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Because Surgery is not for everyone I will not have it

#1

Nancy Grace , 01-10-2005 02:33 PM

I commend all of you who have had WLS. I thank this forum for allowing detailed research. I have desided not to get WLS.
My reason although personal should be shared.
1) If you are not willing to commit to the diet and exercise before you will not magically change your mind after surgery. I very much believe in WLS for select candidates. Any form of surgery must be fully investigated before a decision is made.
2) The risks are lenghty. I am only 27. I was considering lapband surgery bacause I thought GB was too invasive. They both have the risk of death and require recovery.
3) I really am not suffering from my weight. I weigh 255 and do not have any comorbidities. I did recieve a warning from my body that my weight was taking a toll. My menses stopped for about 3 months. I became fearful that this is the begging of the end of having a normal life.
4) Surgery alone will not cure my weight issues. It will offer results and inspiration but will require momentum to have lasting effects.

Losing weight is a hard thing. Any method requires sincere effort, diligence and commitment. I think we all are brave to look at ourselves and see room for inprovement. I think we take that for granted. I know I am but most of us are over achievers or super smart, but we still strive to be better versions of ourselves. Good luck to all and thank you for being my understanding of the struggle.

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#2

Chickadee , 01-10-2005 04:14 PM

Hi Nancy Grace,

You sound pretty darn smart. You are absolutely right that in order for any WLS to be successful, you have to be committed to changing your diet and doing lots of quality exercise. I see way too many posts on other forums from people wondering why they're not losing and it turns out they're not exercising or getting in enough protein or water or simply making bad food choices. No matter what surgery we had, it still comes down to us getting off our butts and doing all the right things to make it happen.

If your weight isn't impacting your quality of life, it sounds like you really don't need surgery. If you ever do though, and I'm sure you've done lots of research and probably already know this, the mortality rate for LapBand is incredibly low - one of the reasons I chose it.

Pookie Ookie Ooo, I'm with you on not wanting to push personal surgery choices. I try really hard not to enter into the "my surgery's better than your surgery" wars, because I think they're stupid. I do like people to be educated though, so I try to give information without being preachy, which can be a fine line at times. Hopefully I don't cross it!

I hope you feel welcome to hang out here anytime you want Nancy Grace. We're a fine, but goofy, bunch of losers!

Chickadee

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#3

ageoldie , 01-10-2005 08:34 PM

You girls are all so smart. I agree Nancy Grace, if you are not completely dedicated to live the life after surgery, you are right to decide against it. That's why I've never had it. I've been a cheerleader for this group since it started and I've wishy washy toyed witht the idea, but having watched ole Alvin not follow any of the rules, I can't make up my mind that I'd do any better.

Anyway hang in there and do what you can, I know it's hard, but the weight can be lost.

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#4

Nancy Grace , 01-11-2005 11:15 AM

Thank you sooo much. I feel encouraged to still try something.
I was wondering if you guys could help me find a therapist who deals with weight loss. I want to exercise more and restrict my portions but I was wondering if anyone in NYC may know of a psychiatrist, or psycologist that deals with weight loss or body image.

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#5

Dawnajoy , 01-12-2005 10:00 AM

I just want to chime in with my agreement. WLS is not for everyone. I think it is the LAST option and should never be the first.

I am a single parent with three children. I can tell you that I thought long and hard before having my surgery. With any surgery, there are risks. The morbidly obese are a higher risk category. I had to weigh the options of dying during surgery (a possibility that should be seriously considered) versus the thought that my weight and comorbidities would have had the same effect within a very few years. This was in no way a decision I made lightly.

I always advise people to do their homework. Research. Talk to people who have had surgery. Not for a day and not for a week, but for longer. Read the research. Educate yourself.

I actually put myself on a high protein diet with vitamin supplementation for several months during my consideration. I am not a big meat eater, and don't like taking pills. I wanted to be sure I knew what I was getting into and would follow through.

If my health had not been impacted, and my mobility, I would not have had surgery. My personal opinion is that health and mobility are the only reasons to consider wls. I cannot fathom having it simply to wear smaller clothing. It boggles my mind. The risk:benefit ratio at that point simply does not make sense to me (my personal opinion here, YMMV).

I also believe that people should try every available alternative before deciding on WLS. I think most of us had spent a lifetime using diet plans, seeing nutritionists, perhaps getting counseling.

I absolutely commend you for doing your research and recognizing where you are at in your journey. You are absolutely correct, and make very good points.

Take care,

Dawna

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#6

Young Grasshopper , 01-13-2005 08:36 PM

Hi!

Just to chime in...I would call the Weight Management Center affiliated with North Shore University Hospital on Long Island. It's close to the border of Queens I think...not a big driver. I think it's a convient place to start...psychologist, nutritionists, etc. Don't think they take insurance but they might have leads for you. Look on ObesityHelp.com for the nutritionist Emily Marcus...she's affiliated with them and I think her phone number is on that site.

Good luck!

Deb

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