Who's That Girl

Sleeved April 10th....we're sleeve sisters.

Glad to hear you are well.....

Praise God and thank you.....If not for this forum I don't know what I would do. I don't have anyone that I can talk to about my journey and anyone to share my good/bad days with. I know God will be with me every step of the way and will have his hands on me and the surgeon and the team working with them.....He knows what's best...
I can't say it enough. Thank You Lord and you're right it's your blog! I pray that we all have successful surgeries and no complications post surgery.

definitely attend the seminars! This is where you will get the medical information on each procedure and what limitations, side effects - both good and bad, from. Its important to base your decision on what YOU wish to receive out of the procedure - all will help you lose weight. None are magic. You still have to do the work. But its the difference between building a house using your bare hands, or having a hammer to pound in those nails. Here are some of the major points:
Lap Band - removable, adjustable, foreign body, can errode, less overall weight loss, no large pills.
Gastric Bypass - reversable (although not easily) fast immediate weight loss, chance of dumping syndrome, rerouting of internal organs, malabsorption, extra vitamins needed for life, no NSAIDS, not suggested for those with acid reflux.
Sleeve - not reversable, steady weight loss (between band and bypass), removal of 85% of your stomach (including part of stomach that produces hunger-inducing hormone ghrelin) , anatomy stays in same order you were given, no foreign bodies, can be used as phase 1 of a duodenal switch - which adds malabsorption to the procedure, few pharmaceutical restrictions, can help end acid reflux.
These are what I received from one fo the seminars I went to - what's funny is, for me, the Sleeve was the most appealing, even though they were actually pressuring for people to have the bypass.
I know people that have had each of the surgeries. Of these, I know people that have succeeded and people that have failed - with each and every one - and its not because of the surgery, it was because they didn't address their own personal issues. If you absolutely cannot stay away from sugary foods, maybe the bypass will be right for you - at least there's a consequence with that one. If you're just an overeater, sleeve may be beneficial to you, especially if you have other issues, like CONSTANTLY feeling hungry. If you've got less than 100 lbs, to lose and you're just looking for some portion control, maybe its the band. You have to decide for you.

Wwoww, this is a full plate to deal with. Sometimes it's wise to take a step back and recognize that there is nothing you can do to get your mom and sister to wake up, and start eating healthier. They are at the same place many of us were at that contributed to our choice of getting a surgery. I know it hurts like hell to see the people you love suffering and you can't do anything about it. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that they are not really to make a change to a new life style. Yes, if they don't have insurance and they can't afford the surgery, then they are probably in some kind of depression. It's like a giant black hole the they can't climb out of. Thanks for sharing this struggle. You are powerless over your mom and sister's poor choices. But you can role model for them more healthy eating and refuse to take over unhealthy food for them. Take care and take alot of deep breaths, and try to relax. Enjoy your new journey. You are example to them.

I agree you have to take charge of your own life. I told my family that I was having the surgery. I did not ask for advise or want to know what anyone thought. I decided a long time ago that I need to do this for me. My only concern was my husband. He is afraid something bad could happen to me, however he is a man of strong faith and is supporting me 100%.

So sorry to hear the frustration. When you know something is right for you and obstacles are placed in your way at every turn.. IT's HARD!! I have added you to my growing prayer list. What God has for you no man can stand in the way. Please hang tough. It took me a very long time from point of decision to point of surgery took almost a year. Be prepared.. when it goes to your insureance they may ask for a 6 month diet schedule. Your bariatric doc should have had you on that to begin with.. just in case the insurance asked for it. This site is positive and supportive so you've found one good thing in your journey. Hang in there!!

im sorry to hear of the trouble you are having.. i recently joined this site.. and everyone here is very supportive. I just got sleeved 4 days ago and if it weren't for the people here i don't know what i would do.. everyone helps everyone out. answering questions. getting support, and just having an ear if its needed.. i wish you good luck in your journey because it sounds like you have done the research and you have mentally prepared for the journey. Now you just need some tlc from those closest to you.
My family was doing the same thing. they really didn't want me to get this surgery. and just as you i have been an athlete all my life even in college but after 4 knee surgeries its very hard to stay active. I have to admit its not easy trying to get support from family when all they can see is the negative, but they will come around. You just need to make sure that you are doing this for yourself and not for anyone else. If they dont like well then that kind of their problem and if they truely love you no matter what they will be on your side.
good luck to you and i will keep you in my prayers!

Thanks Apilil for mentioning that the "hard work is the mind". I'm going to have to keep reminding myself that my mind will try to play games with me!

You wouldnt be human if you didnt feel some fear. Im approx 16 days post surgery and I can tell you I was scared stiff of having this procedure. Its a huge decision to make but you must look at the way you live your life now and look at how you want to live your life in the future. I want to go to the beach, run around with my kids, feel happy and confident, feel healthy and energetic, wear beautiful clothes. You know what, if you have a bit of spare skin after youve lost weight then just tuck it in!!!! hehe Id rather have some hanging skin than all the other negative things that come with being Obese.
I stayed in hospital for 3 nights as I found it hard to get any fluid into me and I had severe reflux but that has now calmed greatly and I am on reflux medication. I will not sugar coat this, it is hard, its an entire lifestyle change, My lifetime of bad habits are gone in the physical sense, as in I cannot physically eat like I used to and use food for bordem, depression or anything else but It dosnt mean that my mind has caught up to my body. My desire for the food is still there, not as much because I have no physical hunger but I could kill for a steak right now. The hard work is the mind. I have a long long way to go its only day 16 but I dont regret the surgery I can already see the results. Just be kind to yourself and make sure you have some support after surgery even if you find a councellor that specialises. My surgeon has a program so after surgery you see dietician, exercise specialist and councellor for like 6 months post surgery.
Dont be scared be excited, your new life is just around the corner. Best of luck to you

You are not alone, Im scared too! I am so close now and I keep thinking of backing out. I know that I can do it but I like to know everything before I do anything and this time I am so scared to know!