I am 10 years out.. I've stayed at 150 for 10 years... If I had to do this journey all over again... I'd do it in a minute... I don't push the surgery on anyone... it is a very personal decision. I've only approached 3 women in 10 years to look into it... there complaint: I would rather do it myself... the right way... all had families all had babies... found out a couple of years ago... all three women died... all heart attacks.. this surgery is not a cure for obesity... it is not a cheat either... its a tool.. this surgery saved my life... I promise, I am a very up beat person... but I've been holding this in for such a long time... it feels sooo good just to release it...

[ATTACH]40075[/ATTACH]

I am 10 years out.. I've stayed at 150 for 10 years... If I had to do this journey all over again... I'd do it in a minute... I don't push the surgery on anyone... it is a very personal decision. I've only approached 3 women in 10 years to look into it... there complaint: I would rather do it myself... the right way... all had families all had babies... found out a couple of years ago... all three women died... all heart attacks.. this surgery is not a cure for obesity... it is not a cheat either... its a tool.. this surgery saved my life... I promise, I am a very up beat person... but I've been holding this in for such a long time... it feels sooo good just to release it...

You look great ! Unfortunately, wls has gotten a bad rep due to the media. It's sad that people who could really benefit from the surgery don't take the opportunity because they are afraid of what people think.

I love seeing the long term success! Congrats

... and breathe! Hope you feel better for getting that out!

You look fantastic and it is great to hear from you 10 years out - a success story, just what I needed to hear :-) Thanks for coming on to the site!

It's difficult to see lives cut short for whatever the reason. You look great!

thank you guys... I appreciate and respect your comments... its true, its sad to see a life end for any reason... but because of what ppl are going to say.... senseless... ppl are going to talk about you anyway...big or small... I hope my weight loss does encourage others... that is very important to me...

[ATTACH]40077[/ATTACH]

You are so right about WLS being a TOOL. I could see my future and it wasn't going to be a lot of years. I did everything I could to keep weight off. If people think it is cheating then what do they think of artificial hearts or transplants? I feel this is as life changing of a tool as those. I am only 2 weeks Post-Op but I can already see changes in my health.

I wouldn't be surprised that in the next decade the medical world doesn't make WLS a requirement to cure Diabetes.

Thanks for the rant and congrats on keeping it up!!!

I could have NEVER said it better.....CONGRATS to you.....♡♥♡♥♡♥·

Inspiration and truth. Thanks

You look great, btw !! I look upon lap band kind of like getting braces or wearing glasses. They make your life better, and since you cant correct your teeth or eyes by yourself, why not get braces or glasses ? Some people even change from glasses to contact because they look better without glasses, and hey, nobody thinks thats bad !! Well, I couldnt correct my weight problem by myself, so I had a lap band to make my life better, and yes, I upgraded to a better , healthier body, a more attractive appearance, and more energy. Im really happy with my decision, and if someone else isnt then its " Not my circus, not my monkees !" - in other words, not my problem !! Good luck to you !!

I'M LOVING YOU GUYS!...WOW

Love love this thread! I am stealing the saying "not my circus not my monkeys"...I am going to use it often!!!!

WLS is just a tool and like every tool you have to use it correctly to obtain the benefits.

I am pre-op and am losing great amounts of weight during this 6 month diet. To the point of being asked if I felt I still needed the WLS(from family). I quickly replied yes I need this tool.

Just like a cane you can walk without it but you limp and get tired, but when you use it correctly you can have normal steps and go longer and farther distance.

That is what WLS is going to be to me, my tool to make myself have normal steps and go farther with my life and goals!!!

my WLS family.....is AWESOME!....DO YOUR THING....positive thoughts lead to positive actions

I have also had people ask me if I'm still having surgery because of weight loss prior to surgery. My response was YES. I want to be healthy for the rest of my life. Not just a few months.

Just saw a People magazine in the doctor's office and the cover was dedicated to women who lost half their size 'without gimmics'. Meaning...no WLS. Right now in our society, WLS is a gimmic and that's why I keep my surgery close to the vest. Not because I'm embarrased but because of preconceived notions.

Even close family doesn't understand this process. My sister thinks I could have lost the weight without the surgery because 'my head was in the game'. My mother doesn't understand either because she thinks that getting fills means you are not doing a good job. I've explained how it works, but she doesn't get it. Now she's asking me if I'm done losing weight. Again...no understanding. I'll be done when my weight stops coming off. I'm not starving myself so whatever else comes off, so be it...whether it's one more pound or 30.

its a very sad commentary... I'm glad you are pressing through. Keep that attitude... I dealt with the same stupid azz questions...and responses. people leave me speechless at times by there ignorance. keep at it.. 10 years from now... you'll be encouraging others and still at goal weight happier and healthier... ♡♥♡♥♡♥♡