Jay05

I'm not sure we call it the insurance here but it's same process... blood tests, sleep studies, x ray, endoscopy and weight management. it's a 18 month process in total so I am nearer the end which will be my surgery!! I started my diet today had 2 shakes and went on a 20 min walk during my lunch. looking foward to lentil Soup in a hr or so. Going to make lemon Water to drink later.. as water is soo bland!! how is ur journey going?? oh and I haven't told anyone about my surgery so can't join Facebook :-( xx

I had VGS done about 10 months ago, and have had time to reflect on the journey so far, so here's my perspective. What you're going through now is all part of the process, first you question the severity of having to resort to surgery, you ask what's wrong with me, then how are we going to tell everyone and the fear of their reaction, then making the committment along with the doubts that it might not work. But, what's going to happen to YOU if you do nothing? Are you going to suddenly find that perfect diet or your inner athlete just because everyone tells you that's the best way to do it? Or is it more likely that your weight keeps going up and your body keeps getting damaged? So, embrace the process, some parts of it is going to be hard and painful, the potential remarks from family may hurt, but its a test of your resolve. When you are where I am in a year, it will be up to you to determine if it was worth it. A year ago I could barely walk, my hip had deteriorated, my knees were bad, lower back problems, on CPAP, diabetes and cholesterol meds, and I felt old (I'm in my 60's). Today, I walk at least two miles a day or more, off CPAP and meds, I feel better than I did in my 50's. Life is great, totally worth it! Good luck in your journey, make it about you. Thank you so much for you response.. ı found your words really touching. You reminded me once again why I chose to take this path in the 1st place. It's already been a hard journey since Jan 2014! Everything seems to take alot longer in the UK. I can't wait to feel fit and healthy again! x

@djay2010 Thank you so much. Your advice has really got me thinking. I feel like my surgery is so far away... just hearing you say "since you are getting closer to your date" has given me butterflies in my stomach!! Maybe it isn't that far ( I have been on this journey since Jan2014) It just feels like I will never get there! But you are right I need to really give myself a good kick and start this emotional journey as like urself comfort eating has become my thing!! Thank you again.. would be lovely to stay in touch!! x @djay2010 Thank you so much. Your advice has really got me thinking. I feel like my surgery is so far away... just hearing you say "since you are getting closer to your date" has given me butterflies in my stomach!! Maybe it isn't that far ( I have been on this journey since Jan2014) It just feels like I will never get there! But you are right I need to really give myself a good kick and start this emotional journey as like urself comfort eating has become my thing!! Thank you again.. would be lovely to stay in touch!! x

This site is great, I can only imagine I will be hooked on here even more after the surgery. So nice to have people who know how u feel!! I haven't come across anyone from the UK tho. I didn't have to do a 6 month insurance diet however my journey starTed last year January!! I have now been put on the waiting list. so hope to have surgery in Sept Oct time!! x

I know what you mean. I really want to tell my cousin however I'm not entirely sure she can keep it tight lipped. So many decisions!! Do u know when you will have ur surgery? Where r u from?

I can't wait to get a date. This in the UK work slightly different, I've been on this journey for over a year!! only now been put on waiting list. only 3/4 months to go!! x

That's such an amazing attitude to have I'm even a tad jealous!! :-) well done for being so outright and out spoken. The problem I have is always listening to the parents, I've been taught to stay quiet in what feels like every important stage of my life. Take what's thrown at you and deal with it. However I have started to fight back and stand up for myself altho I always second guess myself and regret my choice afterwards. It's a difficult situation as I am generally a very bubbly fun loving character. you would never believe the amount of insecurities lie beneath the surface!! For some silly reason I care what people think about me and I hate to be the center of people's conversations. But I know your right and dealing with it face on is usually the best way forward. Not sure if I could ever achieve it though :-/

This is the direction I hope to take.. just tell everyone the key notes and leave out the WLS info. I'm hoping to start my own diet asap, however I'm really struggling to find motivation at the moment!

My family is Haitian - I only told my immediate family, but I have not told them the location (Mexico). Obesity is unheard of among Haitians -I'm the only obese one in my extremely large family- and to be an unmarried woman going to another country for something like this is unheard of. I lost over 100 pounds years ago through diet and exercise, and the family gossip was that I lost it through pills, which caused all my health problems. It's all lies, but to this day, they still believe it. I just feel it's pointless to add more fuel to the fire, so I'm not telling. will u tell your closest?? you will need some support. how far are you in your journey??

Sounds like u have an amazing bond with your dad. he probably will be initially upset that you didn't tell him, but will be so happy for your weight loss. Your boyfriend sounds like a sweetie too! goodluck! keep us updated x x

I'm really happy for you and your sister!! will be great to have each other to lean on. when is your surgery?? x Have u had surgery? xx

Like u said it's your decision, I hAve decided to tell my parents, BF and husband as they are in my life on a daily basis they will notice the difference etc. but apart from them I won't be telling anyone else. They will all gossip and prob ask but I will just say I'm dieting, got a personal trainer and eating little but often x good luck in whatever you decide. when is your surgery?? x

I have to learn to put myself first. your right... it's all for a better healthier happier me!! And there is so much support here if needed!! x

This is exactly what I hope to do, tell everyone I'm going on a diet (this is the truth) be more vocal about my progress and take it a day at a time after that. and on social days tell people I'm on a juice diet hence why I'm not eating x Great way of thinking!

I have decided not to tell everyone but just my closest. The rest can speculate as much as they want. it's our decision to let them in on what I see something very personal x

London UK

I completely know where your coming from, I wish I could have lost the weight myself. But I don't want to waste anymore time being so depressed and low about myself. Work for me shouldnt be too much of a problem as I will just tell them I'm on a shake diet... Maybe you could say that too? It isn't entirely a lie, we will be on shakes.. you will be doing alot more exercise. İf you read further up this thread you may feel slightly more positive and clear how to tackle this. I certainly feel more confident in what steps I want to take x hope it helps and remember we are all here to listen x x

Hi Alex thanks for your advice, you have hit the nail on the head really.. ı have to be mentally prepared to not feel ashamed of having WLS and owning up to it (if it comes to that). Secrets always find a way of coming out. food and family occasions is such a big part of my life it will be impossible to hide chewing on one fork for ages! And then feeling full after 3/4 bites!! X @@Alex Brecher I really hope I can find friend's and support here and also give some too! X

I hate gossip!! I guess it's down to us not to let it affect or ditate our lives. The fact that your closest know is good, at least they will be there to support you. As for the rest just like u said maybe you will maybe you won't x

It's such a hard decision to have WLS let alone having to explain yourself so I know what you mean. I feel like my huband, parents and BF should know as they are in my daily life and they would know something wasn't right. As far as anyone else I don't want them to know anything. Everyone on this forum has really given me hope and determination. I shouldn't care what anyone thinks x

I am actually going to quote your list everytime I get questioned! Thank you!! Hope your experience is going well! X^_^

That's such an amazing achievement well done!! You should be so proud of yourself!! Hopefully I will be in your shoes one day :-) I can't wait to fit in my own seat on a plane and not be squashed, be comfortable in my body, go on rides, and be healthy!! This forum has made me even more excited :-) x

How's ur journey going? After listening to all the great support and advice, I am leaning on telling my family and friends. Seems like it going to be a hard journey that needs support! X