[mom2584]

Hi--my real name is Stephanie

I've been married for 29 years to a great guy and we have an 18 year old daughter that just started junior college.

I'm a government worker for the St Louis area--

Am going to a weight loss seminar on the 17th of Sep--have tried to lose weight MANY times and have loss well over 1,000 lbs combined!!

Tried again last year to lose weight so I could have the laprscopy surgery but just can't

So, guess will have to do the whole enchilada--

Just need to know how it is and if it is worth it--I have an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and had a pumonary embolism 10 years ago-----hopefully that will not be enough to eliminate me as a candidate-----so I know I will learn a lot from all of you who have already had surgery--and I know I will need all your support.

Thanks for "listening"

[jiffypop]

hmmm interesting post, mom. do you mean that you're going to have open surgery? the roux en y or the lapband?

and mom.. in my case it was literally life or death. yeah it was worth it. the first three months are NOT PRETTY but they end. what you experience at the beginning will NOT last the rest of your life.

BUT in order to make this work, you have to do some work to conquer your food demons. no more stress eating. no more boredom eating no more swallowing your emotions. whatever you have to do to get this kind of stuff out of you system now will go a LONG LONG way to making the most of the surgery.

it's not really about the food. that's only a small part of it.

so, welcome to our little corner.. hang out!! ask LOTS of questions

[mom2584]

don't know what kind of surgery yet--will find that out hopefully at the seminar---thanks for your reply--just wondering how long this process will take? Know I have to see heart/lung doctors and a shrink--any idea?

[jiffypop]

it's hard to say. some surgeons are booked a year ahead, and others just a couple of months. and a lot depend on how quickly you get your appointments and approvals done.

so.. talk with the surgeon...

[peach pit]

Hey Mom!!!

Good luck to you on your quest. As you listen to the seminar and go through the motions the picture for you will be come clearer as to wether or not WLS surgery is the right thing for you. One way or the other, it will all come in to focus for you.

I am not even a month out yet so I can't give you much of a perspective as to wether or not the surgery was worth it for me. I will say this, though: At this stage of the game I really am enjoying the freedom of not constantly driven by hunger and the thoughts of food!

all the best to you mom!
peach

[mom2584]

Thanks for your kind words Peach--I am relatively sure that surgery is my last option--I too am tired of having my whole life revolve around food-----

Hope you are doing well

take care

mom

[mom2584]

Went to my seminar--am going to have open--am too heavy for lap-----went to support group last week--a really nice group of people--have a psych consult tonight--found out my town has a support group too--from listening to everyone at the session the support groups are really important-----am realizing this really will not be simple or easy---so, hope you all will be patient with my questions----I know this is something I HAVE to do and will learn to adjust----

Thanks

mom