cherrytree15

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that. The bottom line is people try to discourage you from things because most people are not brave enough to take the risks and steps necessary to change their lives. I have had people try to discourage me from many things that I've done in my life, from moving to another state to traveling abroad. When things are unfamiliar to people they fear it. It's definitely not the easier way out. It would be easier to go to the gym and work out, than to be put under anesthesia, be cut open, endure pain and recovery and still not be able to eat normally for two months.so not sure why people choose to say that. Unfortunately people are sometimes meant for a season in your life and no meant to be in your life forever. If they can't find it in There hearts to support you, you will have to let them go. Because you will change and you will be different. Physically, mentally and emotionally. But it's all for the betterment of your life. I don't care what they say about vanity. NO one wants to be fat. It's just reality....

Hey guys. I have surgery next week on Wed. How soon before you guys were able to drive?

Hmmmm not sure how that whole discussion turned into a debate. But I would have to agree that AA community is not as open to health care options in general. Obesity and mental health care are high up on the list. My surgery is next week and I have told no one but a few close family. I have not even told my mother, I will inform her after. This has nothing to do with being insecure about my decision, she can be down right negative sometimes. I mention thinking about it and all she said was no, that's crazy, you don't need that, blah, blah, blah. Lots of times black or white it comes from other people's insecurities of not being brave enough to stand up and make a decision to improve their own lives in any given area. So I'm not sure how some people interpreted the discussion as bashing our own kind. It was simply what it was, a discussion and no more.

May 28 is my date.

Dominicans88, 20lbs in 3 weeks is a great job. I'm sure you will quickly be where you need to be.

Awesome Maltese gal! Tonight I am compiling my list. Shopping tomorrow for the essentials. Gas X strips, Chapstick, stuff like that.

Hi sorry to hear your frustrations. Head hunger is when you are not physically hungry but your mind tells you you want to eat. It's like craving food. So even though you have no need to eat physically. You still think your hungry. Hard to explain if you've never felt it.

Hmmm it's mental strength. I won't be sleeved until May 28th but I experienced it in my preop stage. I started three weeks ago and completely weened myself off of caffeine and carbs and sugar. The first three days were VERY VERY hard. I felt like a crackhead gone cold turkey. I had headaches, I was tired and I had horrible cravings. It was pretty bad and a struggle to get through. By the fourth day it got much better. The head hunger was pretty strong. But it is about choices. Now I'm doing well and can sit in front of cakes, sweets and chips without much temptation. Yesterday had Mexican for lunch. I had a 20 second moment when I wanted the tortilla but. I stopped, realized that my meal would fill me up and then the desire passed. I think we just have to think more about what we are putting in our bodies. It was hard but I am a lot more aware of it. I'm not gonna lie. It wasn't easy for me and requires a mental toughness.

Thank you for posting this. It helps a lot. I was at ease but I guess getting a little nervous as it gets closer. I think it's more anxious than nervous. But hearing everyone's experiences is help ful.

You look amazing. This was awesome! Thanks for you post. My stats are pretty much identical to yours. My surgery is two weeks away. I'd just like to ask when you were cleared for full exercise? And how did you feel physically when you started abdominal exercises or whatever? I don't want to break anything, bust any stitches, lol.

Yes. May 28th for me. Would love to here your progress as you go. Make sure to try and post.

Yes. May 28th for me. Would love to here your progress as you go. Make sure to try and post.

You look great. I'm so happy for you. One day soon will be my time. I haven't comfortably wore a swim suit without embarrassment in 10 years.

Wow I'm happy I found you guys. I am in the same boat. I started at 202 and have been on the preop diet for 6 days but I have gained 4 lbs, not sure how that happened. I am 5'2 and always have people tell me I'm not big enough to be considering this. Well I have sleep apnea, gerd, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a hiatal hernia. So people have no idea how I suffer everyday with all these weight related issue. I feel like crap everyday and have little to no energy. Don't let anyone discourage you. You will be ok. I would love to here update on your surgery and recovery. I have 2 weeks to go. I'm not in the "I'm not hungry phase though". I'm still always hungry which is why I know I need this sleeve. liquid diet has helped me none.

You are so right!! I feel like I'm losing my best friend. I'm in therapy for the eating issue as I am an emotional eater. I know it will get easier and I am forcing myself to go through the struggles now so that when I am finally sleeved, I will get through that initial phase easier. It helps when I talk to people that understand because my family just thinks I'm over reacting. Thanks or the encouraging words and support. I needed it!!

I have Cigna OAP. I just got my approval on Wednesday. It only took 48 hours. I hope it goes quick for you once the gal gets your stuff together. Lol good luck!

It is so refreshing to hear all of your stories about mates supporting you, etc. I'm afraid that my story is not so fairy tale like. I was in a very difficult marriage and my husband was diagnosed with a personality disorder 6 years into our marriage., There were so many ups and downs that the stress caused me to eat and that is the way I dealt with my emotions. Over the last 5 years my weight went from 144 to 212. Along with the weight gain came sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a hiatal hernia and GERD. WTH? Who new being fat would lead to all this. I'm only 5'1 feet tall so it has caused a strain on me and I just feel horrible most days and fake my way through it. Well after being told that all I do is sit around and eat cupcakes all day and told that I was not sexy anymore, I left my husband and decided to take control of my life. I am turning 40 tomorrow and wanted to find myself again and get back to the person I recognize and not this stranger I stare at in the mirror everyday. Surgery is scheduled for 5/12 and I AM SO EXCITED! I wish everyone here luck!

It is so refreshing to hear all of your stories about mates supporting you, etc. I'm afraid that my story is not so fairy tale like. I was in a very difficult marriage and my husband was diagnosed with a personality disorder 6 years into our marriage., There were so many ups and downs that the stress caused me to eat and that is the way I dealt with my emotions. Over the last 5 years my weight went from 144 to 212. Along with the weight gain came sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a hiatal hernia and GERD. WTH? Who new being fat would lead to all this. I'm only 5'1 feet tall so it has caused a strain on me and I just feel horrible most days and fake my way through it. Well after being told that all I do is sit around and eat cupcakes all day and told that I was not sexy anymore, I left my husband and decided to take control of my life. I am turning 40 tomorrow and wanted to find myself again and get back to the person I recognize and not this stranger I stare at in the mirror everyday. Surgery is scheduled for 5/12 and I AM SO EXCITED! I wish everyone here luck!

Awesome! Congratulations I too was approved. It only took 48 hours. I was so relieved!!

You look amazing. Congratulations!

This is fun. When bras from Walmart actually fit well.

Awwww no shame don't hold your head. It just kinda sound like you were upset because folks were judging you but I did get the gist of your post and it's good to know that everyone falls short. This was a great topic, thanks for posting it.

Congratulations on the start of your journey. My prayers are with you!

Hello, it sounds like there is a bit of guilt in this message. I am not yet sleeved and I am awaiting surgery but the tone of your message sounds like I feel when I over indulge in my food choices and then feel bad about it. Don't beat yourself up, if you have eaten things that are not necessarily on the program that's okay. It is a hard road to travel and I don't think people are trying to be perfect, nor do I think that anyone expects you to be. The bottom line is that everyone here is trying. Everyone doesn't gain weight the same way or lose it the same. I have found this site to be very supportive. When I am on the losers bench I will be one of those to try to stick to healthy options because like you "sound", I am an emotional eater. I had regular therapy sessions to help me realize that I can have fun and enjoy life without everything being a reason to eat. I can be sad, angry without stuffing something in my mouth. Until the mental part is conquered and we figure out why "food" has been so important to us, no tool will be enough to help us conquer the addiction, we must first address the mental root. If your choices are working for you then Kudos! But if you are struggling and afraid that you are seeing familiar habits reach out for support. That's what the Forum is for. But don't be so judgmental of the folks who are making a life style change, everyone is different but I believe that we all support each other. Good luck to you on your continued success.

Hello, it sounds like there is a bit of guilt in this message. I am not yet sleeved and I am awaiting surgery but the tone of your message sounds like I feel when I over indulge in my food choices and then feel bad about it. Don't beat yourself up, if you have eaten things that are not necessarily on the program that's okay. It is a hard road to travel and I don't think people are trying to be perfect, nor do I think that anyone expects you to be. The bottom line is that everyone here is trying. Everyone doesn't gain weight the same way or lose it the same. I have found this site to be very supportive. When I am on the losers bench I will be one of those to try to stick to healthy options because like you "sound", I am an emotional eater. I had regular therapy sessions to help me realize that I can have fun and enjoy life without everything being a reason to eat. I can be sad, angry without stuffing something in my mouth. Until the mental part is conquered and we figure out why "food" has been so important to us, no tool will be enough to help us conquer the addiction, we must first address the mental root. If your choices are working for you then Kudos! But if you are struggling and afraid that you are seeing familiar habits reach out for support. That's what the Forum is for. But don't be so judgmental of the folks who are making a life style change, everyone is different but I believe that we all support each other. Good luck to you on your continued success.