I have a confession... And I am now ready to talk about it.
_Jessica_
Posts: 216 Member
I have a confession to make... as many of you know I have been on this sight for quite some time and I have been very successful with my weight loss. Thanks to the help of all of my wonderful friends on here, and also from the help of my team of doctors who have helped me to start my life "over".
About two years ago during a rutine follow up for my cancer (in remission) They noticed I had a lot of fatty deposits in my liver. I was devistated. I had done this to myself. I could not control my weight and now I had begone to damage my own liver. However, it could be reversed with weight loss.
It was then that my Dr. approached my with the possiblity of WLS. At first I was VERY hesitant. To me WLS meant I had been defeated by my own body, and for that I was ashamed. I felt as though I had given up. I soon began the process towards WLS, and almost two years later I had surgery to have a Gastric Sleeve done. A biopsy was done of my liver during the procedure and that biopsy confirmed stage one liver disease (left untreated, I would have been looking at a liver transplant down the road) I was horrified.
At first I was so ashamed that I had lost my battle and did not tell people what I had done. I was embarrassed. But now, 6 months later, my body is in the best shape it has been in ever, my joints downt ache, my liever is healing itself, and I feel great! It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself, Pysically, mentally and emotionally. I am finally finding out who the real me is.
I know some people will be discusted with my decision, and there will be people who dont believe in WLS, but I assure you all, it is not the easy way out, I still count calories and excercise, and I weigh myself every day and still fight the urges just like anyone else. It has not been easy, far from it. But I do ask you that you support ME, not the surgery, in my continued journey to better health.
About two years ago during a rutine follow up for my cancer (in remission) They noticed I had a lot of fatty deposits in my liver. I was devistated. I had done this to myself. I could not control my weight and now I had begone to damage my own liver. However, it could be reversed with weight loss.
It was then that my Dr. approached my with the possiblity of WLS. At first I was VERY hesitant. To me WLS meant I had been defeated by my own body, and for that I was ashamed. I felt as though I had given up. I soon began the process towards WLS, and almost two years later I had surgery to have a Gastric Sleeve done. A biopsy was done of my liver during the procedure and that biopsy confirmed stage one liver disease (left untreated, I would have been looking at a liver transplant down the road) I was horrified.
At first I was so ashamed that I had lost my battle and did not tell people what I had done. I was embarrassed. But now, 6 months later, my body is in the best shape it has been in ever, my joints downt ache, my liever is healing itself, and I feel great! It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself, Pysically, mentally and emotionally. I am finally finding out who the real me is.
I know some people will be discusted with my decision, and there will be people who dont believe in WLS, but I assure you all, it is not the easy way out, I still count calories and excercise, and I weigh myself every day and still fight the urges just like anyone else. It has not been easy, far from it. But I do ask you that you support ME, not the surgery, in my continued journey to better health.
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Replies
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Sounds like it wasn't an easy decision and it was something you had to do for your health. The main thing, though, is that you know it isn't an easy way out and that you still need to eat right and exercise. Who is anyone on here to pass judgement on something like that? Congrats on what you've lost so far, and for keeping it up and good luck with your future weightloss as well.0
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I think you've been very brave and it's other peoples problem if they don't like the way you have gone about it! Well done from me and you have my support any time you need it honey!!!!!!
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Thank you Emily.0
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Awe! @ 10 Fairy wings!0
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Im applauding you for your bravery and courage in this situation...you did what you thought was right for you to get healthier...BRAVO!!!!0
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what matters is that you are taking steps to a healthier you...0
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I totally know where you are coming from. I had WLS (lap band) in feb of this year. I struggled with who to tell and how to bring it up. I decided that for me the best ting was to tell people when theyasked me how I had lost so much so fast. that way I was not bragging or advertising it, but I was not hiding either. WTG for you for taking control of your health and life and ditoo on what you said abut still having to have some self control.0
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I say well done!0
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You sound like you have been through quite a lot. There is nothing in your confession that is disgusting. In fact its inspiring! You didn't give up, you fought! Your story is a reminder to all of us not to take our health for granted but to look after our bodies that God has given us as best as we can.0
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CONGRATULATIONS! I am the LAST person to ever pass judgement on another human being. My life is faaaar too flawed to think I could justify it, anyway!!
I think you took the BRAVE way to a healthier you. I also think that you would have betrayed your body (and yourself) if you had gone on the path you were going and DIDN'T follow up with the WLS. Look at the chance you are giving yourself (one that not enough cancer patients are given, BTW), so I think you are an inspiration to so many of us! You have outlined all the ways that weight loss (and maintenance) and calorie conscientiousness can, and does, enhance and prolong our lives. I am very happy for you and your journey. I am also glad you made this tough decision. Now after having made it and following through with it, doesn't it just seem like SUCH an easy decision...knowing the benefits? My hat is off to you, my friend, and you have my support (and admiration) for as LOOOOOOONG as you live! God blessed you! :flowerforyou:
AND BY THE WAY, YOU *DO* HAVE A PRETTY FACE....AND "WOW! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! INSIDE AND OUT!"0 -
What's most important is that you are well and alive and kicking!
Don't mind them haters. Much love and hugs. 0 -
I have learned in life that there are many ways to accomplish goals, and this is necessary since people are so different. NEVER be ashamed of how you accomplish your goal (unless it is illegal or immoral of course). Each path to a goal involves discipline, hard work and commitment. Congratulations on your accomplishment and on being courageous enough to be transparent with us!0
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Good for you!
I have a childhood friend who started with the same liver issues. She was 200 pounds at 13 years old, so this is nothing new to her. She went up to probably 270 or so (5'2") and it scared the hell out of me as it was all in the upper body.
She had/had great insurance, support. short term disability, and a family that loves her. Yet she refused to have the surgery. Pride? Fear? I don't know.
About 2 years ago (only 1 year after the diagnosis) she had some sort of stroke that left her partially paralysed (sp) She has trouble speaking, cannot work, and will need a liver transplant at some point in the near future. She is 51!
YOU are BRAVE. Do NOT allow anyone tell you that you did anything but the right thing honey!
Keep up the good work, and teach your family how to eat healthy too!
:flowerforyou: AWTY0 -
You did what you had to do to save your life and that is the most important thing. Do not worry about what others think, if your life depends on it go ahead and do it!0
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WTG, in taking control over you health. You did what you had to do and now you feel better and that's all that matters.0
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sure is's a sensitive topic....but this is your life! You were able to do something about your situation and you're still working hard to maintain. I think you went through a lot mentally, I'm not going to add to that mental anguish. Keep up the good work, and stay strong!! Glad to hear you're liver is healing itself!!0
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Great brave post. Well done you! I am open and honest about my bypass on here but in real life only 7 people know as it my business and those without weight issues can NEVER EVER understand. Hugs and more hugs to you.0
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Each of us is here for our own reasons. This means we all have to approach our journey to a healthy lifestyle in a way that works for each of us. If surgery was the best option for you, then that's all that matters. You have to live with that body and curse it when it won't cooperate - you take care of YOU!
Congratulations on your success!0 -
Thank you for sharing your story and how inspiring you are! Keep up the positive thinking - remember you are never alone!!0
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No idea why you're so worried about what other people think! Those that have such strong views need to relax a bit and allow people to live their lives however they see fit. Pretty sure you can't have hurt anyone along the way so don't worry!
Well done for DOING something to positively improve your life!
Si 0 -
Wow good for you in making a decision to become healthy regardless of how you got there. I used to be a one of those snobs about weight loss surgery until I met several people on here and learned more about it. My only reasons against it was because I had two friends that had it done and it did not work like they wanted and one whose husband passed away from complications so I guess I was more afraid of it for people than anything. Now I see how hard you guys have to work and I have a whole new view of it. If we were all honest we have all chosen different paths to weight loss that in one way or another not everyone will agree with but you have to do what works for you. As long as you are happy and eating in a healthy way go for it girl. So happy for you and your new life and health.0
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Congrats for 1) taking the steps to become a healthier you. This isn't a one-size-fits all journey. We each take a different path, although we all hope to reach the same goal - health and wellness; and 2) for having the courage to "confess". It seems like something that was weighing on your mind and hopefully now you will feel lighter.
Also, there are many many people that have had WLS only to gain all of their weight back. So while it's a tool, it still isn't a cure. You still have to watch what you eat and exercise, which you are doing. I have no doubt you will be successful in reaching all of your goals! 0 -
Decisions made by you for you - have absolutely nothing to do with other people, you control you and what you choose to best look after you. Hold your head high with pride for what you have managed and don't give a spare thought to others opinions of the processes you have chosen to get yourself into a healthier situation.
Congratulations on your journey so far - and I wish you well for the future
Debbie0 -
Thanks for sharing your story it is very inspiring and was just what I needed to read this am. It is post like this that helps me get back on track, so I say again, thank you, thank you, thank you and congratulations on your success.0
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As you said it's still work. I had gastric bypass in 2002 and wish I knew then what I know now. Be proud of youself I know it takes. hard work to loose no matter what it is not a quick fix. Stay positive! 0
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I think you're really brave to share your story.
Thanks for sharing!0 -
Jessica, you have done what you felt was right for your body. It's good that you know that WLS is not the end all and that you still have to work to control your weight. A lot of people get WLS and never get healthy, because they continue to walk on their bad habit road. WLS helps a person drop weight, it doesn't help a person stay focus and person has to do that.
You are doing great. Don't feel about about your decision. You are on the healthy road and trying to do healthy stuff and that's all that matters. Keep your head up and your back straight. Be proud of yourself. Love yourself.
We are here for you.0 -
Sounds like it wasn't an easy decision and it was something you had to do for your health. The main thing, though, is that you know it isn't an easy way out and that you still need to eat right and exercise. Who is anyone on here to pass judgement on something like that? Congrats on what you've lost so far, and for keeping it up and good luck with your future weightloss as well.
Very well put. I had a difficult time starting towards losing my last 30 pounds. It took me 2 - 3 years of being off track to finally start up again. It made no difference that I had already lost over 50 and knew exactly what to do. I still could not mentally seem to make that first step. Your life was in jeopardy. You had proof you were going to fight a very difficult battle if you did not do something quickly. You did what you had to do. It worked. You are now on your steady path and your condition has markedly improved because of YOUR effort. You, like everyone of us here MUST continue forever to make the efforts that we do today or else everything was for nothing.
Congratulations on changing your life! YOU did the work. Your surgery helped you get there at a faster pace, but it would not have taken you there without your efforts.
It is very brave of you to talk about this openly and lay it out there for every critic to see. Some people may not understand, but it wasn't their life that was in danger, either.
I'm so glad you are a much healthier person today and have gained control over your life now. It is an addictive feeling and if you are like me, you only want to spread the word to get healthy! There are hundreds of ways to do so and each one of us must find what works for us. Everyone has a different situation and it is easy to judge. But again, I am so happy that you have taken the steps you needed to in fact save your own life! Thank you for being a friend and sharing your experience with us! = D0 -
You're inspiring me......no matter how it happened! You only need to worry about you. Good job.0
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Good for you! Even with the surgery you have to put the hard work in, it's just a tool and it sounds like you used the tool wisely! I know people that have had surgery and still not lost the weight, so you rock!0
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