The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution

We are finally starting to feel better from the family flu.  Although we still aren't back at 100% and all still have coughs, but Weds everyone was finally back at school/work.  Of course I live in NJ and this week was 1/2 days M-W for parent teacher conferences and the kids were off yesterday and today for the state teachers convention.

I have been lurking here a little while sick but feel I need to open up and see what all your thoughts are on my current situation.

Since I left the board I kept the weight off for at least a year.  But over the last several have been gradually putting on weight- like 10- 15 lbs a year.  I do still exercise, although not 5x week like I was at my lowest.  I also eat a lot healthier than I did, but as time has gone on I have lost some of my good choices.  I have been really struggling for the last 10 months to try and get back in shape, but have not been successful despite my efforts.  This was confirmed on Monday when I went for my annual physical and was officially up 10 lbs from a year ago.  So I am feeling discouraged and kind of at the end of my rope.

I know that if I make myself a priority (and schedule my exercise 4-5 times a week and go back to journaling EVERYTHING I eat) I could get back to losing weight again.  However having been overweight my entire life and never in my adult life getting below 200 lbs am feeling that I need more help to make a permanent life change.  So after speaking with my primary care MD on Monday and tons of research I have an apt later this month with a bariatric surgeon to discuss gastric bypass surgery.  I am just tired of loosing weight and gaining it back and feel it's time for me to make a permanent change.

I don't know if any of you can understand my position since I know you all have battled with your weight for a long time, none of you have ever been as heavy as I am (278 on my MD scale, only 270 at home) for a long period of time.  I am currently in the process of doing a 2 week food journal for the surgeon so I am not cosciously eating I am eating because I want this to be a true reflection of my eating habits when left to my own devises.  But when that is over I do intend to make better choices in my eating.  Through my investigation I can loose around 20 lbs and still qualify for the surgery so I can't use the surgery as an excuse to not eat healthy now.

Anyways I need to know how you all feel about this before I go along posting here.

Alice

Alice,

In my opinion, you are always welcome here. This is supposed to be a board for people to share in their weight loss journey. Ups or downs, success or struggles. If you and your doctor decide that after your long term efforts with diet and exercise, that surgery is the route for you to go, then that is your decision. If you plan on utilizing your healthy habits that you've gained along the way, to help you succeed ( I wanted to edit this to add that I meant utilize your habits that you have gained, to help you succeed after your surgery!) then we could all benefit from having you here with us, just the same!

I've felt discouraged before, being heavier than most people that post here. Although, I was pregnant at the time, my highest weight wasn't too far off from yours, at 263lbs and I couldnt really even use carrying my daughter as an excuse, as I barely lost anything when she was born. It's not easy, I know. I hope whatever choice you make is the right one for you, and I hope you will feel comfortable continuing to post with us here.

Stephanie

Alice, I applaud your proactive and brave discussion with your MD and IMO I certainly hope you keep posting and let us come along on your journey! I think there are times when more extreme measures are the right thing to do and I know that you will be making big changes after the surgery that will be like the changes we are all trying to make.

I really hope you do keep posting. Please let us know what you decide and if/when you'll have the procedure, etc.

Thanks guys!

One thing I have learned through all my research is that surgery is not a simple solution to a weight problem.  The truth is if we all followed the post surgery diet none of us would be over weight.  The post op diet is high protein, low fat and requires you to stop and eat, taking 30 mins to completly chew your food. 

My apt is 11/24 and from what I have read it takes either 3 or 6 months (6 for the most part) to jump through the insurance hoops to get the surgery paid for.  But during that time you are not permitted to gain any weight and are encouraged to continue loosing weight.

I am surprised as I am eating what I want to in order to let the MD see an honest assessment in the 2 week required journal that I do make better choices than I sometimes realize.  For instance I never eat after dinner any more and with the exception of halloween candy I don't usually graze either anymore.  Even if I have put weight back on, I really have changed a lot of my old ways for the better.