wannabe2012

I am a 51-year-old male, married with 3 children and I live in Virginia. After years of promising my doctor that I would lose the weight, it is evident that my only option is WLS.
As my hypertension slowly developed, I said I will do it. Once I developed severe hypertension, he warned me that I could develop Type II diabetes, I said I will do it. As my hypertension became more pronounced and my diabetes began to worsen and I excruciatingly had my back go out with three herniated discs, I SCREAMED I WILL DO IT!
I have watched my weight continue to rise over the years from around 180 lbs in 1983 to my current all-time high of 266 on my 5'7" frame.
I am a healthcare worker who sees the ravages of obesity on patients. It is amazing that I cannot lose the weight permanently without resorting to surgery. I have lots of excuses. I commute 4-5 hours 5 days a week to my highly stressful job. Up at 4am, home by 7:30pm and always too tired to exercise on the nice new treadmill purchased last year.Tried all the programs, shakes, pills, hypnosis, accupuncture, etc.
Last week, I had my 4th of 6 nutrition consults. Approved by psychologist, had an upper endoscopy. Once insurance approves, hope to have Vertical Sleeve procedure in January or February 2013.
I found this site through a web search and it seems very informative and motivating. I hope to use this as support and eventually support others with my success story.
I understand that this isn't a cure-all and will still always have to work hard at this including somehow fitting exercise into the picture.
I'm hoping that as the pounds drop away, it will all come together.
Enough for now. Look forward to sharing the journey.

So I work with kids all day and have always wanted to wear a Halloween costume that was premade to work because everyone else could but I had to always make my own because I couldn't fit. Well no longer my friends.....I know it's such a small thing, but it means the world to me!

So excited I been waiting for this for the longest. Can't wait to get my surgery date I am wanting to go it some time in September. My husband doesn't even know but will here in a lil bit. The 6 month diet program was well worth it. So love this community it has helped me out so much too!!! Thanks everyone for all the advice yall put on here.

I am so sorry hoping things get better for your family

I am so sorry hoping things get better for your family

You're not going to stretch your sleeve with liquids only, so long as you don't keep drinking until you're in serious pain. Then you wouldn't stretch it, the damage would be much worse.
I keep saying that I think we should all be required to have some mental therapy before and after surgery because there is so much mental work to be done after any WLS. Not just about food, but about body image and how to deal with other people.
I seriously ate my problems before surgery. Now that I can't do that, I'm getting feedback from some of the problem-causers that I have an attitude problem. I've been talking to a therapist about this, because I try to be pleasant. What I'm learning is that pleasant does NOT have to mean doormat. That's just as an example of what I'm talking about above.
We don't have a lot of choice but to deal with the issues that we used food to self-medicate before, unless we want to step into crossover addictions like drugs and alcohol. I've always wanted a clear head, so I'm having to really work on my issues. However, the work is worth it in the long run.
As for being successful, you'll be just as successful as you want to be. There is definitely work to be done post-op, though. There is nothing easy about WLS, IMO.

I am one week out and for some reason I find myself angry and frustrated with just about everything has anybody else felt this way?
I am so mean I can hardly stand myself..

I knew I was going to have the sleeve and they would make me quit smoking so instead of being forced into it, I did it myself with nicotine Patches I have smoked for over 40 yrs and tried several times (at least 8)to quit for some reason this time it has stuck with me. It is difficult but I am sure if you really put your mind to it you will succeed every day the cravings dont last as long. Good luck