There are many folks here on both sides of that fence. Personally, I opted not to have bariatric surgery due to all the potential complications and life-long limitations. But I admire those strong enough to make that incredibly hard sacrifice and choice.

I'm 39, 5'4", female, and I'm currently in the 250-255 range, with my heaviest recorded "at the doctor's office" weight being 319. I got down lower last year, but ended up having a 4 day weekend outdoors in the heat that really messed up my body somehow, so I went back up to about 265, but I'm fighting my way back down.

I am insulin resistant, I have PCOS, I have hypothyroidism, I have POP, and many other issues, and so I'm on a doctor recommended low-carb dietary plan. This is the only plan I've ever followed that seems to be helping me control binge and sugar-addiction issues. I've improved my numbers (in fact I have a 6 month check up with my endocrinologist on Friday), and I mostly enjoy this plan - I just miss the things I used to over eat on every day that should have been a "once in a blue moon" indulgences, and even most of that MISSING things is in my head only. And maybe my fat cell memories! LOL

That being said, my favorite things to say are:

1. My first, best habit was creating a log IN trend (not food logging) here - doing that each day or even thinking about it each day sets my mindset to the right "gear."
2. I had to get my brain in gear before anything else would follow. It took me about 6 months hard work.
3. Each new bite is a new chance to make a better choice. The best is NOT maintainable long term, so I just aim for the better choices wherever possible.
4. The scale LIES. Take measurements and photos, even when you hate them. You'll be so thankful to have them for progress photos later!
5. Losing weight is not simple math - there are all sorts of things going on in our bodies - chemistry, physics, biology, and calculus at the least!
6. You're never lost or hopeless as long as you keep fighting back!

Hugs! And welcome to the crazy house!

Hiya Stacylynn,

Welcome.

A little bit about me.....my heaviest was 411.5lbs in 2007, current 280.5lbs. In 2000-2001 in 9 months I lost 98lbs doing WW. I then met a man who liked to eat and drink and I partook every weekend. I gained the 98lbs back plus 72 additional pounds. I'm 43 y/o. Was sexually assaulted at 17 and gained weight to keep people away from me. Now, I'm lonely, obese and having a terrible time losing the weight.

I for one will tell you from the perspective of a 3time bariatric surgery patient..... DO NOT DO IT. From my heaviest bariatric weight of 389.5 to 280.5 today, if I knew what I know now then. HECK NO. It's been 7 years since my first bariatric surgery....Sleeved in 2012 and RNY in 2015. I have the absolute best Dr. and he cannot for the life of him figure out why I just will not lose weight.

Now, if Carly (love you darling) chimes in... she will tell you that from late July (when I was manic and completely out of control) until present (depressed and wishing I was gone).....I have not had a period of time in between when life's been tolerable. I work full time, my father had open heart surgery in October 2015 and also had a stroke while on the OR table, my mother needs to have hernia surgery that she may not live through, I euthanized my doggie last Saturday and am having back surgery on 06/14/16. Talk about curve balls.

I currently do Weight Watchers, but am giving great thought to coming back here and doing double duties and counting smart points and calories at the same time. I got to see the NP yesterday for my 1 year follow up, she advised 1200-1400 calories. I can barely exercise due to the back issues and depression... I could really care less.

I honestly feel losing the weight on your own is the very best way to do it. You HAVE to find your nitch... what works best for you. Very low carb made me very ill and I believe it increased my mood and aided in the mania I suffered with for 5 months. Some people like Carly do wonderful on it and those in the low carb forum live by it. Just wasn't for me. I too have to re-visit the different approaches and see what works well with my chemistry. Unfortunately, I am not one of those who truly believes calories in being less than calories out works for everyone. Everybody has a different body chemistry and makeup. What works well for me may not work at all for you.

Hugs, Cari