jenngetsthin

That's so awesome. Congrats!

I've had so many surgeries that I totally believe that will be the easiest part. I am not scared of the surgery at all; but I'm very worried about the "emotional" aspects of all this. I've always been big and loved food, so I don't even know how to exist otherwise. And my whole social life seems to revolve around food. I think that is going to be the biggest struggle for me; getting used to a new normal. Hang in there! You went back to work so soon!

Hi, I'm Jennifer. I live in the Bay Area, CA (born and raised!). I am a single mom to two beautiful daughters, 18 and 11. The 18 year old just started college this fall at Columbia University in NY. My 11 year old just started sixth grade. I work at a large international law firm as a legal secretary. I've been doing this job for 20 years but 10 here at this firm. I occasionally get to travel to other offices and so far have been to NY, DC and Boston. I was always been a chubby kid. I started trying to lose weight when I was 15. The past seven years I have had numerous health issues. In 2010, I actually went through the entire process to get VSG but during the same time, I got sick and was eventually diagnosed with Crohn's. My GI would not give clearance for the VSG so I didn't get it. I had a few surgeries to deal with a fistula that developed as a result of the Crohn's over the next few years. A couple failed but finally in 2013 I had a successful fistula repair surgery. My Crohn's is now well managed and I've never had a flare except for that first one. I have mild issues more like IBS-D than anything. I take one Rx med, one OTC med, and a vitamin to control it. During this same time, I also started having hip pain in my right hip. After doing ibuprofen (which in retrospect was a bad idea and contributed to my Crohn's issues) and physical therapy, I finally got an x-ray a year later and learned I had congenital hip dysplasia which contributed to early arthritis. At that point, I was told to wait as long as possible due to my age but eventually I'd need hip replacement. I waited five years (way too long in hindsight; I was in immense pain and had to start using a cane) and then got an anterior hip replacement in January 2015. I have the same issue in my left hip but luckily have not had any problems with it except mild aching on occasion. In 2016 I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea after I was constantly waking with headaches. So now I use a CPAP. The sleep doctor told me losing 20% of weight usually eliminates the apnea so in August 2016 I started trying to lose weight (again! I have been on Weight Watchers time and time again over the years). Since then, I have lost about 6 pounds. I just keep going up and down and up and down. My age (45) makes it slower and harder to lose now than even a few years ago (I'm also pre-menopausal) and I'm getting frustrated so I decided to start this process again. My PCP is very supportive. So that's my story in a nutshell. Looking forward to seeing where this leads and for a healthier me.

Sounds like you're doing great! And it's awesome you have such an amazing supportive fiance.

You look great!

Congrats!

Richmond, CA (SF Bay Area)

Thanks!

Hi. I'm returning to this forum after about 7 years. I went through the process then and didn't get final approval due to being diagnosed with Crohn's around the same time. I've been off/on Weight Watchers numerous times since then and my weight keeps going up and down and the weight loss is slower now that I'm older also (45). I was also diagnosed with sleep apnea last year and I have arthritis in my hip due to congenital hip dysplasia (already had the right one replaced but would like the left to last as long as possible). So I decided to start the process again. I go see my PCP in a few weeks and I'm also attending an informational seminar at the hospital at the end of the month. I live in the Bay Area, CA and will be going through John Muir (most likely Dr. Chin) to get the VSG.