Lisanne

Thank you all. I really appreciate it.

I'm Lisa and I'm currently 45 yrs old and a single mom to two kids (one is married and over 800 miles away, the other is a teen and lives with me). In my former (healthier) life, I was an RN. My health declined and as of 2002, I became disabled. My goal, at that time, was to pursue weight loss surgery, lose the weight, regain a healthier Me and go back to work. The plan didn't work too well. Over the years, I researched weight loss surgery. With my insurance (medicare), it took awhile to find a provider that would accept the insurance, not to mention, medicare is very picky. After alot of ups and downs, I went to Mexico in 2008 and got my Sleeve. There were some complications, but it wasn't too bad. I left the hospital on time and had no problems afterward. My start weight was 396. I was miserable. My diabetes was out of control. I had hypertension. I was also confined to a power chair. Within a year, I had dropped 100 lbs and was below 300 lbs. I was ecstatic. I hadn't been that "skinny" in years. Then the weight loss slowed, then stopped. It was becoming harder and harder to remain on my "diet". From the beginning, I could always eat more than other post op Sleevers. I also never lost my appetite like many others do. I began having other health issues, then personal issues. In 2010, my husband of 23 yrs left me for someone else. My life spiraled downward after that. At first, I avoided food. I stopped eating altogether. I lost about 30 lbs. Once I began eating again, I didn't care what I ate. The depression that I had battled my entire life raised its ugly head and got very comfortable in my life. I turned to all of the wrong things. Now, 2013, my weight has crept up over 300 again. This is devastating to me. Obviously, I am not a success story. I think in the beginning of my journey, I was a bit naive, perhaps I wore the rose-colored glasses at times. I understood that this surgery was merely a tool and that I still had to do the work. I was willing to do the work. I just needed the help that the surgery gave me. I am determined to at least get below the 300 lb mark again. I am back with the Protein shakes, low carbs, drinking tons of Water. With my physical limitations, I haven't managed to make myself exercise yet. I know it's going to be very painful but I realize that it's necessary. So, that is my story....or at least a few of the highlights. I'm an open book and will answer any question posed to me.....AND I'm willing to listen to any and all advice. I can use all of the help and support that I can get. Lisa

You are very welcome. Good luck with ur journey!

Beleive me, I get grouchy with diets too....which is why I didnt stick to mine like I should. I managed to lose 11 lbs on it, but starting at 396, that wasnt even a drop in the bucket, ya know? I kept telling myself it was only 2 wks and I could do it.....and I could have, I think, esp if I had known the consequences of my actions...or lack of actions. So, even if the doctor doesnt say u need a pre-op, it certainly wont hurt anything to do it.....and if they recommend or require it...by all means, do it and follow it closely. When I awoke and my husband told me what happened, my first thot was, OMG, did they give me my VSG or what? I was so scared when I finally talked to my doctor and he told me that he was able to perform the surgery. I was so relieved that I cried.. Good luck

Thankyou so much. I really appreciate it alot. I sure hope I can help someone avoid my mishap.. hugs.. Lisa