think "what the hell am I doing to myself", then other days I read someones accomplishments, or how great they feel and think - that will be me someday. We are here to help each other and keep each other strong! Best of luck to you

Diane

Hi KZOL and welcome! I just had my surgery done this week (monday) and have to tell you that all of what you described is exactly how I felt right up until they knocked me out with anesthesia. I was so worried that I would be the one it wouldn't work for (and I still am), but I am so motivated to see what progress I have made. I've lost 18 lbs since Monday. It's been a lot of work. It is requiring a total change in attitude toward food, but it's working! Instead of my tummy always yelling at me when I'm hungry, it's silent and cooperative. How awesome?! This surgery will never solve your obesity problem on it's own. But it's certainly a wonderful gift/tool to have on your side.

Also, I think most, if not all here have struggled with the yo-yo part of weight loss. For my insurance it's one of the requirements (have you tried for so many years to lose weight...etc?).

Good luck to you and feel free to PM me if you need anything (although I'm a newbie too :thumbup: )

Dybarra,

I also went through this right up until the moment I left my room for the surgery at the center. Maybe I should try AGAIN the regular way. Diet and exercise MORE, and MORE. Again, I can lose the weight but I could NEVER keep it off. That's why I finally made this move. I was starting to lose the fight again. Always a new high, and then maintain to not gain more just to end up losing the fight.

I just couldn't do that anymore. I need to make a PERMANENT change. This was my answer. I would vocalize these thoughts to my husband and he was in total agreement with me and he does not provide lip service. He absolutely agreed with me.

RubyTuesday - 18lbs since Monday? WOW!!!! AMAZING!!! Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone on this forum!

ReadytoMaintain