Pre-OpLoser619

All of your stories are heartbreaking and yet so inspiring at the same time. I have mentioned on this forum several times, that heavy people are some of the strongest, bravest people I have ever met not only because of the prejudices and cruelty we face each day as heavy people but because I am all too aware of the trauma that many of us have gone through that helped form our poisonous relationship with food. I too suffered through horrible things as a child and I suppose throughout my life so far. For a long time those things drove me to be a perfectionist and over achiever, except where food was concerned. Food was my friend, it reminded me of some of the best times in my life vs the ugly that was rattling around in my head. I was sad, I ate. I was happy, I ate. I was mad, I ate. I was stressed, I ate. See the common theme there. It wasn't until my miracle was born almost 5 years ago that I really began to examine myself, my thoughts, everything. It took me almost 5 years and a couple of scary close calls in the er to really shake me and wake me up that if I didn't change, really change, I wouldn't be around to see my daughter grow up or grow old with my husband. I had gotten pcos, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and most recently fibromyalgia and autoimmune issues yet all of this and all the meds didn't wake me up to what I was doing... Slowly killing myself. It was the accumulation of all these things and also the grace of God that finally made me see things clearly for the first time in 37 years. Whether I end up having this surgery or not... I know things will be different this time and I will get to my goal either way! Thanks for letting me share my story!

All of your stories are heartbreaking and yet so inspiring at the same time. I have mentioned on this forum several times, that heavy people are some of the strongest, bravest people I have ever met not only because of the prejudices and cruelty we face each day as heavy people but because I am all too aware of the trauma that many of us have gone through that helped form our poisonous relationship with food. I too suffered through horrible things as a child and I suppose throughout my life so far. For a long time those things drove me to be a perfectionist and over achiever, except where food was concerned. Food was my friend, it reminded me of some of the best times in my life vs the ugly that was rattling around in my head. I was sad, I ate. I was happy, I ate. I was mad, I ate. I was stressed, I ate. See the common theme there. It wasn't until my miracle was born almost 5 years ago that I really began to examine myself, my thoughts, everything. It took me almost 5 years and a couple of scary close calls in the er to really shake me and wake me up that if I didn't change, really change, I wouldn't be around to see my daughter grow up or grow old with my husband. I had gotten pcos, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and most recently fibromyalgia and autoimmune issues yet all of this and all the meds didn't wake me up to what I was doing... Slowly killing myself. It was the accumulation of all these things and also the grace of God that finally made me see things clearly for the first time in 37 years. Whether I end up having this surgery or not... I know things will be different this time and I will get to my goal either way! Thanks for letting me share my story!

What about adding some Protein Powder to your oatmeal to bring that up and counteract the carbs... Just a thought.

Sitting here reading everyone's stories... It makes me sad that we live in a world of such cruelty and prejudice. I, like the op, find some kind of strange healing in reading these stories. Maybe it's because I can see that I was and am not alone in my embarrassments and pains, maybe it makes me feel more a part of something instead of alone, but whatever it is I know this for sure... We are some of the strongest and most courageous people I know. To have gone through and continue to go through all these things and still strive to better our lives instead of being beat down and torn apart is nothing short of miraculous!

Sitting here reading everyone's stories... It makes me sad that we live in a world of such cruelty and prejudice. I, like the op, find some kind of strange healing in reading these stories. Maybe it's because I can see that I was and am not alone in my embarrassments and pains, maybe it makes me feel more a part of something instead of alone, but whatever it is I know this for sure... We are some of the strongest and most courageous people I know. To have gone through and continue to go through all these things and still strive to better our lives instead of being beat down and torn apart is nothing short of miraculous!

Or, people could stop being such jerks to one another and realize at one point we were ALL obese, all have/had an obvious food issue and all are HUMAN. Just sayin.

You are so beautiful! You've really done an amazing job. Congrats on that baby too!

Thank you for posting this!! I am pre op and I feel like its good for me to hear the lwhat others wish they knew pre op. maybe this can help shape my experience.
Thank you kindly!!
Wishing you Wellness!
Sannah
Sent from my iPhone using VST

First off, I'm sorry that you're having such a hard time. It does seem that only the good stories get told here, doesn't it? I hope with the help of your new doctor, you can get on the road to being mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy.
I am still pre-op, so I don't have anything to add to your post about regrets, but I was just wondering about your reasons for having the surgery. The reason I ask this is because it seems that no one mentioned the risks versus the benefits of the surgery and how it applies to your PERSONAL situation.
Take me for instance, I'm 36 years old and I have diabetes, hypertension, arthritis in both hips, and in my right knee. When I consider sticking myself four times a day for the rest of my life because of the diabetes, I'll risk the surgery. When I consider taking 2 medications twice a day everyday for the rest of my life and insulin to lower my blood sugars versus keeping candy in my purse in case my blood sugar gets too low, I'll risk that too. When I consider losing a foot or a leg from diabetes, it's a real no brainer for me, I'll risk a complication in surgery. When I consider taking 2 b/p meds everyday in an effort to prevent stroke, I'll take the risks of surgery. I am in physical pain from the time that I wake up until I go to bed, and it doesn't help that I have a very physical job (nurse), so just the thought of maybe going an entire day without pain is enough to make me risk a surgery that may cause a leak, a clot, or future surgery. This is why I AM choosing the surgery.
My heart goes out to you, and I hope you start to feel better really soon. I wish someone had real discussions with you about this surgery and how it would affect YOUR life, but it's not too late to discuss this with your psych. I think you can still feel positive about the decision you made, because your reasons for making that decision are still there. I hope once you start to feel better physically and mentally, the reasons for the surgery will outweigh the complications you're having. Good Luck and Feel Better Soon! (hugs)

Also she didn't ask for people to be all, nope I did fine... She asked if there were things people wished they'd known prior to surgery. That's what this thread should be about! The rest of the forum is filled with success stories and I don't think the negative side gets truly represented enough on this site. Even people who had major complications and months of suffering are so disillusioned that they are like oh well this is the best thing ever... I'm sorry, but if I'd gone through what some people have I would not be painting such a pretty picture of it. I'm super excited for those that do have great successes, but lets also remember there are those that don't and they should also be able to feel validated here as well.

Yeah, I think people do the greatest service when they are honest. Being thin is not the greatest thing ever. Yes, it can help open doors. But at the end of the day, you are still you, with the same problems, the same insecurities, etc. just in a smaller body. People have to have a realistic view of what goes into it before making the decision.

I wish I had found this forum before making the decision to have surgery!
My doctor's office gives everyone a booklet that gives all the info you need for the procedures they do (band, rny, sleeve, switch), including the diets. I had my band done there so I was familiar with the practice. When I looked at the post-op diet, I thought, "hey, I can do that!" Then, in the hospital, I got a different post-op diet.
Called the NUT about it and she said she just realized it a couple of weeks ago and they haven't reprinted the books yet. Seriously????
I feel like suing for neglegent infliction of emotional distress (I'm a lawyer...). Or maybe just force-feeding her Protein shakes and mush.

9.5 weeks and 42lbs...the 16 work pants (and at least one pair of jeans) have been resurrected from the closet!

So I am 4 months out, down 63 pounds with 57 more to go! I am currently bouncing around 197.
Here is a picture at my highest (well not quite there) I think I was 245 or 250
The second is two days after my surgery in Ensenada
And here is a picture of me this last Friday getting ready to go out.
I know it is crappy quality. I don't have anyone to take pictures for me, nor do I have a camera!
I went from a 20/22 to a 16 currently.

1. Subconscious protective mechanism against intimacy (childhood sexual abuse).
2. Underactive thyroid--slowest metabolism on the planet. :-)
3. Diet of a teenage boy, for no apparent reason--just eating whatever I felt like whenever I felt like it.
4. Sedentary lifestyle.
Two years ago, finally decided to do something about all of the above. Went to a counselor, who helped me with the residual issues stemming from childhood. Once that was in place, I realized I really wanted my outside to match my inside; that's when I started to seriously consider the surgery. And here we are!!

Great topic. Growing up, I was thin and athletic. I lived for my sports. Up until my pregnancy at 34, I had an amazing body and worked very hard at it. All was good until my last trimester when I gained an astounding 85 pounds. Our son was 2 weeks late and 10 1/2 lbs via c-section. As soon as I was healed, I started working out vigorously. I basically did the Atkins diet, and worked my way from 240lbs down to 165. That didn't last. Fast forward 14 years- I am at 250 ish. I want to keep doing my sports, but I have had 9 surgeries on my legs and my weight won't let me do the things I enjoy.
I do think this experience has made me more compassionate towards others. I don't judge people as much. I have experienced the looks and I know people that have known me for a long time say "what happened to her?" I do have some autoimmune problems (Celiac Disease and Hashimotos), which make it a little harder. I am hoping this will give me the tool to get back to where I was. My son has seen pics of me thin, and I have a super supportive husband. I am lucky. I think this experience has been good in a way for me (sounds funny). This weight has taught me so many things and has made me grow as a person. If I had remained thin and not gained the weight, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I like who I am, I don't like this weight. It hurts my knees and doesn't let me do the things I enjoy. I am looking forward to this journey.

Ogosh. I'm on my way to the hospital now. It's kicking in. I prayed and prayed that god will be with me and send me back home tomorrow with my beautiful princesses! Good luck to all who are getting sleeved today. And thanks to all who wished us well and for all your wonderful support. I love this site ♡
God is good ♥♡♥♡
Denise

I'm in Jackson, Tn. Right between Memphis and Nashville. I had my surgery at Gateway Medical Center in Clarksville 4/30/12 by Dr Crystal Twynham.
You are certainly NOT the only fat person in Tn! Lol

Congrats! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers!

I can't believe I am finally getting sleeved tomorrow. It seemed like it would never happen with all my hurdles.. I can't wait! Excited then nervous then excited again! Please send prayers and positive vibes my way as well as to our fellow sleevers set for July 24th sleevers it will be greatly appreciated!
I will update as soon as im able to..
Thanks so very much,
Denise ♥

Lunges are the worst. They had to be invented by some psychotic personal trainer who hated all of mankind. But yes, they will pump up those glutes.

From what I have seen there are two kinds of fat people:
1) Those who experienced something terrible and turn to food for comfort
2) Those that eat because they are so happy and they use it in a celebratory manner.
So you are just the 2nd

No way...don't feel bad! I totally don't know your situation (so you can tell me to stuff it but many (not all!) folks who are overweight have an underlying cause. Physical for some (illness, etc)...but for a lot of us there is something driving our "excessive" use of food and blocking our ability to consume what would be considered more "normal" quantities of food. Always always exceptions, but if you've been sleeved (or are considering it) it's worth a think about whether or not you have reasons of your own. Either way, feel glad you've come to the boards for info and support...and that's certainly healthy!

Only you can really make this decision. I also never really had trouble losing a nice amount (20-30 pounds) but after that it was a real challenge to lose anything else and impossible to keep it off. And there was always some extra weight added on with the regain.
Best of luck whatever you decide. I can tell you that in my experience, the sleeve was the tool I needed to take the weight off and keep it off easily.
~Cheri