Re: Re: on being recognized

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

Did anyone struggle with the decision to have or not have the surgery. I

thought I had made up my mind without any hesitations but then I spoke with a

male friend who gave me some reasons to doubt whether this decision is a good

one for me. I still want to have the surgery and I am probably going to go

through it but I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I am having the surgery

for many reasons. I want to give this gift to myself. I want to be around for

my daughter to grow up. I want the diabetes to lessen. Hopefully so I don't

have to use insulin anymore. I want to feel better about myself. These are the

good reasons to have the surgery. But, the other reasons consist of, I am tired

of people looking down on me for my weight. I am tired of my family using my

weight issue against me. I am tired of not being liked by men. My ex left me

15 months ago, which didn't help my self-esteem and I want to feel better about

myself. My male friend says this is a self-esteem issue not a weight issue.

So, I have a lot to think about. The other issue is the danger involved in the

surgery. I have heard of a few people not even being able to sip 1/2 glass of

water without throwing it back up. What are the odds of this happening? Was

the surgery worth all of it for everyone? In terms of being able to eat, what

will that be like? Will I never be able to eat again? Or can I lead a semi

normal life? All comments will be greatly appreciated. I need to weigh the

pros and the cons so I can be confident in the decision I make. Take care.

--

**Wake me up from the nothing

that I've become**

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

Did anyone struggle with the decision to have or not have the surgery. I

thought I had made up my mind without any hesitations but then I spoke with a

male friend who gave me some reasons to doubt whether this decision is a good

one for me. I still want to have the surgery and I am probably going to go

through it but I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I am having the surgery

for many reasons. I want to give this gift to myself. I want to be around for

my daughter to grow up. I want the diabetes to lessen. Hopefully so I don't

have to use insulin anymore. I want to feel better about myself. These are the

good reasons to have the surgery. But, the other reasons consist of, I am tired

of people looking down on me for my weight. I am tired of my family using my

weight issue against me. I am tired of not being liked by men. My ex left me

15 months ago, which didn't help my self-esteem and I want to feel better about

myself. My male friend says this is a self-esteem issue not a weight issue.

So, I have a lot to think about. The other issue is the danger involved in the

surgery. I have heard of a few people not even being able to sip 1/2 glass of

water without throwing it back up. What are the odds of this happening? Was

the surgery worth all of it for everyone? In terms of being able to eat, what

will that be like? Will I never be able to eat again? Or can I lead a semi

normal life? All comments will be greatly appreciated. I need to weigh the

pros and the cons so I can be confident in the decision I make. Take care.

--

**Wake me up from the nothing

that I've become**

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/19/2004 12:00:22 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

soarthruwind@... writes:

> I want to be around for my daughter to grow up. I want the diabetes to

> lessen. Hopefully so I don't have to use insulin anymore. I want to feel

> better about myself.

>

> Hi !

>

> I know it has taken me a long time to respond, and maybe other's input no

> longer matters. I, too, waffled after receiving my surgery date. I became

> afraid of dying (I had had a severe broncho spasm after a previous surgery,

and

> I almost died). I was terribly afraid it would happen again, with a terminal

> result. But, I had diabetes that wasn't being controlled very well with

> oral meds any more, I was nearly bedridden with pain from degenerative spinal

> disease, I was miserable and not living, only existing. Then my back had a

bad

> flare while I was thinking about canceling the surgery...that decided it for

> me. I decided I had to take the chance at living a better life. My surgery

> was November 7, 2002, I have lost 155 pounds...asthma is controlled with

> occasional medication, the back still gives me trouble, but is better and,

best

> of all, I am no longer diabetic! I move more quickly, I am LIVING

> again...not just existing. I'm so happy to be me!

>

> I wish you all the best, and I know what a difficult decision to face.

>

> Hugs and blessings,

> Ann

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/19/2004 12:00:22 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

soarthruwind@... writes:

> In terms of being able to eat, what will that be like? Will I never be

> able to eat again? Or can I lead a semi normal life?

Oops, , I had wanted to address these, too. I know there are some

people who sip their water, but for me, I guzzle my water and I was able to

drink

satisfying amounts, even right after surgery. In the beginning, I couldn't

drink anything at all while eating, but I can now sip when I eat. I eat like a

ravening wolf at times and I continue to be surprised (and a little frightened)

by how much I can eat. I know how to control my bathroom issues with dietary

changes (milk and wheat get to me). Of course, it doesn't always mean I do

what I know I should...then I pay for it later, in the bathroom. LOL

Hugs and blessings,

Ann