Losing Weight Before Surgery - It's Messing with My Head. Does anyone else feel like this?

[jobillandjosh 53]

My insurance and doctor haven't asked me to lose weight. I've been doing that on my own since January and am down 30 lbs. I have about 3 months until surgery and I plan on doing what I'm doing now so I'll actually lose more weight. My surgeon was fine with this. He said do what you're doing. Make habits. OK great!

But losing weight on my own is totally messing with my head. I know I need this surgery. I have lost this same 30 lbs I don't know how many times and have 90 to go. I don't lie to myself about needing surgery, but I don't always like it. I feel like I'm mourning that I couldn't do this on my own. It's not the food I feel bad about. I'm mourning losing this life where I don't have to sip all day, where I won't throw up foam, or worry about Hair loss. I know what I'm going to get on the other end is a great chance at a wonderful, healthy life. It's just the pounds I'm dropping right now sometimes make me think why can't this time be different? Because it's not. Period.

Is this weird that I feel like this? Or is this a normal phase of the process? When I get like this I try to remember the benefits of surgery and that it gives me the best chance I will ever have at managing my obesity.

[Michelle Tarver 62]

I could have written this and I have not even started the pre op phase of food charting and the weight loss I know will follow. So I have no insight to offer you but I know EXACTLY what you are saying.

[jane13 2,256]

I had the same thoughts but wanted off the yoyo diet train I had been on since I was about 15. sleeved six weeks today. no regrets.

[greenbaymichk 30]

Same story here. I've lost 20 lb getting ready for surgery, and question whether I could continue on my own. Yet I am battling every day (especially during the liquid phase) just to stay on track. And I feel badly that I require drastic measures to regain my health.

That being said, I need the sleeve as a tool to "get the job done" to lose weight and maintain the loss.

It is nice to have a forum where folks at exploring the same issues. Sometimes I feel like a real head case!

[Licia'sjourney 89]

I have lost 35lbs since January and I understand exactly what you mean. There is a little voice that says see you're doing it on your own, why do you need the surgery?

My answer is I have been losing and gaining my whole life so it is very apparent I cannot do it on my own and keep it off!

At this point I am totally committed and I am ready to go 06/24!

Good luck, we can do this!

[gertiemay 8]

I know I can lose the weight or at least a good chunk of it. I've done it more times than I can count and I'm only 40. That's not my problem. My problem is keeping it off for longer than 6-9 months. I completely understand your feelings though because I'm having those conversations in my head and I'm 5-1/2 weeks away from my surgery. I try to tell myself that I've had to see a weight management doctor and dietician for the past 6 months (prior to surgery due to my insurance requirements). I've lost 35 pounds through my diet, quitting pop (soda) and walking 4-7 miles/6 days per week, but I can't say without that accountability and the support I've experienced from my support group that I would have been successful on my own. And long term with a diagnosis of borderline diabetes I know I need more help than I can give myself. This surgery will allow me to live the life that I want for myself, the life that my kids deserve from their mom and the life I want as a wife for my husband. I have found peace knowing and asking for help. I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

[Beachsprite 118]

are you me?? lol

My surgeon told me that most of his patients make an appointment with a surgeon (often 4-8 weeks wait to get in over here) and a few weeks later cancel as they have one last crack at loosing weight most people lose a fair bit 20+lbs then put it all back on quickly and then make the commitment to surgery. And yup I was one of them!

[jobillandjosh 53]

I did start with a different WLS last year and just did custom track to lose weight, work with a physiologist and nut (so non-surgery - wasn't ready to commit). Like my last ditch effort. Lost 30 lbs. Yes - this same 30 lbs. Derailed and gained it all back. That's how I knew I was finally ready to admit defeat over my own body and as sad as I was feeling like I'd failed, it's the most hopeful decision I've ever made. A lifetime of taking it off and putting it back on. Like I said, I know I need this surgery. There will be no backing out. It helps to know other people feel like me.