After much debate, I have decided to go ahead with the VSG. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow to schedule a surgery date. I am paying for the surgery myself, and am really worried about not being able to find my will power to stay on track. I don't want to waste all this money. Your thoughts? Did you need will power after the surgery? Was it easy to find?

surgery helps a lot, but you do need willpower for exercising and for choosing the right foods to eat.........plus your diet before the surgery. But all this sacrifice is all well worth it, willpower, sacrifice, at the end you will definitely love the results!!! so goodluck and i wish you the best, you won?t regret it.:001_smile:

Just my experience, willpower came pretty easy. I think I was just so hellbent on being successful that I refused to give in or give up on myself. Mentally, there were days I wanted to give in, but then I'd step on the scale and remind myself why I went through all the surgery and recovery.

Working out for me took more motivation. I did really great for about 3-4 months, and have been off the working out wagon for a few weeks now. I need to get back on track with exercise and start toning more to reach my own personal "shape" goal. I'm below my weight goal, now I need to shed this tummy fat, and tone up my arms and butt.

The sleeve makes choices easier. It was easier for me to make better choices early out than it is right now. I remember thinking "I could have a cookie, or greek yogurt, which one will make me feel good for the longest period of time?" I, ultimately, chose the Greek yogurt. Now, at this point in my journey, I may choose a cookie and 1/2 greek yogurt.

You'll do fabulous, just stick with your dietary guidelines, and post-op diet. Once you are out of the rapid WL phase and incorporating other foods, choices will be easier. The sleeve makes life so much easier. There are still some days that I feel like a fat girl trapped in a skinny chick's body, and I have to choose what is the best foods to fill up my sleeve. Some days the fat girl still wins, but with the next meal the skinny chick takes over. Hopefully, that makes sense.

Best wishes with getting your date. Keep us posted on your progress.

This is my biggest fear. I know that sounds silly, because the surgery itself should be my biggest concern, but I fear that I will go through the operation and still not have the will power to use this tool (the sleeve) that I've fought for over a year to have done. I'm a realist and as such I know who I am, which means I know the extent of my willpower and how hopeless I am at making the correct choices for weightloss. I want this, but still have doubts at my abilty to use the sleeve to the best advantage. I just hope that I can re-educate my eating habits enough during the period after surgery enough to carry on for the rest of my life and beat this thing that has ruined so much of my life. LOL, I guess I wont know until it happens and I can only try my best.

xx

Thanks for your replies! I know I can do it, I am just really nervous about it! I just got off the phone with my surgeon's assistant, and I have a date: May 24, 2010 =D I am super excited! I am glad to hear others share(d) my same fears.

From what I understand the surgery (with its attendant reduction in ghrelin) actually helps you to need LESS willpower than just doing it au naturale.

That's one of the big draws for me -- this isn't a magic wand, but it can help us make the right choices.

After much debate, I have decided to go ahead with the VSG. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow to schedule a surgery date. I am paying for the surgery myself, and am really worried about not being able to find my will power to stay on track. I don't want to waste all this money. Your thoughts? Did you need will power after the surgery? Was it easy to find?

This is my biggest fear. I know that sounds silly, because the surgery itself should be my biggest concern, but I fear that I will go through the operation and still not have the will power to use this tool (the sleeve) that I've fought for over a year to have done. I'm a realist and as such I know who I am, which means I know the extent of my willpower and how hopeless I am at making the correct choices for weightloss. I want this, but still have doubts at my abilty to use the sleeve to the best advantage. I just hope that I can re-educate my eating habits enough during the period after surgery enough to carry on for the rest of my life and beat this thing that has ruined so much of my life. LOL, I guess I wont know until it happens and I can only try my best.

xx

I'm now 6 months out and at this point I'm finding I need to exert a bit more self control or "will power" in making food choices. Keep in mind that you can only eat small portions. It doesn't take much to fill your sleeved tummy. So even if I'm feeling like I can go for something that would sabotage my efforts to lose weight, I quickly feel physical restriction. Support groups are an option if you have any such groups in your area or perhaps you can start your own. I find OA, Overeaters Anonymous a help. It helps me stay aware of my eating habits and keeps my food intake in check more or less...still it is up to me

Congratulations erh92 on your surgery date, I wish you a smooth surgery and success in your weight loss goals.

Mcteez, I wish you clarity and success in finding a way that will work for you. The sleeve is a serious tool that really helps.