What is it like having WLS

[Suzannesh 376]

Hi,

I must have talked myself in and out of having WLS for at least 2 years before I had it. I kept thinking, if I get a trainer and go to Weigh****chers I can do this myself. It was also about spending $$$$. Then I had a very close friend that I worked with who had WLS. I started to get more serious about it after asking her at least a 200 questions. She was very patient with me--thank you Kristi. Her suggestion was for me to do some research on my OWN and see what I could come up with. That started my 6 month journey into WLS and all the kinds that were available. I also realized I was worth the $$$$ I was about to spend.

So I just didn't wake up one morning and say I am having WLS. By the time I made my choice and where I was going to have it done, I had spent a lot of time educating myself. That is important to do.

As we all know there is always risk involved when it comes to ANY kind of surgery, so I considered that, and said to my husband (boyfriend) at the time that I wanted to have WLS. He was there 200% for me. He loved me just the way I was and it didn't matter to him that I was fat.

I was doing this for me and NO one else.

The 1st month was the hardest month I had to do after having WLS--I had the sleeve by the way. I started to see the weight come off. I had my ups and downs like stalling for 9 days in a row without any weight loss, lost some of my hair (yes it comes back), had to deal with Constipation. Tried foods I never ate much of before and learned I loved them now. Learned how to cook differently--healthy. And most of learned that exercise was something that I actually enjoyed doing.

Would I tell someone this is what they should do. It is an individual choice. But, what I can say is that diet and exercise as I knew it wasn't working for me. I did the Yo Yo--lose it gain it back thing. WLS was my tool to allow me to lose the weight. It took me 14 months but I lost 105 pounds.

I love my new healthy body and I feel sooooooooooooo much better and healthy and happy, and I have a zest for life. I only wished I would have done it years before. But, for me it was the right time. You have to have your head in the right place for it to work. This has to be for YOU and no one else.

If you have any question, please ask away. I am here to support and encourage you that you too can be successful. It is really normal to have all kinds of feelings and emotions especially right before the surgery.

Hugs, Suzanne

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Thank you for sharing your story. It gives me hope for myself. Congratulations on making your goal - and surpassing it!

[Makingchanges 51]

Hi Suzanne,

Congratulations!!!! Thank you for sharing your story, It helps me to know that I am on the right track. I have and still am doing a lot of research, I need to be very educated about this WLS, because it's a life style change and it’s a major surgery. So, I am on a 6 month supervised diet, and I am truly utilizing this time to educated myself. I am single parent and have two teenage children still at home, but I have two adult children, that are on their own. Even through I’m single, I still had to ask God, the Father, to see if I could have this surgery and I haven't gotten an answer yet, but in case I get a Yes, I'll be well educated about it. So, alone the way I might have question and thanks for being here for me.

Do you mind if I add you as a friend?

Gina

[Disney 20]

Thanks for posting this. I always enjoy your positive posts, Suzanne.

[Suzannesh 376]

Thank you for sharing your story. It gives me hope for myself. Congratulations on making your goal - and surpassing it!

Hi Nancy,

Well, it looks like you are on your way to having WLS too. It is NEVER too late to become healthy and change your life. You are worth the effort it takes. I am thrilled that I can give you hope. If you have any questions or just need to talk, I am always here.

Hugs,

Suzanne

[Suzannesh 376]

Hi Suzanne,

Congratulations!!!! Thank you for sharing your story, It helps me to know that I am on the right track. I have and still am doing a lot of research, I need to be very educated about this WLS, because it's a life style change and it’s a major surgery. So, I am on a 6 month supervised diet, and I am truly utilizing this time to educated myself. I am single parent and have two teenage children still at home, but I have two adult children, that are on their own. Even through I’m single, I still had to ask God, the Father, to see if I could have this surgery and I haven't gotten an answer yet, but in case I get a Yes, I'll be well educated about it. So, alone the way I might have question and thanks for being here for me.

Do you mind if I add you as a friend?

Gina

Hi Gina,

You are doing all the righ things. Educating yourself is very important. You are WORTH all the things you are doing. Listen to your body and trust your own FEELINGS. NEVER give up on yourself. You are doing this for you and for your kids too. They want you around for a very long time.

Sometimes Gods sends a message to you in ways that your aren't listen. So as I said pay attention to your own body. You will know when the time is right. I am here to answer any questions that you might have. I want you to know that this is a great place to get support. We have been down the road ahead of you.

Hugs,

Suzanne

[Suzannesh 376]

Thanks for posting this. I always enjoy your positive posts, Suzanne.

Oh thank you,

I truly believe that WLS is the answer for so many of us. I tried the diet and exercise and just felt like I was a failure. And I wasn't. I NEEDED the tool of WLS to make be successful. So I realized that was what I needed to do. I knew I wanted the best doctor I could find because I was PAYING for it. I found him and the rest is history. It required a lot of work and effort on my part.

I want others to know that it is a lifestyle change and that you can eat healthy and NO DO have to live on a diet. I want you to know that you NEED to do this for YOU and NO one else. You are worth the cost of the surgery and support that you need is always right here.

Hugs,

Suzanne

[Meandmylittledog 0]

Thanks for the great post. I am scheduled to have the sleeve on June 7th. My "come to wls" has really happened quite quickly but still feel it's the right thing for me. My insurance will not pay for it, therefore, I'm cash pay. I have a good friend who just had the surgery on May 16th and she's doing great. We had discussed the Lap Band a few years ago and then for whatever reason we didn't pursue it any further. So when I heard that she was going to have vsg I was so happy for her and it got me thinking about myself again. I have been overweight for the last 12 years and then before that I was smaller than I am now but still overweight for probably another 10 years. I'm only 42 so that's 1/2 of my life. I have dieted and worked out several times in my life but it always comes back and usually plus some. My life doesn't consist of anything really "fun" because after work I'm just too tired to do anything. I walk my dog around the block and then come in and sit down. I don't do things because of my weight. I'm so tired of it holding me back. I'm ready to work at learning how to use this fabulous tool and lose this weight once and for all!

In the past I never thought surgery was the answer, but then again, I never researched it or really understood it. The closer I get to my surgery date the more thoughts run through my mind. Like, what if I work out like those people on the Biggest Loser then I can lose weight too. But then again, I have to work and can't do that, not to mention I can't imagine having to do all that the way I'm feeling. I am hoping and praying that as I start to lose weight that I'll feel better physically and exercise won't be so unpleasant. I also find myself not wanting to tell anyone, other than my mother and my friend who had the surgery that I'm having it for fear that they'll judge me like I think I judged other's in the past. I sometimes feel like I'm a failure because I couldn't make my fat butt get up to exercise or I couldn't control myself enough to put down that huge bowl of ice cream. I have only myself to blame and I am so ashamed that I let myself get this way. I've never really been embarrassed by my weight but it seems like now I am. Does that make sense? I know I don't have to tell coworkers but they'll eventually notice as I begin to drop weight and they notice I'm not eating very much. I want to be proud of taking charge of my life and trying to help myself out of this deep hole I've buried myself in and not have people pass judgment or talk behind my back. I don't know, maybe I'm not giving them enough credit, maybe they'd be happy for me, but then again, why do I care? I care because it's hard not to. Has anyone else felt this way? I think it's pretty normal but sometimes I feel very alone in it.

I really am excited at the thought of having control over something that has seemed to control me for so long. I am excited that as I lose weight I won't be at risk for heart disease which runs in my family, for diabetes, for high bp, and the list goes on. Being able to shop in a regular store would be nice too.

Thanks for listening and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Congrats on your success and I only pray that I'll be as successful.

[Suzannesh 376]

Thanks for the great post. I am scheduled to have the sleeve on June 7th. My "come to wls" has really happened quite quickly but still feel it's the right thing for me. My insurance will not pay for it, therefore, I'm cash pay. I have a good friend who just had the surgery on May 16th and she's doing great. We had discussed the Lap Band a few years ago and then for whatever reason we didn't pursue it any further. So when I heard that she was going to have vsg I was so happy for her and it got me thinking about myself again. I have been overweight for the last 12 years and then before that I was smaller than I am now but still overweight for probably another 10 years. I'm only 42 so that's 1/2 of my life. I have dieted and worked out several times in my life but it always comes back and usually plus some. My life doesn't consist of anything really "fun" because after work I'm just too tired to do anything. I walk my dog around the block and then come in and sit down. I don't do things because of my weight. I'm so tired of it holding me back. I'm ready to work at learning how to use this fabulous tool and lose this weight once and for all!

In the past I never thought surgery was the answer, but then again, I never researched it or really understood it. The closer I get to my surgery date the more thoughts run through my mind. Like, what if I work out like those people on the Biggest Loser then I can lose weight too. But then again, I have to work and can't do that, not to mention I can't imagine having to do all that the way I'm feeling. I am hoping and praying that as I start to lose weight that I'll feel better physically and exercise won't be so unpleasant. I also find myself not wanting to tell anyone, other than my mother and my friend who had the surgery that I'm having it for fear that they'll judge me like I think I judged other's in the past. I sometimes feel like I'm a failure because I couldn't make my fat butt get up to exercise or I couldn't control myself enough to put down that huge bowl of ice cream. I have only myself to blame and I am so ashamed that I let myself get this way. I've never really been embarrassed by my weight but it seems like now I am. Does that make sense? I know I don't have to tell coworkers but they'll eventually notice as I begin to drop weight and they notice I'm not eating very much. I want to be proud of taking charge of my life and trying to help myself out of this deep hole I've buried myself in and not have people pass judgment or talk behind my back. I don't know, maybe I'm not giving them enough credit, maybe they'd be happy for me, but then again, why do I care? I care because it's hard not to. Has anyone else felt this way? I think it's pretty normal but sometimes I feel very alone in it.

I really am excited at the thought of having control over something that has seemed to control me for so long. I am excited that as I lose weight I won't be at risk for heart disease which runs in my family, for diabetes, for high bp, and the list goes on. Being able to shop in a regular store would be nice too.

Thanks for listening and any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Congrats on your success and I only pray that I'll be as successful.

Hi,

Oh you are NOT crazy at all. As was reading what you wrote, I am sitting here thinking, this lady is saying all the things I said and feeling the same way I felt--I really do get you more than you know. Those people on Biggest Loser tend to gain it back again. Their succes over keeping it off isn't that great. If diet and exercise would work that GREAT for everyone, we would have already been successful. I also hear what you are saying about exercise. I used to hate it because I was fat and couldn't move and had NO energy. Now I can and I like it. I walk a lot.

You are on the right track, it is normal to have 2nd thoughts and all these feelings. If your co-works are asking question, just tell them that you are having a lifestyle change, which includes a change in your diet and Portion Control and some exercise and then smile--leave it at that. That is all your OWE them. If later on you want to share with them, you can but keep it simple right at first. The last thing you need is anyone judging you. Share with your family if you want and just do what is BEST for you.

There is no shame in having WLS. If the doctor said to you, that you were going to die if you didn't have your appendix out, you wouldn't think twices about doing it. Now you are taking control over your life and having 3/4 of your stomach removed because you will die faster from being fat.

I know how you feel--how did I let this happen to me? Been there and done that. Now it is time to move on and take care of yourself. This is ALL about your and NO one else. I know how you are feeling. I am here every step of the way. Just ask what you want to and tell me if you are scared, These are all the things we have felt and know how you feel and what you are thinking.

Hugs, and please keep me posted.

Suzanne

[Fullatynna 0]

Thanks for sharing - I had the band back in 07 and now my Dr is suggesting for me to try something else. Since I know have health issues from the band, I cannot get any more fills and well I believe the sleeve is something I would like to have.

I joined this site to get information and get educated.

again thanks for sharing--

[

quote name=Suzannesh' timestamp='1306384220' post='155432]

Hi,

I must have talked myself in and out of having WLS for at least 2 years before I had it. I kept thinking, if I get a trainer and go to Weigh****chers I can do this myself. It was also about spending $$. Then I had a very close friend that I worked with who had WLS. I started to get more serious about it after asking her at least a 200 questions. She was very patient with me--thank you Kristi. Her suggestion was for me to do some research on my OWN and see what I could come up with. That started my 6 month journey into WLS and all the kinds that were available. I also realized I was worth the $$ I was about to spend.

So I just didn't wake up one morning and say I am having WLS. By the time I made my choice and where I was going to have it done, I had spent a lot of time educating myself. That is important to do.

As we all know there is always risk involved when it comes to ANY kind of surgery, so I considered that, and said to my husband (boyfriend) at the time that I wanted to have WLS. He was there 200% for me. He loved me just the way I was and it didn't matter to him that I was fat.

I was doing this for me and NO one else.

The 1st month was the hardest month I had to do after having WLS--I had the sleeve by the way. I started to see the weight come off. I had my ups and downs like stalling for 9 days in a row without any weight loss, lost some of my hair (yes it comes back), had to deal with Constipation. Tried foods I never ate much of before and learned I loved them now. Learned how to cook differently--healthy. And most of learned that exercise was something that I actually enjoyed doing.

Would I tell someone this is what they should do. It is an individual choice. But, what I can say is that diet and exercise as I knew it wasn't working for me. I did the Yo Yo--lose it gain it back thing. WLS was my tool to allow me to lose the weight. It took me 14 months but I lost 105 pounds.

I love my new healthy body and I feel sooooooooooooo much better and healthy and happy, and I have a zest for life. I only wished I would have done it years before. But, for me it was the right time. You have to have your head in the right place for it to work. This has to be for YOU and no one else.

If you have any question, please ask away. I am here to support and encourage you that you too can be successful. It is really normal to have all kinds of feelings and emotions especially right before the surgery.

Hugs, Suzanne

[italiangirl 0]

(italiangirl)

Hi Suzanne. My two sisters ages 65 & 54 had the Lap Band donw. They are still Happy 1 & 2 yrs later. My dr suggest that I have the Sleeve done. I have decided to do it too. What I would like to know is that does everyone have ecess skin on there tummy? I have alot now even before the surgery but, I think that loosing weight pre-op and excersie will help with this. Please advise. Thanks Trish

Hi,

I must have talked myself in and out of having WLS for at least 2 years before I had it. I kept thinking, if I get a trainer and go to Weigh****chers I can do this myself. It was also about spending $$$$. Then I had a very close friend that I worked with who had WLS. I started to get more serious about it after asking her at least a 200 questions. She was very patient with me--thank you Kristi. Her suggestion was for me to do some research on my OWN and see what I could come up with. That started my 6 month journey into WLS and all the kinds that were available. I also realized I was worth the $$$$ I was about to spend.

So I just didn't wake up one morning and say I am having WLS. By the time I made my choice and where I was going to have it done, I had spent a lot of time educating myself. That is important to do.

As we all know there is always risk involved when it comes to ANY kind of surgery, so I considered that, and said to my husband (boyfriend) at the time that I wanted to have WLS. He was there 200% for me. He loved me just the way I was and it didn't matter to him that I was fat.

I was doing this for me and NO one else.

The 1st month was the hardest month I had to do after having WLS--I had the sleeve by the way. I started to see the weight come off. I had my ups and downs like stalling for 9 days in a row without any weight loss, lost some of my hair (yes it comes back), had to deal with Constipation. Tried foods I never ate much of before and learned I loved them now. Learned how to cook differently--healthy. And most of learned that exercise was something that I actually enjoyed doing.

Would I tell someone this is what they should do. It is an individual choice. But, what I can say is that diet and exercise as I knew it wasn't working for me. I did the Yo Yo--lose it gain it back thing. WLS was my tool to allow me to lose the weight. It took me 14 months but I lost 105 pounds.

I love my new healthy body and I feel sooooooooooooo much better and healthy and happy, and I have a zest for life. I only wished I would have done it years before. But, for me it was the right time. You have to have your head in the right place for it to work. This has to be for YOU and no one else.

If you have any question, please ask away. I am here to support and encourage you that you too can be successful. It is really normal to have all kinds of feelings and emotions especially right before the surgery.

Hugs, Suzanne

[thinkingboutVSG 1]

Thanks for sharing Suzanne!!!

[SCW2011 0]

Thank you for sharing! I needed this today. My surgery is June 2.

[myrori 55]

I only wished I would have done it years before.

This seems to be a common statement among st all WLS patients. If you are on the line about getting the surgery done, this is the one line in all the posts you should pay attention to. While we all have different concerns and fears pre op, We all share the same post op thought. I WISH I HAD DONE IT YEARS AGO!

[Douceur72 3]

Suzanne, thanks for sharing your journey.

I meet with my surgeon June 1 and will walk out of his office with a date I had never considered WLS seriously because I had always been able to lose on my own...of course gaining back every time...but always felt it was a matter of will that I could conquer. Til last year when I started to have s&s of diabetes. Luckily the blood tests were negative but it was a true wake up call that if I didn't do something NOW I was going to be a diabetic like my dad and a few others in the family who suffered amputations, blindness etc.

At the WLS seminar I first heard the word 'sleeve.' I had gone with intentions (and fear) of getting banded. In the end, I think it was all meant to be... that I went to the seminar when I did, that the sleeve had just been an approved procedure by my insurance, etc. Now that I've 6 months to think about it due to the silly pre-op classes required by insurance, I am 100% sure this is the right thing to do. So excited to begin losing, with confidence that it can truly be a forever thing.