I am so frustrated with my mother continuing to tell me that I can lose weight without surgery if I just get up and move. My job is physical and I am usually totally exhausted after a long 12 hour shift. I have been overweight for 14 years now. My mother was overweight for most of my childhood, and struggled with one diet or another and then one day it started to change for her. I am not my mother.

I get so frustrated with people especially parents telling me I shouldn't have to get surgery to lose weight. What else am I supposed to do?

Newme,

The statistics of people being to keep weight off with dieting are very low. You are smart to get this

done and have something to control your weight for the rest of your life.

Norma, have you heard of the SynviscOne injection for your knees? I had it done in September, before my VSG. I am bone on bone in both knees. that stuff worked amazing for me. I am moving so much better. I am off of pain meds, and only take a anti inflamitory as necessary. Once I get the weight off, I will consider getting my knees replaced. UGH!

Thank you. I believe its not the actual surgery that is their fear. I am their youngest. My mom and I are both RNs by profession and she has great knowledge of procedure, I think their concern is the complications she suffered with her hemicolectomy might happen to me. I told her this is a lap procedure, but she is still anxious. They are not going to try and talk me out of it, but just really want me to research, and Pray to come up with the right answer.

Thank you

Well, that seems like your parents are being pretty reasonable. Anyone who does this without careful consideration, weighing the risks, and adding much thoughful and heartfelt prayer to their God is probably being quite unwise.

This cannot just be an emotional decision. Seems to me it must also be a considered and reasoned one that weighs the health risks of being obese with the health risks of having surgery. Having noted that, there is clearly a large emotional component as well.