Questions when you're considering WLS

Came across this excellent website for those seriously considering weight loss surgery (WLS): bariatricedge.com this particular link will take you to a page on the site that shows interviews with several people who have had the surgery. I would suggest you amble through the whole site as it addresses many of the concerns associated with WLS, including: post-op pain; risks; exercise after WLS; coming to terms with fear of failure; etc.

In considering WLS I have had to carefully consider many things, some questions I have asked myself include:

• Am I sure I couldn't just lose the weight on my own?
(Yes - I've tried and succeeded in losing weight, only to regain more!)

• For year's I've thought WLS was an easy way out -- what has changed?
(Gonna have to address that in a different post the answer is complicated!)

• Am I ready to accept the potential complications of the surgery?
(Yes)

• Do I really think it's worth the risk?
(Yes)

• Do I have realistic expectations? Will 50lbs be enough if I think I should lose 100? How will I deal with that?
(Again, this answer is for an other day.)

• Do I think this is a fix-all or just a window of opportunity to get my life on track?
(Definately the later!)

There are a million questions to ask yourself and you really are going to have to GET REAL with yourself before surgery, for you surely have no option but to be real after the surgery! Your dear "friend" called food will be gone. If you don't use this opportunity to deal with the problems you have in your life you can regain the weight later.

Some questions to ask yourself when considering bariatric surgery are:

• Have I exhausted nonsurgical measures?

• Am I well informed about the available
  surgical procedures and the effects
  of treatment?

• Am I determined to lose weight and
  improve my health?

• Can I maintain a lifelong commitment to
  medical follow-up and vitamin/mineral
  supplementation?

From the website Northshore LIJ

There are so many things to consider, but I've had a lifetime to get to know myself and my shortcomings -- I know when I'm licked! Now is the time to find a solution that works for me. I have decided to start on this journey, even though I have concerns and questions, for although there are risks there is a potential for tremendous gain (well... loss actually!).