Hychap2009

I wrote this on 13th Feb. 2009. Well, I've done it. I searched and searched until I found what I hope will be beneficial support. I was looking for a NHS support group for WLS at Kings College Hospital, so far no luck. That's amazing isn't it. Anyway, at the back of the WLS information pack that I was given some time ago was details for Kings free counseling service. I've never been one to even consider discussing my personal feelings with strangers, but as things stand at the moment, I'm thinking, caution to the wind. I contacted the service midday, and was told that there was a 3 to 5 week waiting list for an appointment. Someone kindly called me back about an hour later; carried out a brief telephone assessment about my needs. My impression was that the person I spoke to (John) was ever so friendly, obviously excellent listen skills which made me feel that I was doing the right thing. I feel quite pleased with myself that I've taken this step, and look forward to having someone to talk to face to face, help me to put my anxiety into perspective. I don't mind the waiting time as I don't expect my Op, date until around May or June.

Hello everyone, So good to find an active site dedicated to "Sleever's", WOW. I've been on the TT site which has been so useful but the majority of posters are either lap bander's or ByPassers. So i'm just going to help you to get to know me and my journey thus far, some of this post I will copy from previous post - just to save time. lol. So far it has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. I'm currently pre-op, i was added to the waiting list 23rd January 2009 with the expectation that I would be having my surgery in May '09. Anyway as you read you understand my journey. I origianally posted this 10th Feb.'09 on TT, so you'll see where my head was at back then:- "Well here I am, finally facing the prospect of having WLS. I've been overweight for far too many years now. When I was in my early twenties I was an extremely active person, always on the go. Life changes, and my activities changed along with it. Before I knew it, it was so easy to put on weight. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, that didn't help my weight problem but I didn't understand the condition at the time. I have high blood pressure and i'm a diabetic. Never controlled. I also have some kidney damage and suffer from Asthma. Well you've guessed it, my weight has not helped my condition any at all. My quality of life is pityful. At the diabetic clinic they finally gave me no choice. 'Do or die'. So here I am, waiting for the date of my op. I was told it will be within the next 4 months. I am terrified, but want to make sure that I do everything to make this journey as easy as possible. I worry about not being able to sit and eat with my family and friends, this is a very social and cultural part of my life. I fear the internal pain i'll suffer after the op. After six months or a year, what kind of meals will I have? Will I every be able to enjoy a tall glass of iced cold Water again? Eat a whole sea bass - a glass of anything? How does one get use to not eating delicious food. Why do they have to take 85% of my stomach away. I'm quite depressed at the moment. I think I ought to keep a diary of my progress before and after the op. Oh by the way, I'm scheduled to have the Gastric Sleeve." So guys, I've moved long way ahead since writing this, a lot more informed and so much more ready. I copy the rest of my journey into a blog, so hope you're take some time and get to know me. Hope to get to know some of you and would welcome the support. Regards Hyacinth