Lyra

Hi, I'm 29 and I would have to agree with the others that sometimes a person just has to arrive at a decision on their own. God knows sometimes I would (and still do!) dig my heels in if I feel like someone is pushing me towards a decision that I am not ready to make. It would be worse if she did do the surgery before she was mentally/emotionally ready. Then she would be more apt to sabotage herself or not be ready for all the changes that will happen to her body.

So my first doctor's appointment is Tuesday and I'm waaaay nervous. I keep thinking, "what if I dont qualify" (of course I then look down on my plumptious stomach and realize THAT wont be a problem). Strangely enough what popped into my head when I got the appt was, "What am I going to wear?!" *rolls eyes at self* I know that I'll have a bunch of hoops to jump through, but how long did it take ya'll to go through all the steps and get a surgical date? My dad took 7 months, but he kinda seemed to just meander through it all. I'm definitely more proactive than he is so I'm hoping for 3-5 months. Is that realistic? Thanks! ~Lyra

What about Skyr yogurt? It's an Icelandic yogurt (and thus more of a really soft cheese) and I know that it has great protein, not sure about the sugars though.

Great job! I have that one pair of pants that are the Shrine To Thinner Days that I can't wait to not only fit in, but then take them to Goodwill 'cause they're too small! Two thumbs up!

Thanks guys! This site is awesome in how supportive everyone is and that if you have a problem other people have as well and may have answers. Hopefully after having a more in depth conversation she will understand. I think those who have never had weight problems can have a hard time understanding what it's like. Thanks again! ~Lyra

Wow, how did today go from GREAT to UCK so fast? So my dad has recently been sleeved and I had finally come to my own realization that I was ready for that as well. Luckily after a great conversation with my folks, they were very supportive of my decision. My family is very close and while I don't NEED their support it means a lot to me that I have it. So I figured everything was good and so brought the matter up with my grandmother. Lets just say that the awkward silence after I 'spilled the beans' when I was talking on the phone with her was epic. I couldn't tell if she was shocked (although I don't know why) or in major disapproval. I guess I was just taking it for granted that she would be supportive of my decision and it surprised me to find out that it doesn't seem like she is. I'm hoping that maybe after she thinks about it, and after further conversation, she'll have a better reaction. I really just wanted to shout, "I've been overweight for YEARS and it's not getting better. I need help and getting this surgery is not shameful and it does not somehow make me weak. It takes strength to know when you need help and to have the courage to go forward into the unknown. I will be happier and healthier...so whats not to like?" Even if her reaction doesn't change I'm still going forward with this because in the end it's my life...but I would be lying if I said that it doesn't make me sad. Did anybody else face something like this from your family/friends? If so, how did you deal with it? What did you say? Thanks! ~Lyra

Hello all! I'm really glad that I stumbled across this site in my internet sleuthing about getting the gastric sleeve. I've been toying with the idea for the past year, but with moving, starting a new job, a family crisis, and the holidays it (quit frankly) was put on the back burner. Then two things happened, the first being that my friends and I went to the state fair and I was so excited for the rides. Of course, I was somewhat LESS excited when I found out that I didn't FIT on the rides. The shame and humiliation still makes me cringe. There were also tears later that night in the privacy of my own home. The second thing was that my dad conquered his fear of surgery and was recently sleeved. It was a revelation and a light bulb went off in my head. I realized that I was amazingly unhappy with what I had become. Also, with my 30th birthday in November I am determined that THIS year will be different. I NEVER want to feel as inadequate as I did at the fair, and I'm plain sick and tired of having to think that I can't hang glide, zip line, climb, kayak, walk up two flights of stairs without gasping, or fly on an airplane without contemplating on whether or not I'm too heavy. Ever since I decided that this is the path that I'm going to walk, I feel like a great weight (no pun intended!) has lifted off of my shoulders. I feel that there is a bright, shiny light at the end of an uphill tunnel and I am filled with determination. I know that there will be tons of hard work, pain, stress, and perhaps emotional upheaval...but birth itself is painful and what is this if not rebirth? I just made my first appointment and am looking forward to leaping through all the hoops that I need to jump through. My goal is to have the surgery in 6 months (or less) and to try and get in the best shape I can before I go under the knife. I've also been reading tons on why I am an emotional eater and how to put my energies towards healthier conduits so that this surgery will be a success. After reading the various posts I have to say that all of your stories have inspired me, and I forward to sharing my journey, and reading up on all of yours! Thanks! ~Lyra