TBodmer71

When I started this journey ( I am still pre-op, Hopefully being sleeved in July) my husband was dead-set against me doing this. Then he caught me reading WLS for Dummies. He flew off the handle. At that point I told him straight out tough-****, I am going to have the surgery regardless of his opinion. I reminded him that as my husband it was his responsibility to support my decisions not make me follow his. It's been a few months and I've been working really hard to prepare myself for the surgery and do all the required things for the doctors and insurance. During that time I have been working out, taking at least 10,000 steps a day, watching what I eat etc...... But my dear sweet husband has dropped 40 lbs since January with out even trying. I've been struggling and have only lost 14lbs. But WOOHOO for me because I met the 10 pound loss required by my surgeon. My husband is a Union Iron Worker in his late 40's. At night he shovels down so much food it is unbelievable. I give him credit that for his breaks at work he eats things like granola, yogurt, fruit etc. His work is very labor intensive. He used my pedometer the other day and he had 22,000 steps in an 8hr workday. He was 235 lbs. He is now 195. He hasn't been this small since he got out of the army 25 years ago. He laughs it off and says, "Its because they worked the whole winter". blah, blah, blah. Men! He's dropped 2 pant sizes. I lost 1 pants size as long as I wear my spanx. LOL

If you are a heavy bleeder you could possibly be a candidate for the ablation. The procedure can be done in the office or hospital. It renders you infertile and under most circumstance also prevents you from having a period. 10% will still have a period but much lighter. All they basically do is cauterize the lining of the uterus. I personally had my tubes tied when I was 32. But at age 33 the Doc's told me I should have the ablation. They did some further tests and found out I was not a candidate for the ablation and I need a hysterectomy. OMG, It was the best thing I ever did! Freedom from bleeding, pads, tampons, embarrassment, monthly pain etc.

This biker chick thinks you're doing great. Keep up the good work. Besides winter up here in New England I can't imagine not riding my Harley for 6 weeks. That is insane. I had abdominal surgery before (hysterectomy) and I was riding in 2 weeks. Although, I probably didn't mention to the doc's that I ride. Ignorance is bliss. Best of luck, and continue your success at hitting those mini goals.

Try working out with Kettle bells. I get strength training and cardio at the same time. Woohoo!

Keeping them crossed for ya!

My name is Terri, I am struggled with my weight since elementary school. I was the biggest girl in 6th grade (back in 1982). I was 5'8" at 186 lbs. I was thin through most of my teens. Got married at age 18. Had my wonderful son at age 19. Earned my Assoc. Degree in Criminal Justice when I was 22. Got divorced by the time I was 22. Met Bruce when I was 23. I earned my degree in Corrections probation and parole when I was 27. My relationship with Bruce was very rocky and lasted 6 years. My weight really fluctuated during these years plus and minus 90 pounds. At age 37 he committed suicide. I was devastated. For quite a few years I steadily gained after that. My fat was my wall to keep people away. At age 36 I met my current husband at a Bar and I don't even drink. A dear friend of mine introduced us. He loves me unconditionally. At this point he does not like the idea that I am seeking to have the sleeve done. He thinks I should lose it "the old fashion" way. Yeah, like I haven't tried that before.....I have told him straight out that I am going to go through with it with or without his support. He now has accepted this. He has expressed his concern but is no longer trying to force his opinion about the sleeve. My 22 year old son is very supportive of my decision to be sleeved. I am currently 274 lbs. My highest weight was 286 in January of this year. I am hoping to be sleeved by the end of the summer

I am also on my journey to get sleeved. I am in Southern New Hampshire and being sleeved at the Elliott Hospital in Manchester sometime this summer. I started this process back in November 2012 when I had my yearly physical. I inquired about wls and I got my referral. I went to the info meeting in Dec. Since then I have been to the 3 group meetings that are required, I've lost the 10lbs that are also a requirement from my bariatric team. I've completed the psych evaluation. Next Tuesday I'll be going to my 4th (out of 6) monthly weight management appointments with my PCP, and I've had my EKG. When I spoke to the Surgery Coordinator earlier this week she said that my file is now going to be sent to clinical review. They will decide if I should get any further testing done prior to scheduling me for surgery. after next tuesday I will still need 2 more monthly visits with my PCP. That puts me at mid June. Then my surgeon office will take another 5-6 weeks to schedule my surgery and get my insurance authorization. I am thinking that I should be sleeved sometime in August. I know that 9 months seems like a long time, but so far the last 5 months have flown by. My suggestions to you would be to start taking photos of yourself. Keep a journal and/or scrap book. Start experimenting with all different kinds of Protein shakes. I am now having 1 every morning. So far I have lost a pound a week for 12 weeks. Start exercising. I walk on my treadmill about 5 times a week for 30 to 45 min. The more in shape we are before surgery the faster we meet goal after.

I had multiple (5+, I forget how many) abdominal surgeries to remove ovarian cysts/ruptures. Finally I was given the possible option of an Alblation or Hysterectomy. They did a biopsy and told me the Alblation was no longer an option. At age 33, with 1 child I had a partial Hysterectomy. They left me with 1 ovary so I wouldn't go through menopause that early in life. It was the best decision I ever made, or had made for me. I was finally free from having severe cramps, backaches, leg cramps, anemia, heavy bleeding that would last for weeks even months at a time. I no long needed hundreds of dollars of femine products. And I have since haven't utterly embarrassed myself by "leaking". I felt like Mel Gibson in BraveHeart........FREEDOM! I say GO FOR IT. Pain is only temporary. The freedom is forever.

Before I had my hysterectomy I was using the Nuva Ring and It was great! I was the worst at remembering to take my pill. I didn't gain any weight from it like I did with the Norplant.

I bled like that for 20 years. I finally ended up getting a hysterectomy. The best thing I ever did.

From a former smoker....Just keep trying. It took me 1 year after being diagnosed with COPD (emphazema) to be able to quit.keep going back to your doctor for different ways to assist your quitting. Their are alot of tools and drugs you can try. I tried everything from hyptnosis, cold turkey (usually would last just a few hours), prescription drugs, over the counter remedies, etc. Finally 2 1/2 years ago, instead of going on vacation I stayed home for a week. I quit that Monday morning on the patch ( which I tried many times before). During that first afternoon I had to do something or I was gonna fail once again. The best thing I ever did was grab a putty knife and start peeling wall paper. I now call it "MY WALL PAPER THERAPY". It gave me something to focus on and kept my hands busy. Oh, and by the way....the best wall paper remover is 90% warm water and 10% liquid laundry softener. If you really want to quit, you just have to keep trying to find something that works for you. Good Luck, I wish you the best.