I'm so tired of being on the fence about having surgery. I've been going through all the steps, appointments and requirements for the last 6 months. I already have a surgery date the end of July. But for some reason, I am so afraid of going through with the surgery. It's something I've researched for several years. And I keep telling myself I should try to lose the weight on my own with diet and exercise. But with every attempt to lose weight, I just continue to fail. What finally pushed you over the edge? I need a push!

Rosemary,

I tried for years to lose weight thinking the same thing you are. I should be able to do this on my own! At the age of 54, I weighed 351, was on four blood pressure meds, had chronic pain issues, had both knees replaced, could barely walk across the living room with having to stop and rest, my legs would swell up and hurt, my feet were starting to go numb and have the tingling and shooting pains from peripheral nephropathy, I couldn't stand up for more than a few minutes without my back hurting which meant I couldn't cook or bake anymore or play with my grandchildren, I was very unstable on my feet so my daughter wouldn't let me carry my grand-baby so I could only hold her sitting down, and the list goes on. I was let go from my job because I was out so much. I got to the point I was pretty sure I was going to die in a year. My cardiologist finally told me she had done all she could and nothing would get any better until I lost weight. She had been with me for 10 years and seen all my struggles and gave me the card of a bariatric doctor and said he was the best and I should seriously consider it.

It was the best decision I have made for myself in years. I was sleeved on March 29th, 2017. I am down 56 pounds. I am dropped all but one blood pressure med and i am only taking half one in the morning and half at night. My pain are getting so much better. The swelling in my legs is minimal and only when I am sit for long periods. The numbness and peripheral nephropathy is almost gone. I am walking a mile a day, sometimes twice a day. I am cooking and baking all the time. My back pain is gone. My breathing is great! My daughter just let me carry my new grandson around the hospital room several times. I can play with my other grand-kids like i haven't been able to in over five years.

My cardiologist stood up and told me she just had to hug me when she saw me after my surgery. Everyone tells me how proud they are of me and to keep up the good work. My mom and dad are delighted. My husband is so happy as are my kids. I am proud of me and happy with my decision to do this and my change in mindset. It was the best decision I have made!!!!!

All of that pushed me over the edge of not thinking surgery for me and made me wonder what held me back for all those years. I wish I had done it sooner but I am making the most of it now!

Go for it Rosemary!!!

I was at the point where I was starting to get joint pain and just generally feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. Type 2 diabetes was on the horizon. It was these things that made me decide to go through with it.

This has been the most effortless weight loss I've ever had, I can usually fight my way to a 30 pound loss. But now, I would literally have to eat little bits of junk all day, to get around this fantastic tool. But the (empty feeling) stomach hunger is gone, so the motivation to constantly eat is also gone.