Hi, I'm Cheri, and I'm new here.

[cheri02 14]

I am considering gastric bypass surgery and currently following through with all of the pre-surgery requirements. I have been heavy all my life. I feel like I have done every diet there is without reaching goal weight but coming close a few times. I have never kept it off, as so many of you can probably relate. I think that gaining the weight back is my biggest fear in this whole journey... I am very glad to know there is this supportive community to embrace others with these similar struggles.

[Grace2115 27]

Hi Cheri, that's my fear, too. But, it has taken me years to get to the point where I am finally ready to change my life forever, so I KNOW I won't gain it back. I went for a consultation 3 separate times before I ended up choosing bypass. I spent years contemplating, researching. I'm currently pre-op, on my 6th day of the 2 week liquid diet, and surgery is 10/8. I am so ready, and at peace with this life changing decision. I hope you find your peace.

[cheri02 14]

Thank you, Grace. Sounds like you thought it through and are definitely making the right decision. I am very happy for you, and I hope all things go well!

[toasty 371]

@@cheri02 Your feeling are totally normal, we all go through those same feelings and fears when starting this journey. One of the best things to think about is the probabilities. Only 5% of obese people are able to lose weight and keep it off permanently by dieting. For those with gastric bypass surgery, 95% are able to eliminate 70% of their excess weight long-term. Those are darn good odds.

The main key to weight loss success is to follow your doctor's and nutritionist/dietitian's (NUT) directions. People who do that are successful, and people who don't aren't. Almost everyone you speak to who has had gastric bypass will tell you how it has changed their lives and how happy they are that they have had it. The first few months after the surgery are hard, no doubt about it, but it gets easier as you develop the appropriate habits and it integrates into your life.

Congratulations on your path, and welcome to the site. There are a lot of great people here, and we are all on the same journey.

[RNYDawn 160]

@@cheri02 I am in the same boat and it's nice to hear from others that these feelings are normal! <3 I saw a surgeon in May for the free seminar but stopped there. Now I'm ready again but meeting with a different surgeon on Thursday!

@@Grace2115 - you must be so excited! Thinking good thoughts and sending them your way!

@@toasty - first of all, I LOVE your user name and thank you for your awesome information you share on here. The statistics are what keep me moving forward with this...I've tried for 15 years to lose weight and any success has been negated with regains plus more.

(Sorry to hijack your thread Cheri)

[The Candidate 3,215]

Hello, Cheri and welcome aboard!

[cheri02 14]

@ - I have know problem with you "hijacking" this thread! I'm just glad to know there are others out there with similar concerns and struggles. Thank you for sharing part of your story!

[cheri02 14]

@"toasty" - wow! Thanks for sharing those statistics! Very encouraging and motivating to have that info.