Insurance requires a 6 month weight trial prior to approving surgery. I began in April and through diet modifications alone (no exercise) I have lost almost 50 pounds. The nutrition classes and support group meetings have provided me with tools that I haven't used in the past. Now that it is getting a bit cooler it will be easier for me to start including exercise into the mix to hopefully lose weight more rapidly.

I have to attend one more nutritional meeting in Oct. If I maintain the weight loss that I have so far, I will have lost 60 pounds possibly more. That is over 1/3 of the weight needed to reach my goal weight in just 6 months. I am beginning to question whether or not I should proceed with weight loss surgery. In one more year it is conceivable that I could lose it all, not have the risks associated with surgery, not have the difficult adjustments and possible issues after surgery, won't have to take all of the specific Vitamins etc for the rest of my life.

When I started this I learned that I would need the bypass due to GERD. That was ok. I was prepared to do whatever it took to lose the weight. I didn't expect to be so successful at sticking to the recommendations for eating.

At this point I really do not know what I should do. Did any of you experience what I think is very good weight loss after beginning the journey? If you are here, I'm assuming you went on with the surgery. Are you happy with that decision or do you still wonder if you could have done it on your own? Do you think I'm fooling myself to even consider being able to proceed without having surgery?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I'm sorry but the guy behind the link you posted sounds deranged.

I agree but I think that was her point? There's a lot of Dr's, patients and patient families with axes to grind. We can all pick and choose the studies that support our own agenda.

LOL..But, that is one scary site isn't it? Fat Bastardo is the site commando

Whoa. Dude has definite agenda. And is massively abusive. It's essentially a conspiracy theory site.

Oh well ... gotta love the Internet.

Yep, my point was that you can find many sites on the internet that will support any "sides," , pro or con, regarding any WLS. That site I quoted was a bit extreme, but there was also a link to a CBS news release which also basically condemned sleeve surgery. You have to take anything posted on the internet with a grain of salt. There is no peer review, and anyone can set up and host a website.

I know folks who've had all versions of surgery. Most have been very successful. I would have had VSG, except my doctor strongly recommended banding.

I don't see the point in bashing any of the various surgeries, they all work. But I honestly feel success in large part hinges on finding the best doctor and practice before making any surgical commitment.

You have shown amazing self control and it's awesome that you are considering doing it without surgery. My best to you, whatever you decide! Surgery is a big deal and not for everybody. I chose surgery because I had seen my dad lose over 100 lbs one year and gain 150 lbs the next, several times in his life. I was "holding steady" around 200 lbs for over 10 years, but I knew that 300 lb girl was creeping up! Lol My dad died at age 65 weighing around 500 lbs. On the other hand, my dad's brother weighed over 500 lbs around the age of 30 and began weight watchers and exercise and lost over 300 lbs without surgery AND has kept it off over 20 years!

I know there are pros and cons for the various types of WLS as well as pros and cons for trying to do it on my own. Reading the various opinions here reinforces that. And they are good for me to see. Like WLS itself, I consider all of this information to be a tool to help get to where I want to be...healthy and fit.

I do have a lot of confidence in my surgeon and the entire group of people associated with his practice. I visited both of the notable groups in the area and researched what they do and the outcomes. All things being essentially equal between the groups, I selected this group and surgeon because they feel right. Ability to talk about everything and bedside manor are also important to me.

Right now I am facing the major test as to whether I will opt to do it by myself or proceed with surgery. My sister is having surgery for breast cancer on Tuesday. My father (88) was taken to the hospital Friday and admitted for breathing difficulties. He has emphysema and this is his first major setback. We normally share responsibility for him but it is all on me this time. I have and always will be a stress eater. If worrying about both of them and having to go work on top of it, doesn't trigger a weight gain I think I may have a chance to do it myself. So far I'm not doing so good. :-) Not as bad as I used to do but definitely not good.

No decisions will be made until some time in October/November and a lot will depend on results of upper GI.

Thanks again for all of your input!

I say give it a try.. if it ever starts to go south, you can see your surgeon again.

Remember most insurance company 's rarely approve these things twice..