So today marked day 6 of my pre-op diet. I've generally been doing pretty good with it. I realize I have to do this and I've put my mind to it to get it done. Today was a very busy day. We've recently finished our basement and I had lots to do building shelves and hanging pictures. Right after I started working my knees started to throb. Then my back began to ache. After about an hour I got nauseas and a bit woozy. I struggled through the rest of the day taking many breaks and resting my knees and my back.

Once the day was done, I took a shower and realized why I'm about to have life changing surgery in 10 days. Sure, I'd like to look hot again (or as hot as a 60 year old guy can) but after today the real reason came out. I can't live anymore carrying about 150 lbs of extra weight. Although my doc says I'm the healthiest fat guy he's ever seen, I know that if my joints and muscles are breaking down so badly from this weight, the rest of my body can't be far behind.

Looking good will be a great side affect from my surgery but truly the best benefit will be being healthy once again.

When it comes to a choice of knee replacement surgery or having 85% of my stomach taken out, I'd chose removing my stomach...

I no longer have diabetes and am super sexy too. I love having my skinny body back as a side affect.... Yep, I didn't really need all that food anyways.....

I love how much I can eat too.......Congrats on your decision to a healthier new life style, and yes, you will get sexier too! LOL

Even worse is if the damage is already done to your knees, but you can't have the knee surgery unless you lose the extra weight (like me!) I'm also hoping the weight loss will help me put off knee surgery longer - they tell me at 50 I'm "too young" for knee surgery. They really don't want to do it until you're at least 60, so they don't wear out before you die. Happy thought, isn't it?

Ya know rickster, I can sure empathize with you on the knee and back pain. Minus the 60 year old guy aspect. My knees began to ache occasionally and within a matter of months constantly. When I would use them to stand or sit or bend in any way they'd feel almost as if they were balloons about to pop. As a 29 year old mother of two active boys (5 and 7) the moment hit me like a ton of bricks when I couldn't bend down to look my son in the face as he spoke to me. In the next few days I began to realize more and more things I wasn't able to really do (or was doing with modifications) due to my knees. It a was heart breaking realization. I have to lose over 100 lbs. I have been battling weight issues since puberty and once I had children the weight loss barrier became even more resistant to my diligent tactics of diet and exercise. I'd stick to a plan X (you choose, I've probably done it) for 3-4 months religiously and only loose about 10-15 lbs. The one time I did manage to lose 30 was when I was basically starving myself on less than 1000 calories a day and working out 2-3 hours a day 6-7 days a week. Each and every time I have gained it all back and then some. I gotta make changes. My husband keeps asking me if I am sure (because he is scared) and I AM. I am the one in constant pain (and embarrassment in most cases). I just can't live like this any longer. Not for me nor for my family. My surgery is Tuesday and I am ready for this very drastic but much needed change to my (our) lifestyle. And I think my husband is too, honestly. Not because of anything to do with me but because he's at his highest weight ever and knows we both would benefit from healthier habits and routines and it would be a much better example for our children and all those around us.

God bless you sir and cheers on your decision!

Even as a young woman I had so many back and knee issues prior to surgery. They weren't even serious enough that they were my main motivators for surgery (getting my diabetes under control was more important) but not needing weekly adjustments or pain pills all the time is a huge benefit to losing weight.

I no longer wake up aching and sore before even starting my day. The leg/ankle injury I had in 2005 used to hurt and swell every single day, and on particularly bad days I'd wake up walking like Frankenstein. Now it only twinges or aches right before a storm. It's made a huge change in my quality of life, and it's one you can almost assuredly look forward to post op.

Good luck,

~Cheri

I am 51. I also want to do things in my life. I have already had back surgery. I have 2 bulges and would like to avoid another back surgery.

My family also has genetic knee issues. I want to delay the knee surgery as long as I can. Even when i get under 200.

Even as a young woman I had so many back and knee issues prior to surgery. They weren't even serious enough that they were my main motivators for surgery (getting my diabetes under control was more important) but not needing weekly adjustments or pain pills all the time is a huge benefit to losing weight.

I no longer wake up aching and sore before even starting my day. The leg/ankle injury I had in 2005 used to hurt and swell every single day' date=' and on particularly bad days I'd wake up walking like Frankenstein. Now it only twinges or aches right before a storm. It's made a huge change in my quality of life, and it's one you can almost assuredly look forward to post op.

Good luck,

~Cheri[/quote']

So you've got an in to become a meteorologist!

Hey, I knew that injury was good for something! And I suppose I should say I walked like Frankenstein's creature, not Frankenstein.

~Cheri

For me, it's my feet. I have genetically messed up feet - I've had foot surgery but the weight is keeping them from getting better and I'm having mobility problems. I've got to get this weight off before I'm crippled.

I am praying that WLS will give me a second chance with my knees.