New here and looking for some support
kaalaliv
Posts: 5 Member
Hi my name is Ka'ala, Im 33 years old and I joined this site a few months ago in search of some advice, knowledge and support to help me make it through my weight loss journey. I am currently going through the steps needed to get the gastric bypass surgery done. Im nervous,scared and excited all at the same time. I've never had a surgery before and it scares me, and the life style change I know is going to be very beneficial for me but Im scared of the consequences that come with the surgery.
Most all of my friends and family are discouraging me to get it, including my boyfriend. They think I can do it by dieting and working out. But Ive tried and I just cant do it on that alone. I keep slipping up and falling back into the same routines. This is something that is really difficult but I am doing this for myself! So if you can please give me some positive/negitive feedback on your expierences so I can be prepared for whats to come, and maybe give my friends/family more information to help them see the good. Also if you want please add me, the more support I get the eaiser this will be.
Thank you,
Ka'ala :flowerforyou:
Most all of my friends and family are discouraging me to get it, including my boyfriend. They think I can do it by dieting and working out. But Ive tried and I just cant do it on that alone. I keep slipping up and falling back into the same routines. This is something that is really difficult but I am doing this for myself! So if you can please give me some positive/negitive feedback on your expierences so I can be prepared for whats to come, and maybe give my friends/family more information to help them see the good. Also if you want please add me, the more support I get the eaiser this will be.
Thank you,
Ka'ala :flowerforyou:
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Replies
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Hi,
I'm also going through the pre-surgery weight loss and more than a couple of people I know have also made discouraging comments. But I've become convinced that surgery is the right tool for me and I've gotten a lot of support by reading the boards and following the successes of others on this board. I'm sure you will find the information and support you need here. Best of luck!0 -
I'm getting close to 5 years post-RNY. It saved my life. I've lost and kept off 200 pounds. No complications and no regrets. Sadly lots of us RNYers gain a ton back after the honeymoon is over. Some even gain it all back. You have to chose to do the hard work it takes to lose the weight and more importantly KEEP IT OFF!!
Good luck in your journey. I wish you the best.0 -
Hi Ka'ala!
I've also recently decided to have WLS & of the three people I've told, I heard the exact same thing - I don't need surgery; all I need to do is exercise more & eat less. So, I decided that since my decision to have WLS was personal, so too will be my journey.
I joined this group to learn about the success of others & to stay encouraged; I've found that if I have a question, people are nice enough to provide insight.
If you need to "talk" from time to time as you begin this journey, please feel free to add me - we can encourage each other along the way! :happy:0 -
Hi Ka'ala!
I've also recently decided to have WLS & of the three people I've told, I heard the exact same thing - I don't need surgery; all I need to do is exercise more & eat less. So, I decided that since my decision to have WLS was personal, so too will be my journey.
I joined this group to learn about the success of others & to stay encouraged; I've found that if I have a question, people are nice enough to provide insight.
If you need to "talk" from time to time as you begin this journey, please feel free to add me - we can encourage each other along the way! :happy:
Unfortunately, this is so true. So many WLSers don't tell anyone they've had surgery because of all the crap they get for it. I haven't refrained from telling anyone myself, and though I could tell a few pepple thought it was a bad idea, they mostly kept quiet. But most were very supportive. I just find it very sad that too many choose to be so critical.0 -
Hi Ka'aala! Welcome!!
I had lap band surgery 21 months ago and feel amazing. I have managed to get off all my T2 Diabetes meds, most of my BP meds, no longer have sleep apnea, sore knees, even the insomnia and depression is much better. Surgery is NOT a magic pill. It is just as much work as anyone else and sometimes more. I have found that with my surgery came the need for planning. I always plan my meals, snacks, everything. If I don't I find myself over in some macros and under in others. As a WLS'er we have to make sure we are getting enough protein and some days that means finding time for another protien drink/bar. Also, exercise. You can't just sit there and have the weight "fall" off you. In the beginning it will. But unless you exercise you can end up with other issues - hanging/saggy skin. Working out makes you look and feel better and if you don't get in the habit of doing it now, you will not be successful long term. If you talk to most successful WLS'ers they will tell you it's all about the exercise.
The smartest thing I did was find a therapist I felt comfortable with. Until the make a band for the brain I will forever be battling the head hunger. Oh, it's 6 pm - Must be time to eat dinner - mentality. Even it I'm not hungry. It's taken about 18 months for me to truly be able to tell head hunger from real hunger. Most people have suce a disfunctional relationship with food it's unbelievable. We use food for comfort, food to socialize, food to celebrate and mourn. It's amazing when you stop to think how everything we do revolves around food. It took me multiple visits to multiple therapists to find one that I could relate to and trust. It was so worth it!! Find a therapist and use him/her to your benefit. That's what they are there for.
If there is anything I can do/answer please feel free to call on me.0 -
I had several surgeries prior to my gastric bypass (which I had on 9/27/12,) three C sections, hysterectomy, gall bladder removal. My gastric bypass was very easy. My only issue with surgery is that I am slow to wake up from the anesthesia. NO issues otherwise. I was encouraged my many, as they understood that it was necessary for me for many health reasons. Only one "friend" tried to discourage me--she had weight loss surgery almost 20 years ago and she had major problems with it. She is now well over 400 lbs. As far as the surgery, it is a tool--a great tool. You still have to address the food issues, and it is best to work on that prior to the surgery. Reverting to old or bad habits after will only bring you back to where you started in the first place. To all of you: Congrats on choosing weight loss surgery to regain your health and your life! This site is an awesome place to find support and to make friends. Whichever surgery you choose, you can be successful if you choose to follow your plan!0
