What should I do .........

[MimsDub 10]

Hi Bariatric Friends ......

I would like to lose approx. 28 kgs. I have just lost 9.5 kgs. in 10 weeks with Slimming World.

I have been discussing Bariatric Sleeve surgery but my daughter is so against me having it done. She says that I will never again be able to enjoy a family meal or a meal out .... that I am not heavy enough to have Bariatric Surgery .... that I can lose this weight by watching my food intake and not necessarily having a bariatric sleeve, which is quite drastic.

I have a neurological auto-immune illness, which has caused my weight gain - I was very thin until the onset of this illness. I am on lots of (weight inducing) medication. I am going to be taking this medication for life.

I am now wondering whether Bariatric Surgery or basic diet change is the way to go. There is no guarantee that I will lose weight even if I become anorexic because of my illness and the associated medication. Would you recommend surgery or just diet management for my situation. If I could get my jaws wired for a time I could find out if I'm going to lose enough weight to make me happy ......

Thanks in advance for your advice ....... I'm very confused !!

[ItsABearDance 21]

This sounds like a decision you should talk through with your Dr, going over your neurological auto-immune illness and whether Bariatric Surgery is a good fit to combat the weight gain that's associated with it.

I would be cautious of accepting the advice of those outside your care team (friends, family, coworkers, etc...) since ultimately it's your body and your decision and the people in our lives have all kinds of preconceived opinions and motivations for swaying you one way or another, even if well-meaning. To your daughter's point, technically, a majority of people can lose weight by watching their intake and exercise, but some people need the bariatric surgery as a tool to help move them along and that's just as valid of an accomplishment as doing it through sheer willpower.

Edited April 7, 2019 by ItsABearDance

[MimsDub 10]

Thanks ItsABearDance,

However, the Clinic I attended is a new facility and are pushing the idea of gastric surgery at the moment - to get the clinic up and running. While the criteria for surgery is BMI must be 35 or above. My BMI is approx. 32 - but nobody checked. The fact that I expressed interest in surgery was enough to get me an appointment with the whole team in less than one week. I was passed straight away and was offered a date in the next couple of weeks - but I decided to defer it until July because I have a lot happening between now and then.

[ItsABearDance 21]

Can you work with the Dr who is treating your neurological condition to get their opinion on whether bariatric surgery would help you?

[GreenTealael 25,336]

12 hours ago, MimsDub said:

I have a neurological auto-immune illness, which has caused my weight gain - I was very thin until the onset of this illness. I am on lots of (weight inducing) medication. I am going to be taking this medication for life.

Unfortunately, unless your daughter is a medical doctor/ bariatric surgeon/ neurologist she really does not have the experience to comment on whether or not this will be helpful for you.

You need to consult a physician to ask what possible outcomes you would be looking at with each option.

Good luck 💜

Edited April 7, 2019 by GreenTealael

[MimsDub 10]

Aawwee, thanks Girls - your inputs are very, very welcome and much appreciated.

Unfortunately, my sleep Specialist of almost 20 years has just retired - so I am going to be meeting her replacement at my next appointment, in May. This new doctor doesn't know me like my previous medic did. I have no idea how approachable she is as I don't know anybody else who is attending her. I had a wonderful relationship with my previous specialist. I will certainly discuss weight with her when I meet her. I'm putting off having the surgery until after June anyway, as I am due to go to Canada to visit my son and his family. I want to be in the whole of my health to deal with a pair of high-energy little girls !!!

As regards my slim daughter ..... I agree with Green Tealeal .... she is not a medic but in fairness to her - she worries about me and is really supportive when I go to SW and do lose any amount of weight, no matter how small. But ..... Nobody but us fatties understand how traumatic being overweight is. Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels !!!

Thanks again for all your advice - keep it coming, please !!