Listen to your heart. People used to say the same to me, The unknown is scary to all of us, including friends and family. I'm 5'6" and was 244 when I met with myy surgeon and 234 the day of surgery, and 17 weeks later I'm 182 and feel fantastic!! This was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. My diabetes is in remission and my high blood pressure is now low. My relationship with my husband is awesome. My energy is through the roof. Life is good.
Wishing the best for you!
Shelley

I had the surgery at 57 Yeats old. I wasted so many years of my life. Unable to do so much because of my weight or how I felt about myself. Do what is right for you. Do it for yourself.

Baby let me tell you something. Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone's got one. Bottom line is that no matter WHAT anyone says YOU are the one who has to go home and live with the consequences of your actions AS WELL as your inaction. If the reactions of others is bringing you down than don't tell them. I had it last year when I was 25 and 310lbs but my mom had it when she was 45 and 240lbs. My loved ones were extremely supportive when I got it done but unfortunately when my mom was going for it people were NOT supporting her and she actually cancelled it the first time! I scolded her and told her that NO ONE is allowed to control her joy but her and I pushed her to do it and she has never looked back. If you feel like this is right for you THEN IT IS. Simple as THAT. We got your back.

Thanks Ya'll!! and Crystal you crack me up!!!You are so right and the people who matter are backing me up I have an amazing husband.. I am so happy i found this group

When people found out I was having the surgery, they also tried to convince me i didnt need it. Why? because I had lost 80 pounds on my own through diet and exercise and they figured I could just keep going. I explained that this was not so I could lose weight, but to help me keep it off in the future. If people arent supportive, I would make sure they arent the people I spend my time with!

I know how u feel I am told all the time that I don't need the surgery. Most of the time it is from the people that have never had a weight problem. They say you can do it by yourself just get up an workout and watch what u eat that's all you have to do. Well I no that I have tried everything that I can do. I think that most if the people that say these thing are not educated and just think that surgery is extreme

It is not about "them" it's about you. If you have done your research and have decided that this is what you want to do have the courage to fully commit to it. There will always be nay sayers. d

Hi Elainyanna - I am new here but felt compelled to repsond. I sooo know how you feel. I am 5'5" and currently 240 with high blood pressure. Friends have said that I shouldn't have the surgery becasue I am not that big and I managed to lose weight on my own before. But that's the whole point of this. I have yoyo'd up and down my whole life, tried every weight loss program out there and it still comes back.

These friends don't understand what it is like to always feel hungry - to never feel full. I am not doing this out of some sense of vanity. I've watched my best friend lose all sensation below the ankles due to diabetes. I'm 49 and still fairly healthy. My doctor and I are looking at this surgery as an opportunity to protect my helath for the rest of my life.

I think this surgery will really show us who our true friends are (or aren't). Hang in there - I'm with you.

When I told people I was having surgery I got one of two responses. I either got congratulations-from people who know someone that has gone through this. Or I would get why in the world would you do that -from people who don't struggle with weight. I carry my weight all over so many didn't think I would qualify. Believe in your decision, this is for and about you and no one else.

When I told people I was having surgery I got one of two responses. I either got congratulations-from people who know someone that has gone through this. Or I would get why in the world would you do that -from people who don't struggle with weight. I carry my weight all over so many didn't think I would qualify. Believe in your decision, this is for and about you and no one else.

You have to do this for you! No one elses opinion matters.

Pam I have learned that. I guess I am a little disappointed with some people. But I am feeling much better after all of you guys replying to this and talking to me. Most important is my family is standing behind me. They know why I am doing this and that means a lot to me

What a timely post for me. I am 56 years old, 5'4" and weight 238 lbs. I haven't told alot of people about my decision to have GBS but two I did tell said "NOOOO! You don't need it!!" I am not going to try to convince them. I am doing this so I can finally stop the life time of yo-yo dieting, frustration, feeling unwell etc. I think that people think GBS is for very, very overweight people, and they might not see us that way. Stay true to yourself and consider only sharing your plans with those you know will be supportive. We are here for you!!!!

I first looked into having GBS when I was around 225 (5 ft tall). However, I wasn't willing to give up the Diet Coke, etc and waited another 5 years. At that point I was over 300 lbs with pitting edema, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, GERD, back and knee problems. I wish I'd been ready sooner.

You are courageous to take this step now, before you've lost more years to obesity.

JJ

You can't expect people to be happy when it deals with something they don't understand. Usually the ones who don't understand always say they have 5 lbs to lose.
Be at peace with your decision and look for support from those that are close who can understand your struggles. The number on the scale is not the only thing they go by to approve a surgery like this so you know you qualify and that is all that matters. Good luck to you. debby