mamap

I have been overweight as long as I can remember. I was 60 years old when I decided to have bariatric surgery. I had been considering it for several years but finally decided to have it done when I saw a picture of me holding my first grandchild. I wanted to ride the fairs wheel and run with her as she flies a kite! As it was I was on disability and could hardly walk much less run! Being a RN I knew that I would not live long enough to be an active part of my grandchild's life if I didn't lose weight. I searched the internet to determine which procedure I felt fit me best. I tried to educate myself so there would not be any surprises or regrets after surgery. I told my family and they were Some what leery of my decision to have such a drastic surgery, but they knew of my constant struggles to lose weight just to gain it back again. Most were supportive. I found several WLS forums an learned a great deal about what to expect before, during and after surgery. They were invaluable to me after my surgery and continue to be a wonderful source of information and encouragement today. I wanted the Duodenal switch procedure but, I had too much scar tissue from a previous surgery to safely perform this procedure so I has a VSG. I love my sleeve. I had a hard time finding a protein drink that I could stomach, but once I found a good protein drink I was in heaven for the first 6 months. I lost 80 lbs without being hungry! But then my head hunger and sweet tooth came back with a vengeance. I went back to my old lifestyle and slowly began to gain weight. It has been much harder to lose weight this time but I am determined to get back on track and get to goal weight and find an exercise that I can stick with for the rest of my life! Surgery is not a magic potion. It gives you a running start but you have to take the ball and run with it yourself in order to stay at a healthy weight!