The day or two before I got sleeved, I thought , I lost a lot on a pre-op diet, do I really need to go through with this surgery? Do I really need to get to a "normal" weight, or is just being less obese enough. (Maybe I was afraid of the committment I had to make? )

Ultimately, I decided to have the surgery and I am happy with my decision. Today, I saw this clip on the internet and it just reinforced my decision, so I wanted to share it with all of you.

Dr Oz says in Prevention Magazine, " Listen, if you're one hundred pounds overweight at age fifty, you have the same mortality rate as if you have a solid cancer. Would you operate for cancer? Yeah. So if you cannot lose that weight, get one of these procedures. You have to do it with counseling and full awareness of what you're doing, of course. "

I felt I needed help, but I think I think I felt kind of guilty or selfish for wanting to get surgery. After reading this, I felt, of course I would get surgery for cancer, so of course I was right for getting surgery for another disease -obesity- that was killing me!

I hope this helps some of you with your decision. Happy Holidays to everyone.

Great post & thanks Dr. Oz I feel that when it comes to getting surgery and needing this tool, then its a first step to changing your life for the better. I know I don't like feeling unhappy and worried about my weight and what health problems this is causing. I remember I was asking a nurse a few questions about vitamins and she asked what I was here for and I told her I am getting the vertical sleeve and she was giving me her opinion and said not to take the easy way out and to work for it! I was like I don't recall asking for your opinion...any who I respectfully thanked her and walked away. I learned quick to keep this private. I go to support groups, discuss with this forum and communicate with my bariatric team, I am aware of what I am doing and I am ready. I want to be healthy and want this tool, I want to live.

When I met with my surgeon the first time he told me almost the same thing; this is surgery to fight a disease. And YES, obiesity IS a disease. I am doing what I feel is necessary to keep me healthy, and I can't wait!! thanks for posting this!

Great post, and it mirrors my feelings exactly.

Kate