A little over a year ago, I weighed 394, and have since lost 41 lbs (the first 30 without trying, after quitting a stressful job because of health problems).

I'm now on disability (due to fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other health problems associated with my weight), and the weight loss is so slow it has almost stopped.

I'm very prone to staph infection, so I am terrified of surgery, and also since I am losing weight, but at a rate that would take me 10 years to get the weight off, I'm afraid the insurance company consider would that significant progress and deny me.

I'm so frustrated because there is so little information out there on people my size losing and keeping weight off without WLS. If I can lose a little more, my doctor said I would be a better candidate for laproscopic surgery, which would be less risky, but if I can lose the weight, then what's keeping me from losing all of it without WLS.

I keep going back and forth in my mind on this, until I feel like I'm going crazy!
Aaaaaagh!

Hi Colleen,

I don't know if your insurance will deny you, but its great that you have everything medically documented. This helps in the process.

When people choose to go the WLS route its not because they "can't" lose weight, its really because they can't keep it off. I for one will lose 30 lbs and then boom! gain 50 back. I have even lost 150 lbs on my own once...kept if off for years, 10+ and gained 110 back.

Surgery is an extremely tough decision to make, no one can decide for you but please know that what ever you do, we totally support your decision and when the time is right, you'll know.

Hugs and Kisses

seconding what leenie said!!!! let's all face it - we can lose weight. maybe not all that we want, and maybe not in a healthy way, but we can lose. but keeping it off? that's the real issue.

that's why i decided to have the surgery. it gave ME the best chance for losng most of the weight and KEEPING IT OFF. it's not easy - but it's manageable.

don't minimize what you've done so far. you've done GREAT THINGS. and you've proven that you can stick with something like this, and it's important to document..

There's a bariatric support group in town, I might try to attend. It would be nice to hear from people who have had surgery with local surgeons, to maybe help with my fear of complications.

You go girl, get as much support and knowledge as you can

And shame on me for not saying this in my first post:
CONGRATULATIONS on your 41 LBS DOWN !!! WHOOOOOOOHOOOO thats incrediable.

I actually worked in Wausau, lived 20 miles away. It is the prettiest place I have ever lived & hope to retire there part of the year (Winters in the South). Having lived there, I know there are some excellent medical facilities there & in Marshfield. Look for those local support groups & go to get information. After lots of internet research, I went to 2 different Weight Loss Clinics for their free informational sessions. Worked with the surgeon I liked (they gave the sessions) & went from there. It took me 3 years to work up the courage to have the surgery & these fine ladies pulled me through the last few weeks & after the surgery. I have not regretted it for a minute. It truly is the beginning of my new life.