[Momof4]

I have so many questions that I don't know where to put them.

History: I have always been overweight, but I am now at my heaviest somewhere near 360-375? My scale won't weigh me.

I have had 4 knee surgeries, 3 c-sections, and a wrist surgery.

My knee problems, along with a lot of other constant aches and pains is hindering my ability to move to lose weight.. and I need to lose weight to be able to move better.

Thoughts: I had always thought that gastric bypass was a drastic step. My thinking was that if a person could stick to the extremely disciplined lifestyle that one must adhere to after surgery to begin with.. then why get the surgery?

More recently, I have wondered if the surgery would stop the constant craving and urge to eat, the 24-hour thoughts about food, and compulsion to eat with every single emotion and eat without being hungry. I'm wondering if the surgery can create a feeling of being full, where there has never been one.

I'm scared to have yet another major surgery. I'm scared of having things go wrong afterward and being tied to a toilet, or end up too weak and frail to be active anyway from lack of nutrients.

I'm scared of the unknown. Of the hospital stay, or being away from my toddlers.

I'm scared of becoming even more immobile than I am if I don't do something to get this weight off.

I'm scared that my immobility due to my leg injuries and myriad of aches and pains will hinder my progress if I am required to exercise beyond my capabilities.

I don't know what to do.

I'm scared to do this, and scared not to.

[TamTamW]

I posted on your other thread on here.

This surgery is a major decision but it has to be your decision, you should find out if there is a seminar in your area and attend it that is where I started, it took me like 3 years to actually make it to the seminar and make the decisison that this was for me because I was litteraly tired of being heavy and not being able to breath or walk without huffing and puffing. Last week I actually ran on the treadmill for 2 mins walk for 2mins and run again for 2 mins, never thought that I would be able to do that.
I could go on and on here but it is scary and it is a big decision do your research. Stick around here and do read on the old posts. They are full of information..

[Queenofthenile]

This surgery is a tool. It will not "cure" your obesity. You have to work at it like you said. It is a major decision. It took me 2 years and I'm still debating. Have you tried losing weight on your own? ((HUGS)) I hope you make the right decision for you.

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board.
As I posted on your other thread, do a lot of search and research, start off by reading everything on this board. Knowledge is the key, and you will make your decision what to do when you are ready.
((((((HUGS)))))) May your journey go well.

[wannabe skinny]

dear mom of 4 - you have very legitimate reasons to be afraid - surgery of any type is not to be taken lightly. your comments about doing it on your own - yes there are people who diet and take off their weight and keep it off. having weight loss surgery is not a miracle cure for obesity - it is a tool to help you take off and keep the weight off. your success in this or any other method of reducing your weight is entirely up to you. i lost and gained the same 100+ pounds 5 or 6 times in my life. the difference this time is that i knew that i needed to take drastic measures to help me this time and i am so glad that i did. i am a little over half way to my goal and every day is more and more encouraging to me. i also mentally feel this time is seriously different as far as my success in keeping the weight off. all i can suggest is that you read everything you can regarding weight loss surgery and spend a lot of time on this board and other weight loss support groups. there are a lot of people who have been there done that who can answer questions. good luck as you decide what is best for YOU!

[qt82699]

welcome...it is normal to be scared, this surgery is life changing...i wish you the best!!