SeattleSue

Hopeful, oh, I feel for you! I haven't been sleeved yet, so maybe this is empty advice for you, but try to just focus on your Fluid intake and Protein. You know, when our body has a trauma (and sometimes even a heavy work-out can be considered a trauma...certainly major surgery!) the body tries to protect itself and pad with Water...hence water retention. Don't worry. It will happen...like you, I've read about this happening to others and it is only temporary. Focus on your fluids and protein and the rest will follow... Chin-up girl. Remember that this too shall pass! Susan

My name is Susan. I feel very vulnerable, very overwhelmed, and for the first time in a long time...a glimmer of hope. I'm 43 and that is my age, not my BMI *snort It's sort of like being a teen and having 20 lbs to lose and you think you are "so fat". Yeah, I wish I was only that fat. I'm 43 years old and my BMI is a shocking 59. I cried when I saw that number. No wonder my knees hurt so stinkin' bad! OK...no more excuses. I think that is going to be a slogan for me. I'm TIRED of fighting this battle with a plastic gun! As I've read your stories and your updates, your "serious complaints" , looked at your photo whoring (wtheck?), cried and identified with your dreams...I realized I have wasted so much time. I'm ready. In 2 days', I went from "surgery is an admission of failure" mentality to, "dang...why fight this fight with a Water pistol when I can have a bazooka?" Wow...I don't even own a gun...but you get me, right? I mean, it's not like I was ignorant of what WLS was, howbeit the Sleeve was a new discovery for me. I went to a seminar at a local hospital 3 weeks ago; fully intent on learning about the LAP band--which I was NOT thrilled about--but when it's life and death, and at 59BMI, it definately not only feels like life or death...I'm here to testify that I only live today because of the Grace of Almighty God. I heard about this "new" procedure that has become so sought after -- the VSG. Hmmm. One thing led to another and I found this forum. You all should know; you sealed the deal for me. Thank you. I can't name you all by name but I've literally read hundreds, if not a thousand of your posts and now, POOH my feet are wet! I've been in contact with Trish at Dr. Kelly's office. I am awaiting a consult with him. I know that I have historically had a low Iron count (okay okay...it's redonculously low...last year, a 7). So, right now that is my first hurdle. New labs...the magic number is 10. If I'm above 10, I can proceed to step 2. If not, I need to have an iron infusion or something...and at this moment don't know if I would have to wait 90 days for an updated lab (takes 90 day's to build a new cell). You'd THINK that I would have been taking my iron pills like a good girl...but bugger if they aren't inconvenient when you can take them within an hour of dairy, coffee, BP meds, Vitamins, breathing (HA!) and that more complicated when they want you to take 3x 325 mg daily but not together, spread out over 8 hours. Ok, yeah...sure, no problem. Anyway, there you have it. That's my "start" or actually a snap shot of where I'm at. Of course, I'm more than the sum of all my mistakes, of all the problems I cause...sorry, lines from one of my favorite current tunes... I just mean that the weight is just a manifestation of other issues; abuse, rejection, self loathing.... It goes on and so with that, I should say that I also took the HUGE step of admitting I need counseling and have my first appointment with a bonafide professional today. I want to give a shout out to Jesus who has loved me through it all...who is not repulsed by this mess that I am. Also to my amazing husband of 19 years and my two outstanding son's. They have walked this with me and I know that God is going to bless them with the wife and mother that they deserve! Thanks for listening and for welcoming me into the community. Susan

You are going to do great! Best wishes...

Congrats! I am excited to watch your progress... :-)

That's cool! I'm excited for you.,,,

Hahaha "Big sissy" Thanks for the pep talk! I look forward to reading more about your success! I recently fell over the fence...so I'm in the early stages of the prep process. Susan

Congrats Tina! You are on your way!! I know you are going to do great. Susan

Good luck Tex. Being morbidly obese is hard on the old pride... Remember, you didn't win a solitary football game by yourself. It was a team effort...everyone working their man, running their routes, following the ball. I think you have your eye on the ball and you know the play. Now it's time to execute. You got this. WLS is not for the weak and it won't solve every thing...but it does give us a second down to convert! Eye on the ball. Susan

Best of luck! I'm proud of you for working through the set-backs of insurance issues. Keep us posted...I personally am only 2 steps into the process and no dates. Susan