kyllfalcon

We all experienced the same doubts and fears you are having. Just keep thinking, studying, researching. It takes a little time to come to grips with the drastic lifestyle change and the risks inherent in any surgery, not just this one. For me it was a gradual process to work through the fears, but I did, and I have only one regret... that I didn't know of this procedure sooner.

Hope so! I've been chugging them since day 1 of pre-op DIET, still have one every day and I'm 7 months out!

Used to sweat, huff and puff all the time. Couldn't walk through WalMart. Hubby let me out at doors then parked the car. No more. All reversed. You will be there soon!

Dr. Weiss IS pretty to look at, but it is his sincerity and confidence that I find most attractive. I haven't seen him since the day I was released from the hopsital, but should I ever get to face him again, I want to hug him as hard as I can!

Not trying to be contrary here, just offering another point of view. That's what this forum is for. All the while that I was so overweight, I did and accomplished many things, both in my personal and professional life. I realized my worth. However, I hated being fat and I hated the way I looked, and I really couldn't stand to see my photo or engage in activities that might emphasize my size or limitations due to my size. I avoided both at all costs. I don't think I needed counseling then or now, I just needed to get the weight off. Now I am thrilled to be in photos, and love the way I look, even with the skin issues most of us face. The original poster's head might not need fixing. Just that layer of fat might need fixing. Honey, I totally get where you are and what you're feeling. I can't wait for you to get where I am and feel how I feel. Hold your pretty head up, it won't be long before you'll be dashing in front of cameras!!

I agree with both previous posters - have that talk, then get ready just in case the body language doesn't jive with the mouth moving.

I support the earlier the better attitude. Getterdone. You won't regret it.

It is overwhelming, isn't it?? I am having/getting to buy a complete new wardrobe. I had to buy all new summer clothes, and now I'm buying at least 2 sizes smaller for fall/winter clothes. Today I am wearing a gorgeous new outfit OF MY CHOOSING. Not something just to hide my nakedness. Not something black. Not something stretchy. Not something flowy. Not pull-on pants. Not monochrome. Something GORGEOUS. IN MY COLORS THAT FLATTER MY SKIN TONE. IN A BEAUTIFUL PATTERN. WITH STRUCTURE. I FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS. LIKE AN AGING BEAUTY QUEEN. I CAN'T GET OVER IT. I CAN'T STOP GLOWING.

Thank you, Queen of Crop! I do feel absolutely fantastic! Just changed my profile pic - many pounds lighter since older one, lots leaner in the face and neck. Sporting some of those new clothes! I am grinning ear to ear - I actually bought pieces I truly like, not just something black and flowy to cover my naked girth!! Worth every minute and penny.

I take gummy vites. No issues.

Drastic change is such a short time! Good work!

Thanks for that good advice, clk. Haste makes waste!

Holy freakin' crap.

I've replaced all clothing except my jammies. When I roll over at night I dang near slide out of them. Isn't it just the best??

I was crying on the way into the operating room. But now I have not one single regret. It is truly life-changing. I know there are some unfortunate folks who have a hard time after surgery, either medically and/or emotionally, so I don't discount the gravity of the decision. I am lucky to be one of the ones who have sailed through and can eat anything, just in limited portions. Even if you don't lose 100% of your excess weight, and even if you do gain a little weight back after reaching goal, odds are you will never again be nearly as heavy as you are pre-op. Just set realistic expectations and forgive yourself when you slip. I've been a model patient regarding my food choices up until the last week or so. I've been nibbling here and there because I'm stressed to the max at work. I forgive me. Today I eat only what is on my plan, not a bite more. Tomorrow I eat only what is on my plan, not a bite more. Your feelings are normal. Just want to add one more voice to the "do it, you won't regret it" count! Good luck.

It is the greatest thing ever to be constantly and repeatedly savoring these victories... fitting into booths, walking at a normal pace, not getting winded, bending over, being able to clip your toenails, seeing body parts previously not seen for years, seeing your reflection unexpectedly in a window, the seat belt clicking, not hunting for the Plus/Big and Tall sections in the back of the store, washing your face and feeling bone, cleaning the bathtub, getting down on and up off of the floor... the list is endless. Thanks for the reminder, and keep telling your story!!

Well, I suppose it's a good place to be... buying all new clothes! But it's expensive! I work in a professional setting and am in senior management, so I need to dress up a little. I had to buy all new spring/summer clothes, bought just enough for a week. Now I am buying all new fall/winter clothes, just enough for a week. I have a few pounds left to lose, so I bet I have to buy all new spring/summer again next year! In spite of going broke, I'm having the time of my life! I can't believe I'm not shopping in the Plus Size section at retail stores or shopping Plus Size sites online!! I usually have no idea what size I wear, so I throw 3 sizes of whatever in my bag. Heck, I can't believe I'm out shopping at all - before I couldn't stand and walk that long. I'm trying to keep purchases centered around a color/style theme so I can mix and match, but I will NOT buy black ever again! I used to try to hide behind black. No more! Sorry to brag - just happy happy happy!

WLS works if you do. You can go from a wider shoe size to a medium if your feet are fleshy. Not everyone will have this issue. I didn't.

I sew and am altering the new things for better fit - but from 3X to 12/14 is just too extreme for alterations! My summer tops, bought in May or June, are literally falling off around my shoulders! I may be able to use the new fall/winter things next year though, with a little nip tuck.

I think we all feel that way at some point, and it's totally natural and normal. I felt it. But 7 months out and close to goal, able to eat almost anything, and not one regret. Take a deep breath... you will be fine. Good luck!

Wonderful!! May you both grow to a very skinny old age together!

I used it for the program fee and some co-payments. I had to submit a letter from the bariatric office (they said it could have been my primary doctor though) stating the reasons why I needed the surgery to improve my health.

It is indeed liberating! Yesterday we hosted a big cookout for my son's birthday. We had grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, Italian sausage, and a bunch of carb-heavy side dishes. We had my famous home made cheesecake for dessert.I had about a quarter of a burger, no bun, a very small serving of mac and cheese, a little kraut but no brat, sauteed peppers and onions but no sausage, and a few bites of cheesecake. I was totally satisfied and happy to have hosted the cookout.Life's good.

Three weeks. My choice, doc would have let me go back in one week. However, I'm glad I stayed off that long. Liquid in, liquid out. Almost uncontrollably. That cleared up just a couple of days before I returned.

Nuts are not evil! They have lots of protein and fiber. I have 28 grams of unsalted almonds and 30 grams of unsalted peanuts every day. They add significantly to my 100 grams of daily protein and have more fiber than anything else I eat.