What are your thoughts? Pre-Op weight is 190

[Happylife 6]

I had struggled with my weight. Been on every diet. I have a BMI of 32. I am honestly frightened to death to have this surgery. After reading all the complications. Although it seems that people are fairly happy with weight loss and would do it again. My goodness some of the stories. Hair loss, depression, acid problems, vomiting. And the list goes on and then includes research about grenlin related to sleep, internal furnace and memory and who knows what else grenlin effects. No long term studies. I have had my blood work done and scheduled my nut and Phyc appts. But I am thinking that I should just try one last attempt at loosing this 60lbs by eating 120 grams of protien 3 times a day with vegetables and fruit. Exchange cheese and eggs short of a plan, I know this is hard for me. I have tried to loose weight before but, always manage to gain in back! Like the rest of us. I don't know what to do. But think I should give it one last try so, I have no regrets! I lost my dad to diabetes and my mom was like a very big women too. I feel so alone in all of this too. I live in Canada. Hardly anyone here has even heard of this. If I had complication the on call doctors would be at a loss as what to do with me. Considering Dr.Landerholm who has done a lot of these and even has a after care program in place. His office is about 30 min away as we live close to the boarder. thanks for your thoughts.

[2ahealthierme 0]

Think back to why you wanted the surgery in the first place. My process started in March 2011 and my surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday. There have been a number of times that I second guessed my decision and thought I should just give it "one more try" or just not have the surgery at all ("I must be crazy" thinking). From the time I made the decision to have surgery, it's been very taxing on my psyche. I have to continue to be absolutely honest with myself to see that I'm doing the right thing. For the first time in my life, I'm being honest with myself and accepting my bad habits, which include validating my bad behaviors. Surgery is not a way to give up, or to take the easy route, as many people believe. It is a tool to be used with determination, hardwork and dedication. I wish you the best on your decision!!!

[MINI-Me 196]

I had surgery with a BMI of 32. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was an expert dieter, but could never maintain. This tool gives me the ability to be successful at the "hard" part.

Saying that, I think it's good that you are considering all the possible complications, impacts, etc on your life. If you want to give it one more go, certainly do it. With self-pay, you have more flexibility in your schedule & shorter consult to surgery time. I have heard good things about Dr. Landerholm.

[Happylife 6]

Thanks for the input so far guys

[iegal 460]

Agree with Mini-Me. I would do this again tomorrow if I was in some crazy time warp. My starting BMI was 33 and I was a self pay in the US. Expensive, yes.

Question I grappled with was if I was worth the money I was going to spend. Next, life was not magically perfect after surgery. I had minor bumps along the way after VSG. But, I have no regrets other than none having done this earlier. I feel great, am active and look great.

sleep on it and the answer will come to you.

[fern 195]

Hey happylife! Where are you in Canada? I'm about 30 min outside Vancouver! I second guessed myself so much. I'm so glad I went through this. It has made such I huge difference in my life. I don't regret it for a second!

[Happylife 6]

Thanks!!! So far. It seems to be a taxing decision for me. I think it might be the right decision though. Everyone seems to think Dr.landerholm is excellent as he is very experienced.

[peatie 4]

No second guessing for me. In fact, there are many times now that I *know* I made the right decision, because if I didn't have the surgery, I'd have finished the whole plate of food and then some. Restriction was a BIG key for me to lose weight and get it under control once and for all. No regrets. My hair did not fall out, no acid problems, no depression.

[Beadingnurse 116]

I weighed 200 lbs when I made the doctors appt...197 a few weeks later when I walked in his door. I told myself every year on my birthday that THIS year I would lose 50 lbs. The problem was that I have been telling myself that for 15 years!

I had surgery 3 months ago this week and I have already lost over 40 lbs. I feel decades younger and can't believe how much better I feel. I saw the doctor this week and my blood sugar is now in the normal range! If that isn't great enough, I went shopping last week and bought a couple pair of slacks in a size 10. I've been in 12s for a month or so but they are getting too lose. It has only been 3 months! It feels like a miracle to me and eating small meals feels normal. Can you tell I am thrilled?!

You have to be sure you are ready and I put off the surgery for over a year because I was sure I could lose the weight on my own. (I didn't) When you get ready we are all here to support you! Good luck.

[Happylife 6]

Thanks! As part of my research I went to a WLS Support group. I think I am finally ready to go ahead with it after speaking with many people that have it done. My next apt is August the 3rd for nut and Phyc apt. It might be hard but, I went to the store and tried to carry 60lbs in bagged potatoes a couple of feet and that was hard too! Thanks for your input!

Much appreciated!

[dragon 1]

To add another note... I remember being that person with a 32 BMI; it was 2002, and I was trying my hardest to take it off. Never thought about surgery at that point. Fast forward to 2011, life has continued, I have had a wedding, stressful job, and two kids, and then had a BMI of 40 when I finally got the surgery. I am thrilled with how the first two months have gone (down from 206 to 168 this morning!), and I wish I could have had this bak in 2002.

Doing it at a lower BMI means you most likely won't ever hit the higher BMI; you won't have half of the skin issues, because you haven't stretched out your skin so much in the first place. You have more of a chance of keeping your private business private, because it's awesome, but not so suspicious to see someone drop 40 - 60 lbs than it is to see them drop 100. If it were me, and I could time travel, and bring this surgery back with me, I would do it before the problem became so severe.