Ok. So I had the sleeve done just about five months ago. I have been pretty successful thus far.. Losing 117 pounds.

So now my friends mother and our other friend are trying to use me an my success to talk my friend into gettig the surgery too

I really don't like this... I mean I like that they see me as successful but I have had to overcome a lot... I've missed a lot of work for doctors appointments and recovery time, paid a lot in co pays, had to learn a new way of life, been in the ER three times for pain, either always have diahhrhea or constipation, and most recently I had to have my gallbladder out... Which I'm still recovering from. ... Painful doesn't describe it...

So I guess what I'm gettin at is that I am thankful people are proud of me and what I have accomplished... But I don't want people to use me as an example and say... See how easy it was? If she could do it so could you... Because people aren't taking into account how difficult this has been... Not to mention the 6 months of pre-op stuff I had to do.

You need to have a strong supportive group of family and friends and I don't know if my friend would have that

I would love for my friend to have this surgery and be successful... But I don't want her to be forced into it, or to think its gonna be easy peasy...

Suggestions?

I think Sharing what you just shared is perfect. Let her make the decision after hearing your story and also encouraging her to do her own research as I think that's very important too .

The Best thing you can do as a friend is to be 100 percent truth full about your experience. Tell her all your ups and downs and be honest. A lot of people see your results but do not see your struggle. Let her know that surgery is not the easy way out and that the sleeve is merely a tool that can be used to lose weight. If she needs support this forums is one of the best places online for people with the VSG. I have friend that is considering the surgery and he knows about all the struggles i have been through. The best thing you can do is give her the most information you can so she can make an informed decision.

Ok. So I had the sleeve done just about five months ago. I have been pretty successful thus far.. Losing 117 pounds.

So now my friends mother and our other friend are trying to use me an my success to talk my friend into gettig the surgery too

I really don't like this... I mean I like that they see me as successful but I have had to overcome a lot... I've missed a lot of work for doctors appointments and recovery time, paid a lot in co pays, had to learn a new way of life, been in the ER three times for pain, either always have diahhrhea or constipation, and most recently I had to have my gallbladder out... Which I'm still recovering from. ... Painful doesn't describe it...

So I guess what I'm gettin at is that I am thankful people are proud of me and what I have accomplished... But I don't want people to use me as an example and say... See how easy it was? If she could do it so could you... Because people aren't taking into account how difficult this has been... Not to mention the 6 months of pre-op stuff I had to do.

You need to have a strong supportive group of family and friends and I don't know if my friend would have that

I would love for my friend to have this surgery and be successful... But I don't want her to be forced into it, or to think its gonna be easy peasy...

Suggestions?

Hand her this post!! What you've written is a great way to convey your feelings.....

I would have to think that you are already great testament by just walking around 117 pounds lighter.......quite an accomplishment : ) THAT alone has to have great impact on her. And I imagine you would be there for her if she did decide to and it sounds like the people encouraging her would also be there for her. I don't have anyone encouraging me , quite the opposite actually. I'm going for it anyway LOL!