I'm sure my story isn't too different from anyone else's story but it's been on my heart to share it so here it goes.

I've been overweight for many years. What started as simply overweight has morphed to morbid obesity. I've tried almost every weight loss program available from Deal-A-Meal when I was a teen to Ideal Protein at 40. I was always able to have moderate success with every program but I just couldn't maintain.

After my latest failure with Ideal Protein I decided to look into the origins of when I started to overeat and why. This was profound. I started by writing the down the years of my life on a timeline. Then I went back and I wrote in my weight in each of the years. Then I went back and wrote down significant events - both positive and negative - that impacted those years and what I found astonished me. I sought to reconcile these feelings of shame, guilt, and anger that have been holding me emotionally hostage when I didn't even think that I was bonded to them anymore. Next I found a wonderful workbook about disordered eating and it took my thoughts and feeling about my weight to a new level of understanding.

When my primary physician asked me about how I felt about WLS I was still of the belief that only people who were too far gone for "normal weight loss means" needed surgery and I just didn't want to believe that I was so far gone. I was initially hurt but didn't tell him how hurt I was. Once I got over my pity party and relooked at my timeline I realized that when I was working a program I was okay but I couldn't adapt to changes. Now that I have a better understanding of my eating behavior maybe this WLS could really be the tool that helps!

After months of feverish research I decided I was ready to look into it. I found a local hospital with a phenomenal reputation and read everything I could. My husband was nervous. He said he didn't want to run the risk of my dying during the procedure. I told him he should fear me dying of a heart attack more. He went with me to the mandatory information seminar and we both learned a lot. My husband was ready to support my decision. This was important because I firmly believe a support system needs to be in place for this to work. My mother was also skeptical and fearful. Our hospital also has monthly support groups for both pre- and post-op patients and I took her and she was blown away with how much information and support was there. She left wanting the procedure herself!

After a small hiccup with H. pylori I am finally scheduled for surgery. I know it's going to be work, I know that it's going to be a full life change but I know that I am more ready now - emotionally, physically, and mentally - than I have ever been in the past.

December 10, 2014 - Surgery

Bring it!

Best of luck!

There are lots of similarities in our stories. I can say, that this was the best decision I have ever made. It's been life changing so far. Not so much my weight loss, but the fact that something "clicked" and I get it now. It's been a lifestyle change for me these last 3 months. Even though I am still very much overweight, I am really healthy. It doesn't feel like I'm "dieting" anymore. I am confident that this is a change that I can do forever...as in lifestyle change.

Best of luck!!!

Uh oh, I just recently discovered the presence of H.Pylori as well.
My doctor has me on lots of pills to try and tackle it, but I've

been dying to ask about having WLS. I was wondering if

that may postpone any possibility of having or being approved of WLS?
(I'm still in the process of getting up the nerve to ask my doctor about
having Gastric Bypass.)

Uh oh, I just recently discovered the presence of H.Pylori as well.

My doctor has me on lots of pills to try and tackle it, but I've

been dying to ask about having WLS. I was wondering if

that may postpone any possibility of having or being approved of WLS?

(I'm still in the process of getting up the nerve to ask my doctor about

having Gastric Bypass.)

Sorry this took so long to reply! It took me years to come to terms with having surgery but once I started really researching it I can't believe it took me so long! Now as far as H. pylori about 50% of the population will have it. The complication with surgery is if you have an active infection from it (this is how it was explained to me). I did have the infection so I took two horrendous weeks of antibiotics and I was cleared for surgery. If you check out my blog I have a post with more detail about my experience with H. pylori. My surgery date was moved up to December 3rd so I'll keep you informed!

I am scheduled for surgery this Tues. Any words of advice? Thanks so much!

I haven't had surgery yet and you're going before me so I will be sure to check with you for advice. Best of luck and what a journey we're on!

Be happy to help in any way. Have only had liquids since Sat so I'm ready to get this done!