Just curious, how do you guys feel about gastric bypass

Laurie1267

why do you keep copy-pasting things I say? =/

Really????? uhhhhhhhh because YOU were the one that started the post and I'm responding to your inaccuracies or misconceptions. But don't worry, I'm done - I tried to be nice and wish you luck and respect you for your decision, but the same courtesy is not given back. Too bad for you.

AmyFett

I was asking because you were just re-posting what I said and nothing else, I saw after the fact you edited in other stuff too. SORRY lol didn't mean to touch nerve :bigsmile:

Hellaine

Not my body so I sorta couldn't care less. Would I do it? Not personally, no way, but I don't want to stop anyone or shame them from any body mods they want, risks and all. That's their choice.

kmiskow

My sister did it in 2003 (gastric bypass). The outcome? She has gained back MOST of the weight. She had to have her gallbladder removed and hysterectomy, as well as 2 hernia surgeries not long after (coincidence?). She then became addicted to pain pills, then alcohol after she lost access to narcotics. She got 2 DUIs and lost her licence. She then lost her job and her ability to practice law in NC. Nope, don't recommend bypass. She also has BAD problems absorbing vitamins and is constantly anemic.

Don't forget the extra skin you are left with after losing 100+ lbs. Her health ins paid for the bypass, but would not cover the sagging skin as it was not causing enough infections to warrant it, but she couldn't wear a bathing suit or anything because the sagging skin was so bad.

BaconSan

I am now waiting for a gastric sleeve . I am disabled have bad knees and weight about 495 I hate myself and if I don't get the help I need I know how much longer I'll be here

Love and prayers to you! Did you ever try juicing? I have a lot to lose & I am inspired by "Fat, Fit & Nearly Dead" with Joe Cross. I have been on all the diets, lost then over the decades slowly gained it back plus more. I'm surprised & thankful that I have made it this far with no health problems but fat but I don't want to push my luck so I'm trying the juicing thing. I am only on day 3 but I have no cravings which surprised me. I plan to do a plant based diet after.

All the best to you. There is a lot of life left for you to enjoy. Big hug.

jadedzen

Not judging anyone who has gone this route but just my 2 cents...

Since you have to make significant lifestyle change after surgery why not just make significant lifestyle change without surgery? I guess if you've made all the changes you can it's something to discuss with your dr, but i feel they make a significant amount of money with these operations and don't fully report post surgical complications. If it were me and i'd done all i could do and i was just healthy at 200 lbs and couldn't move the scale any further for whatever reason, i'd learn how to love the body i got.

AmyFett

My sister did it in 2003 (gastric bypass). The outcome? She has gained back MOST of the weight. She had to have her gallbladder removed and hysterectomy, as well as 2 hernia surgeries not long after (coincidence?). She then became addicted to pain pills, then alcohol after she lost access to narcotics. She got 2 DUIs and lost her licence. She then lost her job and her ability to practice law in NC. Nope, don't recommend bypass. She also has BAD problems absorbing vitamins and is constantly anemic.

Don't forget the extra skin you are left with after losing 100+ lbs. Her health ins paid for the bypass, but would not cover the sagging skin as it was not causing enough infections to warrant it, but she couldn't wear a bathing suit or anything because the sagging skin was so bad.

I'm sorry to hear about that trying to do what she thought was right and it ended so badly. That's really too bad that happened to her. I can't say I'd blame the drinking and DUI's on a bypass, that's purely one's choice to drive drunk. Lucky she didn't kill herself or innocent bystanders or other drivers.

AmyFett

Not judging anyone who has gone this route but just my 2 cents...

Since you have to make significant lifestyle change after surgery why not just make significant lifestyle change without surgery? I guess if you've made all the changes you can it's something to discuss with your dr, but i feel they make a significant amount of money with these operations and don't fully report post surgical complications. If it were me and i'd done all i could do and i was just healthy at 200 lbs and couldn't move the scale any further for whatever reason, i'd learn how to love the body i got.

I agree 100% Though I would strive to lose that 1 last lb to be 199 lol!!

samntha14

I know of one success story still in her first full year, and one that isn't. Three years later and he has gained back almost all of his weight and had severe complications involving hospitalization as well. He had 300lbs to lose, so it seemed like a good idea. I'm noone to judge but I think if you take the time to get the weight off naturally with diet and exercise, you will appreciate your body and efforts more. There are success stories of folks loosing over 100lbs on here everyday. They are so inspirational even for those of us only trying to lose 20.

Natihilator

Gastric bypass and lap-band is something I associate with people who have at least 200+ lbs to lose. I always assumed it was for the dangerously morbidly obese, and I was kind of shocked to learn that people who have less than 100lbs to lose are turning to weight loss surgery. I try not to judge because I know the desperation that comes with wanting to get out of an obese body and the limitations it brings, but I have to wonder about the motivations of these people turning to a dangerous surgery when they don't have 100's of pounds to lose...

DonniesGirl69

I wouldn't do it. I've watched countless people go through the pain and problems associated with the different variations of weight loss surgery and only 2 or 3 have actually maintained their healthy weight once they reached goal, most gained it all back. Not to mention, many of them are chronicly anemic, many lose their hair, many can no longer eat certain foods or drink certain things.

I was heavy enough to opt for it and my companies insurance actually covers all but around $500 of it so MANY people I work with have gone under the knife. I'm actually asked often "when did you have your surgery?"

Ummm...I didn't. I lost almost 100 pounds all on my own, through a complete overhaul in my daily diet, a lot of sweat and a lot of determination.

side note: I realize some people have medical conditions that make natural weight lost impossible. Those people need these types of surgeries.

I do not believe, however, that "too lazy to work out" or "I just can't say no to the french fries" are valid medical conditions, and that is the issue with all but 2 of the people I know who've had procedures done.

bodiva88

Actually, there is some evidence (studies still in progress) that gastric bypass makes you more prone to alcoholism. And alcoholism is not a choice.

My gyno (who is a surgeon) kept pushing me toward it but I couldn't imagine it even though at the time my insurance would have paid for it. Then I had a viral infection that disabled the nerve to my stomach. I have gastroparesis (the stomach does not contract to move food without my taking medication before meals). If I had already had gastric surgery I'd have been SOL.

And you do have to still change the way you eat. I have a friend whom I don't really even think of as obese who had gastric bypass earlier this year and is using MFP in order to track protein because it is apparently really hard to eat enough protein when you've got that small of a stomach.

onmyway31

LIVE YOUR LIFE..........

myfitnessnmhoy

surgery or the lap band, just for the sole purpose of losing weight. Not because it's medically necessary, or you have health problems. I get that, if it's medically necessary. But why on earth put yourself through all that trouble just to lose weight?

I have a good friend who, other than being overweight, was in decent health. He was horribly addicted to sugary food, in particular donuts. The urge was simply uncontrollable, to the point where he got in trouble for being unable to resist eating four boxes of them at work that were being saved for a meeting. He confessed to me one day that if he knew a box of donuts was poisoned, he'd still eat them.

In his case, he worked with nutritionists with great family support - and cheated (snuck out and bought donuts and ate them in the car). He worked with a psychologist - and failed. He, his shrink, his nutritionist, and his doctor all agreed that the ONLY way to get his urges under control was to simply lower the capacity of his stomach and make him physically unable to eat that much.

It was ugly. It was horrible. He'd eat a box of donuts and throw them back up. But, eventually, once he stopped the dependance on large amounts of sugar constantly in his system, he got a little better about eating. He needed some psychological help for the binge/purge eating disorder for a while that the belt sorta forced him into, but he got that help.

Fast forward 5 years, and he's a reasonably healthy guy who can complete a 5K - not competitively mind you, but he can complete one at a reasonable pace.

So, for some members of the population, they may be the only way to actually make a difference.

Linbo93

I thought about gastric bypass/lap band while I was still in my "there's gotta be an easier way out" phase.

But I have found that doing this on my own is so rewarding, because every pound I lose I can contribute 100% to my very own efforts. Once I got on a roll, it got a lot easier.

I would never (repeat NEVER) get this surgery, or any other weight loss surgery or drug. Eating clean and healthy and living an active lifestyle WORKS! Once I settled into the "Eat More To Weigh Less" lifestyle and truly gave up the idea of "fast weight loss", I discovered that I don't need any gimmicks to be successful! And I know that because the changes I made were designed to be permanent, I don't have any fear of regaining the weight. Everything I am doing to lose the weight today is what I plan to still be dong 50 years from now to maintain. It's easy, it's long term, and it's noninvasive!

I can't personally speak for people who do choose the surgery, because I chose not to do the surgery. But I know that for me, the surgery would have been an act of desperation. If I had gone through with the surgery, it would have been one more thing I did to my body because I was looking for an easier way out, and because of that it would have failed.

DonniesGirl69

But I have found that doing this on my own is so rewarding, because every pound I lose I can contribute 100% to my very own efforts. Once I got on a roll, it got a lot easier.

Agree 100%

AmyFett

Gastric bypass and lap-band is something I associate with people who have at least 200+ lbs to lose. I always assumed it was for the dangerously morbidly obese, and I was kind of shocked to learn that people who have less than 100lbs to lose are turning to weight loss surgery. I try not to judge because I know the desperation that comes with wanting to get out of an obese body and the limitations it brings, but I have to wonder about the motivations of these people turning to a dangerous surgery when they don't have 100's of pounds to lose...

my friend, the one with lap band, at her highest was 280 I believe. I know she says she's lost 60 and now she's about my weight. So 280-ish sounds about right. And she's tall, like 5'9 or so. She honestly looks good now at about 220.

AmyFett

Actually, there is some evidence (studies still in progress) that gastric bypass makes you more prone to alcoholism. And alcoholism is not a choice.

My gyno (who is a surgeon) kept pushing me toward it but I couldn't imagine it even though at the time my insurance would have paid for it. Then I had a viral infection that disabled the nerve to my stomach. I have gastroparesis (the stomach does not contract to move food without my taking medication before meals). If I had already had gastric surgery I'd have been SOL.

And you do have to still change the way you eat. I have a friend whom I don't really even think of as obese who had gastric bypass earlier this year and is using MFP in order to track protein because it is apparently really hard to eat enough protein when you've got that small of a stomach.

How does it have anything to do with alcoholism? And yes, it is a choice. You pick up the bottle, that's your choice, no one else's. I've been there. I struggled with that, I can speak from experience. I drank a fifth of vodka every day for over a year. It was MY choice. I didn't look for an out. My father is an alcoholic, I didn't blame it on him. It was my choice and mine alone to start drinking. My choice to stop also. And as dumb as I was with my drinking, I NEVER not once, got behind the wheel. Bottom line-- it's a choice you make.

CyberEd312

I have said this on here before to each there own and if you had the surgeries or are getting them, I won't condone anyone for bettering themselves however they see fit... That being said my own personal beliefs on the matter are quite different... I feel that you are never to far gone to regain control of your life through therapy to get to the root of your additions ( in most of our cases it would be food), work with a Nutritionist to learn how to eat better, and get moving.... Now I can hear the naysayers "Well if your obese and you can't move than how can you possibly lose weight... Well let me tell you how, and it comes from my own personal experience.. At 560 lbs., 2 severely arthritic knee's, home bound the final 2 years before that AHA moment, unable to support my own weight for more than 30 seconds at a time, had a computer chair (well several cause I kept breaking the welds on them) I would literally roll myself from my recliner chair to the bathroom and kitchen, facing the reality of needing to lose 300 lbs. and finally going to the doctor and the first words out of his mouth was do you want surgery?? I told him no way, if I could not fix what was broke in my head then no surgery would sustain anything so he said that was fine, he had to ask because by law if anyone comes into his office over a BMI of 35, he has to ask... My BMI was 75.6.............. Fast forward 37 months and ALOT of hardwork I shed that 300+ lbs. and regained control of my life... Was it easy?? Absolutely not!! but when you hit rock bottom there is really nowhere to go but up... So my beliefs may be alittle different than some but having gone through what I have, no one can tell me doing it without surgery isn't an option cause I will be the voice of reason that Oh Yes it is...... Again though for those that feel it is their best option for whatever reason than I say do what is best for you just know the surgery is just a tool, it isn't going to change the fact you need to address why you became over weight in the first place and you have to change your lifestyle just like I did or we both can go right back to being obese... Just my 2 cents....

PeaceCorpsKat

I have not had it but I know a lot of people who did. I think that sometimes the need for weight loss is more than just medical need. Being an obese person is very difficult. You are subjected to emotional and physical abuse because of it. You may feel alienated and depressed.

I applaud the work of people who strive for size acceptance, but for many this is not enough. Losing weight isn’t 100% about health, it is, for many, about self worth. I can understand that. I might not feel the same for myself, but I don’t pass judgment.

I'm obese, 225 lbs and 5'2 and I hate going into public even to go grocery shopping or something. I have severe anxiety because of my weight gain from having thyroid issues for years without being diagnosed and on medication. I am embarrassed about how I look through hardly any fault of my own. Yet still, I would never get these surgeries unless the doctor told me I would die if I didn't. And even in that case, I would only do it for my children.

It is the same story for me. I was at a BMI of about 45. I have felt a lot of discrimination because of my size. I however don’t get easily depressed; I have a bizarrely non-reflective way of looking at myself. I don’t let what other people think about me change the way I think about myself. It is not a conscious decision, I don’t get up and say to myself everyday “You are beautiful they way you are.” My non-reactive self-esteem is something that I have naturally.

But can you imagine if you didn’t have that?

I had a friend from Suriname come to visit me in the United States. Suriname is one of the many countries where size doesn’t carry that large badge of shame it does in the U.S. She told me that she would be have become so depressed if she grew up here. She was only in the country a week when she felt that everything was making her feel undervalued because she was overweight. In Suriname she was well aware of the fact she was overweight, but she never felt that people didn’t like her just because of that.

I wouldn’t pass judgement if she decided to lose weight through desperate measures... and hey, surgery is at least more realistic and controlled than pills, yo-yo dieting, and the like.

I don’t want the surgery. It has side-effects that, to me, would be worse than being overweight. I don’t want to deal with the medical system here, I don’t want to become lactose intolerant (no seriously, come between me and dairy and heads will roll), I don’t want to have dumping, I want to be able to eat a large plate of food and not get sick. I don’t want it to show in my medical history and complicating a medical clearance for international work.

However, the method by which I have decided to lose weight has its own draw backs:

1. It is crazy expensive and insurance doesn’t cover it (seriously all organic food, all the time ain’t cheap)
2. There is a much greater chance that I will regain the weight
3. I have no help with appetite control

I can completely understand someone deciding to go a different direction. it isn't for me, but I don't pass judgment.

0somuchbetter0

Well, it's definitely not for everyone. I can't speak for the entire obese population (who can?), but I can tell you a bit about my own story.

Personally, I did it for my loved ones. I want my kids (age 8 and 5) to have a happy, active, healthy mom who they're not ashamed of and who will be around for a long long time). I want my husband to have a wife who he's proud of and who can keep up with his crazy hiking/kayaking/rock climbing adventures, and who he enjoys having sex with (!). I want my mom to grow old feeling peaceful and content about her daughter's future, who she's seen struggle with her weight and depression for most of her life.

I had lap-band surgery just over 6 weeks ago and I know it was the absolute right decision for me.

I'm 46 years old and have been obese for about 20 years. I've tried everything to lose weight, and I mean everything. I know more about nutrition, health, and physical fitness than most people I know. Even obese, I've always been as active as my body would allow -- going to the gym regularly, weight training, walking/jogging, biking... I love being active. The last 5 years or so it was becoming more and more difficult and painful, to the point that I spiraled into a pretty severe depression. Depression leads to shrinks and shrinks lead to self-examination...and I started learning a lot about myself.

I know what and how I'm supposed to eat, but there was something that was stopping me from doing it right. I like to say that the little voice that tells you that you've had enough, that you'll regret eating that brownie, that yes, even if you eat it fast and no one is looking, it still counts...that voice is broken in me. I don't know how I broke it or how or when, but I've been working extremely hard (you have no idea!) to figure it out and fix it. About two years ago I decided to take a good hard look at myself -- I started keeping a journal not just about what I was eating, but why, and how I was feeling when I ate, etc. It was scary. Reading over that journal (which no one knows about...not even my husband...until now). I didn't recognize the person I was reading about. It brings me to tears just writing this...so I'll move on.

I realized I had a real addiction to food. Not really to food, exactly, but to eating. Eating -- overeating, binging -- was doing things to my brain, and my brain was screaming for more and more. Yeah, you get high off the dopamine...and the cravings are intense. It's worse than quitting smoking, at least for me.

When I finally stepped on the scale and looked at that number, I realized I had 120lbs to lose in order to be healthy. That number was overwhelming and I just didn't think I could do it alone. I started researching weight loss surgery and a lot of them scared me off. Gastric bypass, with its risks of malnutrition, physically re-routing the entire digestive tract, never being able to enjoy a glass of wine again? Not for me. The sleeve, where they remove a large portion of your stomach so that the food doesn't have time to be properly digested...no. There are a dozen others that are similar. I didn't like the idea of permanently physically changing my GI tract and all the problems that would come with that. The lap-band, while it does have potential risks, is less invasive, allows you to eat anything you want, and most importantly, is reversible if something goes wrong. I don't see it as a magical solution to all my problems. The band definitely requires more active participation on the part of the human -- there are ways to cheat the band where you could eat all day and pack away thousands of calories. I only see the band as a tool to help me face the huge number of pounds I need to lose and make it easier to make good choices. If I let myself go hungry for too long, I make bad choices....the band allows me to go 4-5 hours between meals on pretty small portions. I don't feel hungry except for the reasonable hunger pangs I should feel before I eat. By working with a nutritionist and a therapist (who specializes in addiction behavior and eating disorders), I think (I HOPE) I've pretty much beat the addiction monster. Sure, I had a piece of my son's birthday cake a few days ago, but it didn't turn me into a carb-and-sugar freak, shoving pound cakes and cheesecakes into my mouth when no one was looking. (Which, I'm ashamed to say, could have been the case a couple of years ago).

In closing...

The band (and weight loss surgery in general) is only a tool. If you don't fix what's in your head, you will regain the weight. As far as surgeries go, it was pretty easy for me. All surgery is risky. I had two babies (resulting in two c-sections because they were both breech), and even they were pretty easy compared to some of the horror stories I've heard. Compared to my c-sections, my band surgery was like having a cavity filled.

Maybe some people think I'm weak for opting for surgery, that I've taken the "easy way out." To those people, I say you really don't know what you're talking about until you've experienced my life and my food addiction and my obesity first hand. But that's ok. There will always be someone on the sidelines of our lives, judging us for one decision or other. Best thing you can do is brush it off and do what's right for you.

PayneAS

WHY?! Why do doctors do this if it's not necessary?

Money.

BelleHeart

I would rather not do it... After you get these lap bands and other things, you have to get more surgery to get rid of the extra skin! Minus well just lose weight naturally so that you skin can shrink with you. You save lots of money!

DonniesGirl69

I have said this on here before to each there own and if you had the surgeries or are getting them, I won't condone anyone for bettering themselves however they see fit... That being said my own personal beliefs on the matter are quite different... I feel that you are never to far gone to regain control of your life through therapy to get to the root of your additions ( in most of our cases it would be food), work with a Nutritionist to learn how to eat better, and get moving.... Now I can hear the naysayers "Well if your obese and you can't move than how can you possibly lose weight... Well let me tell you how, and it comes from my own personal experience.. At 560 lbs., 2 severely arthritic knee's, home bound the final 2 years before that AHA moment, unable to support my own weight for more than 30 seconds at a time, had a computer chair (well several cause I kept breaking the welds on them) I would literally roll myself from my recliner chair to the bathroom and kitchen, facing the reality of needing to lose 300 lbs. and finally going to the doctor and the first words out of his mouth was do you want surgery?? I told him no way, if I could not fix what was broke in my head then no surgery would sustain anything so he said that was fine, he had to ask because by law if anyone comes into his office over a BMI of 35, he has to ask... My BMI was 75.6.............. Fast forward 37 months and ALOT of hardwork I shed that 300+ lbs. and regained control of my life... Was it easy?? Absolutely not!! but when you hit rock bottom there is really nowhere to go but up... So my beliefs may be alittle different than some but having gone through what I have, no one can tell me doing it without surgery isn't an option cause I will be the voice of reason that Oh Yes it is...... Again though for those that feel it is their best option for whatever reason than I say do what is best for you just know the surgery is just a tool, it isn't going to change the fact you need to address why you became over weight in the first place and you have to change your lifestyle just like I did or we both can go right back to being obese... Just my 2 cents....

Inspiring

CyberEd312

Actually, there is some evidence (studies still in progress) that gastric bypass makes you more prone to alcoholism. And alcoholism is not a choice.

My gyno (who is a surgeon) kept pushing me toward it but I couldn't imagine it even though at the time my insurance would have paid for it. Then I had a viral infection that disabled the nerve to my stomach. I have gastroparesis (the stomach does not contract to move food without my taking medication before meals). If I had already had gastric surgery I'd have been SOL.

And you do have to still change the way you eat. I have a friend whom I don't really even think of as obese who had gastric bypass earlier this year and is using MFP in order to track protein because it is apparently really hard to eat enough protein when you've got that small of a stomach.

How does it have anything to do with alcoholism? And yes, it is a choice. You pick up the bottle, that's your choice, no one else's. I've been there. I struggled with that, I can speak from experience. I drank a fifth of vodka every day for over a year. It was MY choice. I didn't look for an out. My father is an alcoholic, I didn't blame it on him. It was my choice and mine alone to start drinking. My choice to stop also. And as dumb as I was with my drinking, I NEVER not once, got behind the wheel. Bottom line-- it's a choice you make.

They are finding a correlation between weightloss patient and alcoholism (it was on nightline a month or so ago) the thing is whether it is food, drugs, alcohol, whatever.. if you have one of these additions you never get rid of it... Once an addict, always and addict... You just learn to replace the addition with something else... That is why addicts can be clean for years and fall of the wagon.. They are saying these weightloss patient never got to the root of their problem with food and since they are unable to eat the quantities of food they once could they are turning to alcohol and because their plumbing has been severely changed they are able to metabolize the alcohol faster which enables them to consume more (basically they don't stay drunk or buzzed long and can consume more)... They are just finding cases of this over the last couple years now that this weight loss surgery has become so popular.... It was quite an interesting report.... Might google it and find some info on it...

AmyFett

WHY?! Why do doctors do this if it's not necessary?

Money.

touche

Brandicaloriecountess

When I was extremely overweight and had failed at weight loss multiple times, multiple ways I thought surgery would be the only way I would ever lose weight. I seriously felt HOPELESS and that is a terrible way to feel.

But I finally just made changes and I got healthy and fit on my own. I am thankful EVERY day I didn't get surgery. I don't have to worry about sugar dumps, or stomach issues.

AmyFett

They are finding a correlation between weightloss patient and alcoholism (it was on nightline a month or so ago) the thing is whether it is food, drugs, alcohol, whatever.. if you have one of these additions you never get rid of it... Once an addict, always and addict... You just learn to replace the addition with something else... That is why addicts can be clean for years and fall of the wagon.. They are saying these weightloss patient never got to the root of their problem with food and since they are unable to eat the quantities of food they once could they are turning to alcohol and because their plumbing has been severely changed they are able to metabolize the alcohol faster which enables them to consume more (basically they don't stay drunk or buzzed long and can consume more)... They are just finding cases of this over the last couple years now that this weight loss surgery has become so popular.... It was quite an interesting report.... Might google it and find some info on it...

Eh, I don't really buy into this. It doesn't really make sense to me how alcohol and weight loss go hand in hand. Though I was my skinniest in my adult life when I was drinking a fifth a day. Maybe that's the key LOL.

MrsB123111

I'm SO glad to see so many opinions on something that several of you making negative comments have NEVER done or probably even researched. Keep your negativity to yourselves. The EASY way out? The EASY way out? Seriously... *kitten* you and the horse you road in on! I had bypass surgery 15 months ago and NONE of it was easy and it STILL isn't. It is a long process from the time you make the decision to the day you die.

You have to go through a million medical tests, nutrition classes, seminars and groups before you can even get approved (rightfully so). Then there is the actual surgery prep of liquids only that can range anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to strink the liver before surgery. Then there is recovery which is the worst pain I have ever endured. Then there is the emotional pain of knowing you will never again get a "cheat" day without the effects of getting physically ill.

Did I need the surgery? YES! I had a BMI of 43, I was depressed, had physical problems, and anxiety attacks. It was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself and I would do again 100 times! It has made me learn to eat correctly and given me a new lease on life.

Maybe you all should talk to those who have had it, and do what they are SUPPOSED to do once they've had it and see what you think then... It is not a band-aid for obesity, but a tool. An amazing, amazing tool that saved my life.

AmyFett

When I was extremely overweight and had failed at weight loss multiple times, multiple ways I thought surgery would be the only way I would ever lose weight. I seriously felt HOPELESS and that is a terrible way to feel.

But I finally just made changes and I got healthy and fit on my own. I am thankful EVERY day I didn't get surgery. I don't have to worry about sugar dumps, or stomach issues.

good for you!