I am in a very difficult situation right now. Before, when I began persuing the surgery, I was almost totally sure it was what I wanted. My mother supported me, and my father accepted it. I am one of five shildren and one of my older sisters is almost finished with her degree in Oriental medicine. My family as a whole are into natural remedies. We are not extremists to any degree, but just prefer the natural method if it produces results. My dad is openly against the surgery because he says that if all the band does is restrict what you can eat, then I could do that myself. I could just decide to eat less and make the diet changes you would if you had the band and it would produce the same results. Is that possable? My two older sisters are against the surgery too, for one because they are worried about my mental health in the future. They are worried about what effect not being able to eat a normal portion of food is going to have on me and the interaction I have with people. My dad is also worried because even if you have the band, you can cheat, so what is it that is stopping me? He asks what is going to be different when I have the band, as opposed to now? If I can't do the post- surgery diet now, then I am not going to be able to do it then. I am also worried about it. I don't have the willpower now to say 'no' to a cookie that is sitting in front of me, or the piece of chocolate in the fridge. I sneak food a lot. If I can't eat healthily now, what is going to make me make the right decisions after I have the surgery? Right now I am living with my parents because I am going to school and can't afford to live by myself, so any decision I make is greatly influenced by my parents. I am not a decision maker, but I know I have to make this one. I just need to be prepared to defend my decision because if I decide to go through with it, I am not able to keep it from my family.
My underlying question is: Is it possible to have the same lasting results if I followed the post-surgery diet?
I would really appreciate any input, especially if anyone has medical schooling.
I am supposed to go in for my lab work on the 5th and my surgery is scheduled for the 20th. If I am not going to have the surgery, I need to let the hospital know.
Someone, anyone, I am looking for answers. :cursing: