Before you got your WLSn Did you ever think: "I can do this on my own, I don't need the sugery". If so, what made you realize that WLS was right for you?

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Wow. Such a personal decision ... so much at play, so many factors to take into consideration. I've thought about it before but never wanted to permanently alter my anatomy. I was just too scared to do that. Plus I know too many people who have not made the lifestyle changes required to be successful with surgery, and then regretted getting it (unfortunately some people think it's a magic bullet, and I'm sure everyone here will tell you that it is not). I've had success losing and maintaining, but have never gotten all the way to my goal. I wanted help, but I didn't want to do anything too drastic. So I got a gastric balloon. So far so good! It's not for everyone, but it's working for me. Like I said - it's a very personal decision and only you can determine what's best for you. Good luck! :-)

Edited April 14, 201610 yr by Wayward Traveler

I started changing my eating habits and exercising in preparation for a sleeve. I started eating three meals a day and no snacking in between. Each meal is high Protein and average about 60-80 grams of protein. The weight is dropping off and my appetite has been curbed somewhat so it has me second guessing. I've been down this road before having lost a lot of weight. Don't want to full into a trap of losing and then gaining and being set back another 10 years.

I had a thin coworker today tell me that people who don't lose weight and stay thin are just lazy. Meanwhile, she eats crap- donuts for breakfast, tasty cakes for snacks. I never see her eat a vegetable or piece of fruit, EVER. and she told me she does not exercise, I do 3-4 times a week. She is thin but definitely out of shape looking. She has seriously high blood pressure. We are about the same age. I have always eaten fairly healthy, just eat too darn much. I exercise, have excellent BP and normal cholesterol. You can't tell me there isn't something in my genetics or just plain biological that doesn't cause me to regain weight.

I have been on the fence for a long time. I have not been 100% sure all along. But tomorrow is my final weigh in for my 3 month diet. I am all cleared and ready for insurance submission. And I am ready. I can not do this alone. It's time.

I've been thinking more about this. I think keeping it off is the biggest factor. If I was somehow able to lose all the excess weight before surgery (hypothetically) I'd still want the surgery. I don't ever want to be this weight again.

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Such awesone replies! They helped me alot. Thank you all!

@@theantichick ... that was an awesome post about the interplay of fat cells, estrogen, autoimmune diseases, etc.

I never knew ANY of that stuff!

Thank you.

I originally thought about wls about 15 years ago and it seemed so drastic. I felt that I could lose the weight on my own with diet and exercise. Over the years I have lost 80lbs and gained 120. I have always been able to lose but not keep it off. Now I am heavier that I was then but I still thought I could do it on my own. In November, I started having problems with my knees and calves and I was in excruciating pain for every step. I iced my knees, calves and anything else that hurt but I kept pushing on. One day I was caught my first episode of my 600lb life and reality hit me in the face. I realized that I was at a crossroads. I had gained enough weight that it was putting serious strain on my joints and I really took stock of what I was feeling. My knees, calves, hips and lower back hurt every time I stood for more than 5 minutes or walked a block. I realized that if I did not do something soon I was going to be immobile and I knew if that happened I would gain more weigh and may end up like the people on 600lb life. I cannot, will not allow myself to go there. I could not live in denial anymore and I had to do something. I started researching the surgery and three days later I contacted my doctor and she made the appointment for the seminar for this Saturday. I have lost 11lbs so far and I plan to keep going.

@@theantichick ... that was an awesome post about the interplay of fat cells, estrogen, autoimmune diseases, etc.

I never knew ANY of that stuff!

Thank you.

I'm a research fiend, and my docs know I want the nitty gritty details.

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