Sweetybabs

I can't wait to be the person that I am in my head! I have never thought I was "FAT". Even at 351 lbs...I never saw it! I knew I was "fluffy" but dating was never a problem and my husband loves me at any size! I can't wait to do things with my family and not be exhausted doing it..or making excuses for not doing it. I can't wait to shop with my 6 girls...ages 10-26 yrs old! I can't wait to wear elegant..but somewhat sexy...clothes for my husband to enjoy! I can't wait to be HEALTHY...and exercise or move PAIN FREE! I can't wait to see the FINAL results of my efforts!

Woooo Hoooo! I am excited for you! You deserve this...we all do! [quote name=Lisa ' timestamp='1317187514' post='212804] Hi Everyone! This is my first post here....on the day I was approved for my sleeve!!! I'm 42 and have been dealing with weight issues since my first and only pregnancy 18 years ago. I've run the gamut of eating disorders having first dealt with bulimia and then anorexia. Back then I was dealing with (or trying not to deal with) the death of my mom. I was only 25 and didn't really have any tools to deal with my life....which had changed so drastically. Fast forward to the present and I can honestly say that I would not be who I am today without all my struggles. Over the course of the past 18 years I've discovered who I am and have raised an amazing boy who is now a young man about to graduate from high school. Now, if only my body matched who I am on the inside!! LOL Growing up, I had always been super athletic. I played all kinds of sports and I attended college on a full ride scholarship for softball. I still consider myself an athlete even though no one else would think that by looking at me. At my consultation with my surgeon, she asked me what my goal weight was. I told her I didn't have one...the only goal I have is to complete and eventually compete in triathlons. Numbers aren't really important to me anymore. I don't care what my weight is, what size my clothes are or how high or low my BMI is. At 42 I just want to feel like I'm in the body I was born to be in and to do the things I love to do!! Thanks for reading......

You look terrific! Congrats!

You're right...this is our LIVES and it is their JOB...we are talking about! And I would have told him that! One takes presidence over the other by far! GRRR! Doctor's like that should not be on practice. It is never to late to switch surgeons! I would consider that...even it it meant that my surgery date was delayed. Again...remember this is your LIFE! The last thing any of us wants is a surgeon who is in a hurry...that is when mistakes are made! I hope everything works out well for you...and if you use him...LET HIM HAVE IT! He needs to know how you feel before he touches you! I am so blessed to have a amazing surgeon...which was recommended by my amazing cardiologist! Both, doctors really take their time to listen and talk about whatever it is that is important to me! This is priceless and it gives me (the patient) added security! You're in my prayers!

I heard a story yesterday about a woman (family friend) who had a RNY done and went home two days later and died! Tragic, right? When I asked what went wrong, they said the doctors say it is because she drank a diet coke when she got home! Diet Coke?!? Are you serious? Who on earth would do that? We are warned over and over about what NOT to do! There IS a reason they tell us this stuff!! These people give the rest of us (WLS participatants) a bad rep! I have heard all kinds of terrible stories about WLS...and ALL of them are self-inflicted. Unless we change our eating and drinking patterns we are not on track for success! I will never understand why people do these WLS's and then think they can continue on the same road that made them overweight in the first place. I think every pre-op patient needs to see the phsycologist...dietician and be involved in a support group. These things have been so helpful to me. Because of the support and knowledge I have successfully lost 45lbs in 2 months ....and my surgery hasn't even happened yet! If you are pre-op...and struggling...please check your local area for a bariatric support group...do your reseach online...talk to other people who have had the WLS already done. Just don't go into it blind...the results could be costly..in more ways than one! Remember why we are doing the WLS...to be healthy! Eating greasy bacon cheese burgers, french fries, pizza and sodas is what got is unhealthy...what makes any one think you can still eat like that and be successful with the WLS? Sure, you may (and probably will lose some weight) lose some..but in the end...unless you change your old habits...the results are only temporary! I apologize if I have offended anyone...but I had to vent!

Praying for you! I am embarking on my new life on Nov. 2nd! Please keep us posted and know that you are in my prayers for a safe and speedy recovery! God bless!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Sweet Toni... it is human nature to think like that! But our spirit knows that GOD takes care of his children! We are his children! I pray that GOD gives you peace about your thoughts...and blesses you with everything you deserve!

I am excited for you! Please keep us updated! I start the pre-op liquids on Oct. 19th...and surgery is Nov. 2nd! We are 2 weeks apart...I could learn alot from you! God bless you!

I agree! I have read until my eyes feel like that are going to pop out! I've watched every video and testimonial on YouTube...and still crave knowledge! I found this site yesterday by mistake ..and what a find it was! I love it! I gave birth to 3 kids...my husband has 5...50% (4 girls) still live at home and the other 50% (2 boys and 2 girls) are on their own. We are so blessed! I will stay in touch!

My bariatric program has been shaky to say the least when it come to organization...but the doctor and other people involved have been GREAT! We are now down to the final approval from UHC. I am turning in the 5 yrs of weight history today...and then we sit and wait! (And, PRAY) I am confident everything will go well...I have maintained all the rules and regulations...and have jumped through all the "golden" hoops! So ...no worries right?!? Humm....I wish! I am so ready to move into the next phase! I have lost 45 pounds already just by following the diet plan! So my eating habits have already changed and I am prepared for the new way of eating when the VGS is done. I already eat small portions, drink 30-90 grams of proteins a day...and get plenty of liquids. So...all that's left is the surgery! All hanging in the balance with UHC! Praying for a quick approval!!!!

I went through a phase where I felt guilty for doing the surgery for ME! Then I realized..this is MY time and I deserve it! Everyone else will reap the rewards too! Do it for you... and later, your father will eat his words! God bless you!

Impressive! I am so excited for you!

No support group...diet plan or nothing? OMGosh! I could have never done it that way! I have been in the program 2 months and I am so glad I did it. I followed the diet plan; 1200 cals, 90 carbs, 80-100 proteins and 50 fats...and already I have lost 44lbs (surgery is Nov. 2, 2011)! I could have never done it with out the knowledge and support! I wish you the best..please keep us posted!

I am gald your post went through...I enjoyed it so much!

Awesome! I am glad to hear that it was better than you anticipated! It makes me feel better about having mine in 4 weeks.

Thanks so much! It helps having friends who are in the same boat!

Blogging? Humm..not sure I get the whole thing but here I go! STATS: Married 5'8 Beginning weight: 351.8 (July 2011) Current weight: 307.8 (Oct. 5, 2011) I am a southern lady living in central Oklahoma..married to a amazing man..raising our 8 children. That is the basics! I am having the VGS on Nov. 2, 2011 and truly feel this is the best decision for me! I just turned 44 yrs old...and have thought about gastric bypass for over 10 yrs now. Timing is everything..and this time is MY time! I had some issues with guilt...feeling guilty for being selfish..feeling as if I am talking money out of the family funds to do this...but when it is all said and done..the family will benefit from it too. Everyone is extremely supportive...I have the best husband ever...he is my biggest fan! I am very blessed! Well....I have watch the VGS videos and have talked to many people who have had the surgery...all of this has made me feel good about my decision. I began the program 2 months ago...and have since lost 44 pounds...by doing the 1200 cals, 90 carbs, 80-100 proteins and 50 fats. I have lost enough weight now to exercise. I walk 1.5 miles per day! I have gone from a tight size 28 to a size 24 in just 2 months. My decision to do this has nothing to do with the number on the scale. It has everything to do with my family. In May 2011 I was told by my doctor that I could not walk anymore...my right knee was almost bone on bone. The pain was unbearable. After weeks of feeling sorry for myself..I decided it was time to take control of this and correct it. On Aug. 2, 2011 I enrolled into the Bariatrics program. I have never felt so confident about anything. My "Ahhh" moment was when I realize that if I didn't change..I would become a burden to my husband and children! I could never bare the thought of hindering this family all because I was FAT! I am excited to exercise...which is a 1st for me! I love "speed walking" and I just bought Zumba! I have no natural given rythem..so time will tell! My whole life...I have heard "You are such a beautiful woman..", "You have such a pretty face..." and etc. Well...I want to change that...I want the rest of me to match the "pretty face"! I want to shop off the racks...sit in a normal seat...and when people stare at me..it isn't because of my size! This is my journey...follow me as we walk together in this journey to regain "our" lives! God bless each of you!

I am having the VGS on Nov. 2, 2011...so I can relate to a lot of your story! I had my thyroid removed about 10 yrs ago...since then I have gained over 150 lbs. I was always a little over weight after having 3 children...but after the thyroid surgery (and I am on Synthroid too) it piled on. To add more drama to it...I have a heart condition that limits exercise. I know this is the best decision for me at this point in my life. I just turned 44 yrs old... and the kids are all teenagers or grown. My husband is my biggest fan! I know what you mean about not feeling sexy...but...sexy comes within..we have to feel it first before we can expect someone else to see it! I wish you the best ...and look forward to following your journey too.. God bless!

I too am having the VGS...my surgery is scheduled for Nov.2, 2011. I watched several videos of the surgery and I am glad I did. I feel very good about the procedure and think the video answered a lot of my questions. Good luck on your surgery!