Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hi there,

I am new here and am just begining the steps to get banded. A little about me, I am 25yrs and have been overweight my whole life. Right now I am 5'8 and weigh 294 lbs but I am pretty active and healthy. I have tried everything under the sun to loose weight and nothing seems to work for me. I do work out and go to the gym and I try to eat healthy and natural but the weight just doesn't want to come off. My last go around with a diet recently was on Weight Watchers. Now I thought it was a really good program however, like the other diets I have tried, it didn't work for me. I am at a point in my life where I am ready for a giant change and I think this is the right thing for me.

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share some things with me. I was wondering, what made other people come to the decision to have the surgery? What are the factors that led up to it and if you have had it done already, how are you coping afterwards?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I now have appts set up with 3 different surgeons to see which one is right for me. Anyone from MN? I am seeing Dr Ikramuddin, Dr Lederer and Dr Wetherille. I am really nervous but still looking forward to getting the procedure done.

Also how did you guys break the news to your family and friends? I am a little scared that they are going to look down on me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there... I like you have been over weight my whole life... Lost it all gained it back plus more each time. I hated that!

I lost a whole bunch of weight in 2004 but then I ended up way more than when I started, I said I would NEVER have a surgery... I was scared... But, that was the gastric bypass.

Last October my brother that is 3 years older than me.. he is over weight now but wasn't when he was younger like me, well he had a massive heart attack... He almost died. they gave him a 10% chance to even make it because his heart was so weak & damaged. He made it!

Well from that day on I thought I need to do something or I am going to end up like him or worse! I have been fat since birth!

Then there are the people that give you the looks or talk about you... lets not forget about booths in restaurants, you no longer fit in them anymore, let alone rides at the amusement park...

I thought this life is not fun anymore, you get out of breath walking up steps, you cant fit in a seat anymore, you get the looks, you get the whispers and to top it all off you are so unhealthy!

So I said I am going to find out about the lap bad... I am so happy I did it! I am just beginning this new journey, but so far I am loving it!

I only told my Husband, Daughter, & 3 of my best friends.

The rest I told I had my gall bladder out.

My parents would not understand as they have never been there for me... as a matter of fact they would call me a walrus, etc... And, that was when I was no where near fat. I am 5'10"... and when I was a walrus I was 145 -155 pounds and a size 10... but because I was not a size 2 like my little sister who is only 5'6" that put the label of walrus on me, how sick! And to think that is my very own parents, so ya see why I did not tell them???

I do not need their negative comments... At this time in my life it is about me and all of the positive energy and comments I can get!!

So good luck in your search! Do not let anyone bring you down or talk you out of making a healthy decision to aid you through the rest of your life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, ditto for me too. I have been overweight whole life. This is the heaviest I have ever been. I have done every diet known to man-kind (woman-kind, lol), lost it, found it,lol. But in all seriousness I have plenty of reasons for this surgery (date is nov 26th).

Reasons:

1. fly comfortably, able to wear the seabelt without having a welt around my belly, because I am too embarassed to accept the extender.

2. cross legs like my skinny friends

3. shop in stores other than lane bryant, avenue, and "big-girl" sections at the department stores.

4. wear all the clothes in my closet, and not just the few shirts I feel comfortable in, over and over and over:faint:

5. have my husband wrap his arms comfortably around my body, and not be thinking "is he touching my back-fat?"

6. be free when being intimate

7. quit adjusting bra, pulling at shirt away from body

8. no worries when going into a restaurant and fitting in the booths, chairs.

9. being able to wear my seatbelt in my truck,,,,,I can't wear comfortable right now

10. being able to exercise and actually enjoy it.

Well I guess that is enough for now,,,,,I know I have more reasons, just tired at the moment.

Hope this helps.:(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just wanted to write a little update.

I am moving along on the road to being banded. I went for my seminar last night and I mailed in all of my paperwork today. Hopefully I will be getting a call from my dr's office to schedule my appointments soon! YAY :clap2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You sound like you were reading from my thoughts.The seatbelts, the amusement park rides,worrying about my husband toughing my back fat.I am soooo ready for this surgery.If I could only get the ball rolling faster. I am waiting for my doc to give me the script for my CPAP. Through this journey I have found that I have sleep apnea. The surgeon wants me to be on the machine a few weeks before I can even schedule the surgery.I am still hoping for a date around x=mas. Time is running out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What made me decide to get the surgery was my age im 20 year's old i read that most people was smaller when they where younger well im not older yet an i been big my whole life. Never had a real boyfriend every1 want's to be just "Friend's" i didnt even have a date to the senior prom i have to take my cousin who was a freshman (Thank god he looks older) I not saying i did it jus for the attention of men but.... I want to be able to have fun jus like other girls my age an not alway be the third will or the "Fat Friend" who has to tag along. Im 9 day's post op an loving every pound i lose.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What made me decide to get the surgery was my age im 20 year's old i read that most people was smaller when they where younger well im not older yet an i been big my whole life. Never had a real boyfriend every1 want's to be just "Friend's" i didnt even have a date to the senior prom i have to take my cousin who was a freshman (Thank god he looks older) I not saying i did it jus for the attention of men but.... I want to be able to have fun jus like other girls my age an not alway be the third will or the "Fat Friend" who has to tag along. Im 9 day's post op an loving every pound i lose.

I hear ya on that! I am glad you are doing well and it's always nice to see that you are aren't the only one going through these issues. Congrats on your loss!:biggrin1:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks alot.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×