surgery on monday... what ifs

[terry1118 1,274]

I'm 54 and I had my surgery 8 months ago. I have only one regret - that I didn't do this YEARS ago! I became overweight with my first pregnancy in '86 (full term twin girls), increasing my weight in '91 with my second pregnancy (10 1/2 pound son), and then steadily gaining from there. At first, because I was young, I was a pretty healthy fat person. I did things with my kids (even if I was uncomfortable or embarrassed). Gradually I developed back, knee, and foot pain. I became less active because of the pain and continued to gain weight. I had high cholesterol, was pre-diabetic, carb-sensitive, and had gall stones from my continuous high fat diet. I was on medication for the cholesterol that affected my liver. My husband is into body building and is extremely fit and healthy. He looks 15 years younger than me. I couldn't do anything with him. Last year I was in so much pain that I could barely get through my workday (I work in a bank). I was miserable and becoming more unhealthy with each month that passed. I only had a few items of clothing that fit and they were getting tight. The thought of buying something in sz24 or 3x made me cringe. I'm only 5' tall and I was pretty huge.

I'm telling you all this because most of you seem young with young families. If you do this now you can enjoy your younger years and be a bigger part of your children's lives. You can be the fun mom doing things with your kids, not the one who watches the fun happen from the sidelines. You can get healthy BEFORE the health problems start to do damage to your bodies and make you miserable - perhaps even shortening your life. You can LIVE and not just EXIST.

I had my surgery on 5/30/13

I healed quickly with no complications and very little discomfort. By July my snoring stopped. By August I was off meds and feeling really good. By fall I was very active - all my body aches and pains were gone. I was loving shopping for clothes and I was a size 16. By Christmas I had lost 100 pounds and was a size 10! I'm only 9 pounds away from my married weight. I go with my husband on his motorcycle - back-boobs are gone and I look great in my leather jacket. I walk my dogs a lot and they are no longer chubby, too! I am SO VERY HAPPY and I feel GREAT!!! I wasted so much of my life feeling terrible, physically and mentally.

If you do this now you won't regret it. In all my research I couldn't find anyone who did. Even the few I found who had complications said they had no regrets. The only regret most have is that they waited too long. Only you know what is best for you. But if you wonder if you should wait until you develop weight-related problems that says to me that you know nothing will change between now and then. Why wait?

Just my thoughts... :-)

[hmjdreamingbig 93]

Terry1118,

Thank you for sharing your story and your thoughts. You are right. I do know nothing will change if I don't take this step. Sure I will stick with the "diet" for a while but when nothing at all happens...then what? I know this surgery will give me the tool and motivation to do this for myself and my family! I do not want to be the tired mom who always JUST wants to cuddle, I want to be the active mom who takes her kids on hikes, and bike rides (something I've never done in all their lives) I want to not be too embarrassed to go to a Water park n go down the slides with them.

I pray with all my heart, this is my answer, my freedom to this fat shame I carry with me all the time. My new life, my new attitude and a better me!

I really do appreciate everyone on here and their support. Having a place to come and be real and honest and scared with those who understand has been so helpful.

[Meintraining 104]

Terry thank you for your wonderful post. I am so happy for you.