I am new to this forum. I am scheduled to have the surgery in 10/1. I am worried and nervous, which I think is normal! This is major stuff.

I have battled with my weight for years. Doing different diets and such. I understand the life change that is involved. I am tired of being overwight and want to be thin. But, I hear people telling me that is the easy way out. No, this has not been easy by any means. I like food but I am ready for the change. I am looking for the positives/negatives on this. I appreciate your help!

^{THe peole that tell you it is the easy way out have no idea what we go through by having surgery. You can not argue or convence them otherwise. The best tactic is to ignore that kind of talk and have satisfaction in knowing you are going to do what is best for you and your health. Having the surgery is the best choice I have made for myself and it is the first time in my life that I have felt in control of my eating. My entire life I never knew what it was like to eat only because I had to and not because some unseen force was driving me to eat more and more and consuming my mind with the thoughts of food. I will say that this has been the most rewarding weight loss of my life because I am confident I can keep the pounds off this time and that is driving me to follow doctor orders and do my very best. Just keep your head held high and be confident in your decision. Make up your mind to do this and do it the right way and you can't fail. Best wishes!}

I am new to this forum. I am scheduled to have the surgery in 10/1. I am worried and nervous, which I think is normal! This is major stuff.

I have battled with my weight for years. Doing different diets and such. I understand the life change that is involved. I am tired of being overwight and want to be thin. But, I hear people telling me that is the easy way out. No, this has not been easy by any means. I like food but I am ready for the change. I am looking for the positives/negatives on this. I appreciate your help!

Hey there! and welcome.

There is another thread going on now too that may be helpful.

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/94337-if-you-still-struggle-afterwards-why-do-it/

In short, this is the best decision I have ever made. Good luck!!

I was told by my partner I took the easy way out...it hasn't been easy. But it is by far the most rewarding thing that's happened in my life since my children.

The postiives far outweigh the negative. Matter of a fact the only "Negatives" I can think of offhand are 1)no more buffets 2) no cruises 3) loose skin... hmm..that's pretty much all I got. But I have positives for those 'negatives'. 1) so what? really? all you can eat? pfft who needs that. And umm now I save TONS of money! 2) eh, ships are over-rated. rather use that money to go somewhere exotic 3) that's why God made girdles And my skin is my badge of honor. and it really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Considering i'm 100 lbs down, it's hardly noticeable.

I could spend all day listing the positives..but it boils down to 1) I love me, inside and out 2) i have prolonged my life Healthwise to be around for my future grandchildren 3) I feel alive for the first time ever. I have no restrictions. I can do what I want without running out of breath or fear of not fitting/being too heavy.

I know it's hard to not pay attention to what others tell us..but your'e doing this for YOU for YOUR health..not for theirs.. They don't always understand the struggles we've had in the past.

My surgery is also Oct. 1! I have also got a lot of negative feedback and the exact comments "surgery is the easy way out, at least I can lose weight without surgery." I spent years trying to lose weight and failed due to bad eating, hormone issues, diabetes, and kidney failure. The pain on my back and all of my joints is grueling... I have spent the last 6 months now seeing specialists and all kinds of tests, taking classes, and worrying about insurance issues. Worrying about how this is going to affect my family for the good or the bad. You know what though they don't have a clue?!

I started my pre-op diet and I feel miserable and I had a friend try to sabotage me yesterday to the point I was doubting myself to tears. I picked up the phone and I called my support and she reminded me of all the reasons I am doing this and gave me back my confidence, Nothing about this process has been easy for me. People don't understand just how hard this change is or the amount of dedication needed to succeed. You made it this far DO NOT DOUBT YOURSELF! You can do this! Think of all the reasons you want your surgery, make that your focal point! Good luck to you sweetie!

My negatives I'm worried about:

1) Will I hurt more

2) Will I fail

My Positives I'm looking forward to:

1) Seeing my kids get married and having grandkids

2) Out living my mother who died at 41 from heart issues (that I have and my family)

3) Self esteem and self confidence to increase

4) My body not hurting. My Diabetes and other health problems getting better

5) Being able to jog and exercise more efficiently

6) Eating healthier and feeling healthier

7) Buying nice clothes that fit me

8) Being able to ride horses, go to a dance club and actually fit in between people, Fit in chairs easier

9) I could list 100 more...

I was told by my partner I took the easy way out...it hasn't been easy. But it is by far the most rewarding thing that's happened in my life since my children.

The postiives far outweigh the negative. Matter of a fact the only "Negatives" I can think of offhand are 1)no more buffets 2) no cruises 3) loose skin... hmm..that's pretty much all I got. But I have positives for those 'negatives'. 1) so what? really? all you can eat? pfft who needs that. And umm now I save TONS of money! 2) eh' date=' ships are over-rated. rather use that money to go somewhere exotic 3) that's why God made girdles And my skin is my badge of honor. and it really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Considering i'm 100 lbs down, it's hardly noticeable.

I could spend all day listing the positives..but it boils down to 1) I love me, inside and out 2) i have prolonged my life Healthwise to be around for my future grandchildren 3) I feel alive for the first time ever. I have no restrictions. I can do what I want without running out of breath or fear of not fitting/being too heavy.

I know it's hard to not pay attention to what others tell us..but your'e doing this for YOU for YOUR health..not for theirs.. They don't always understand the struggles we've had in the past.[/quote']

Maybe I'm just dumb, but why no more cruises? I know lots of people that enjoy cruises post surgery.

They have no idea about this journey! I thought the same way for years and that is why it took me so long to take this step! Believe me, there is nothing easy about it if you do what you are supposed to! It is not all about being thin (although that is a nice perk) but about being healthy and preventing a lot of sickness and disease down the road! I had dieted myself right up to 321 pounds! I am now very comfortable with myself, all my labs are in perfect range, I feel great and exercise, and I am loving life. The ones who talk about the easy way out are usually overweight themselves and too scared to do something about it! Make up your own mind about what you want to do and then move toward that goal! Good luck!!

I'm not sure 100% about the cruise thing either but I think it has to do if something goes wrong and you need a doctor. Also, the foods aren't the best choices my friend has said.

This is FAR from the easy way out!! People that say that have NO knowledge of the procedure and the work YOU have to do for the rest of your life. I would highly recommend that you go to a local support group, I go every week and it is AWESOME. I get my official date for sometime in October today at 3pm. Best of luck to you!

Thank you everyone for your positive feedback! I am second guessing it but, for my health I know it is the right thing. I don't have any issues currently! I dont want any either. I am just nervous is all. Which is a natural reaction with any surgery

I think if you weren't taking it serious you wouldn't be scared. The fact that you are says you are thinking about the lifelong journey.

I'm also wondering why no cruises? Im pre op as well, but I hear ppl actually enjoy cruising more after they are completely recovered, because food is not the only reason ppl cruise. Heard the shows, excursions& dancing go in for hours when ur not tied to the buffet table. Either way I have similar fears, but am so glad this site is hear to allow me to know I'm not alone. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming surgery

I had a really really hard time in the beginning. My first 6 weeks post op. I wasn't one of those people who were so in love with their sleeve from day 1. I never once regretted my decision I just wanted to get past that phase.

I'm two months out (almost 11 weeks) and down 40 lbs! This new way of eating has become normal to me. All of a sudden stairs are easier, I can walk longer distances, I don't shop at lane Bryant and I'm 2 lbs away from being under 200.

I could have never done this on my own. Never. Do I miss eating a ton? Yup. But that goes away when I look in the mirror and smile because I like myself. I haven't likes myself in 20 years.

I have a YouTube channel and I just did a video about this Newlifemelissa

Good luck to you! It's worth it. YOU are worth it

I was scared pre-op. I had lost a lot of weight pre-op and was wondering if I should still have surgery. But I wanted the permanent change.

People now think "well, you won't want to go out to eat with us". Not true. I think the same is true about the cruise. It's a matter of recovery time - you can't go the first six weeks, and I'd wait until you had practice on eating regular food. But I go out to eat and I survive. I've even eaten at buffets. I have a good eye for how much 1c is, and I know portion sizes of meat. I track the Protein, if not all the calories. I would check about Protein shakes if it's the first year, maybe bring a whey isolate powder that will mix easily and a Blender Bottle. Then just get skim milk. But you can easily eat just meat from sandwiches or burgers, and I even do salads with grilled chicken.

I'm only 4 months out and feel like there's nothing I can't do!

Good luck!