I finally broke the news to my mom that I'm going to have the surgery, she wasn't exactly jumping for joy, over the years she has always advised me that its not worth the risk, however, this is coming from a woman who was a single parent with me as an only child (and not to mention she is a size 8), I'm a single parent with one child as well, so I completely understand where she is coming from as a concerned parent. I told her that my weight has discouraged me, has not allowed me to live up to my full potential and has caused unnecessary avoidable health issues all of my life and she, in a round about kind of way, said that I was over exaggerating, so with that being said I simply broke it down to her in 5 year increments to help her to better understand. I told her that I recall at the age of 5 going shopping with my aunt and my cousins for new summer clothes, my cousins were normal size kids and I was probably twice they're size and we were all approximately the same age, my cousins picked out these beautiful sun dresses and were very happy, I on the other hand can remember us not being able to find anything for me to wear and could sense my aunts frustration with having to look elsewhere, I not only felt bad about not being able to wear something pretty like my cousins but I was as a kid felt sad about my aunt not being happy, I'm will be 38 next year and I can remember that as if it happened yesterday. My mom at this point was silent with a look of empathy and concern on her on face and obviously felt sad for me. I continued to give her an example of discouragement for every 5 years of my life (age 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35) and told her to multiply those stories times 50 for all of the other experiences in between. My last example for her was at the age if 35 when a guy I was dating told me that if I lost weight I would be gorgeous, I was completely taken away because I thought he had already felt as if I was gorgeous. Lol ( I've heard this more times than I care to remember and it's never felt like a compliment its more like being advised that your not ok as you are). By the time we were done talking she was totally on board and happy for me. My experiences at age 40 will be completely different for me and will feel like something on a different universe and I'm sure to appreciate and enjoy every second of it. I feel as if my life before 40 will be looked at as a journey towards having solid wisdom on how to be respectful, fair and compassionate with others, all of the judgements and subtle discrimination that I have experienced will be turned into strength that's indisputable and will be used towards supporting others that have so much potential that's unrecognized due to a huge chunk of the world having tunnel vision towards what advertisements and society has dictated to be "beautiful" . I can't say that I will ever regret what I have gone through Im aware that with all trials and tribulations , especially the ones that are founded simply based on the way you look, are meant to empower us and allow us to demonstrate a greater sense of integrity and warmth than others. I will use this gained wisdom as my gift to the world. My experiences go a lot deeper that what I've mentioned in this post, I didn't want to get carried away and freeze up this site. Lol. Much success to everyone in all stages and remember that your journey was put in place for a reason and to appreciate where you have come from.
I was having a serious doubts last week, but today my surgery (October 7) feels like a golden door to many opportunities and welcome changes. I wonder if it is part of the process, grieving the loss of the known and fearing the unknown?
I'm pretty much at the same stage as you. I go in for my initial consult on October 15th. I called and submitted my paperwork on September 13th. They have verified my benefits and it looks like I just have to have a psyche evaluation and a nutritional consult to get approved. My case worker says I should be able to have the surgery by the end of the year. I sure hope so because I have been going back and forth for about 2.5 years and I finally made the decision to go for it! Now....I'm ready! I'm excited, nervous, a little scared....all totally normal from what I've read.
I wish you the best of luck and look forward to meeting you on the other side!
My scars do look remarkably good at this stage. Part is certainly genetics, my hispanic heritage is helpful, I believe. Also I was very very very healthy pre-op. Other things that i think had a very positive impact include:
1)exercise, I was in very good shape
2) hormones: i am post menopause (early menopause) and i use bio-identical hormones (I actually prescribe these as well)
3) supplements--good Vitamin support
4) IV Vitamin C therapy pre-op
5) high Protein diet before surgery--animal protein!!!!!!
Even if my scars were glowing green, i dont think i would care. i am so happy with the change in my body that I dont care.
In this pic, the orange dress on the left is 2 weeks before plastics, and the same dress in blue is 1 month post op. No weight loss other than the skin.
Just a quick update. I had surgery January 23, 2013. I weighed 274 and am 5 ft tall. Now, a little over 8 months out, I've lost 131 pounds and have 18 pounds to go to my goal! I weigh 143 right now. I'm really excited! I'm still not used to being smaller and I really don't see myself as being as small as I am until I see pictures! I feel great and have no health issues anymore! Love my sleeve!
Here's a before/now pic
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I'm a recovering alcoholic of 10 years and have cross-addicted to many things in my life! Whatever I do, I do "alcoholicly" and that is that I know no end until I "Let Go, Let God" and work through the 12 Steps to find a solution.
