My name is Tori and I am 22 years old. Recently I have been seriously considering WLS, most likely the gastric sleeve procedure. I go to a meeting tomorrow with my doctor to discuss my options but I'm just worried about some things.

Firstly, I am 5' 4ish and weigh about 215, so I barely qualify for the surgery anyway. But I have struggled my entire life with my weight using multiple highly popular methods: ViSalus, weight watchers, and ideal Protein. I have lost some weight with these diets but then I've gained all of the weight back and then some.

I don't have any comorbidities but I am very close to getting diabetes. I am terrified of getting this disease. Does anyone have any stories to tell about VSG as a preventive measure to diabetes?

I have also been recently diagnosed with binge eating disorder. As most of you may know, this means that when I eat something I really like, I physically can't stop myself. I eat for comfort or just because the food is there. I can eat until I'm to the point of feeling physically sick to my stomach but I have NEVER and will never vomit my food up.

What do you guys think? Will my doctor approve me for this life changing surgery?

Please note: I tried not to include any of my emotional reactions to the way I eat and the way I feel (self-confidence, self-esteem, etc) becuase those are not my main reasons for wanting this surgery. Sure they will drastically improve with the right counseling, but I'm more concerned with my health.

Any stories or advice will be greatly appreciated!!!

I cannot say for sure if you will be approve or not. I didn't have diabetes pre-op, but I was pre-diabetic. 6 months later I am no longer pre-diabetic.

I will say something you may hear over and over again. This is a tool, not a cure. It will help you lose and keep off weight, however long term success will depend on your changing your relationship and attitude about food. In your case that may be something you can work on in counseling.

I hope you find the meeting with your doctor helpful. You might want to ask him about informational seminars as well.

Yup, what @@BLERDgirl said...

Surgery won't change the reasons why you binge, and frankly, I would be concerned about your success and even the dangers of you damaging your little sleeve if you happened to binge. I would hope you are currently receiving professional help for your binging disorder.

At 7 months post surgery, losing the weight has been the easiest part of this whole journey. Learning to deal with stress, sadness, anxiety, happiness, celebrations, holidays and social situations without automatically turning to food has been the biggest part of this for me. Just make sure you understand it's so much more than losing weight. Good Luck to you and keep us posted!