Mariew24

Since the topic was so eloquently brought up, I thought I would share MY reason for not telling the public at large about my decision to have WLS. No, I am not ashamed, embarrassed nor am I being dishonest with myself. I am not protecting myself from ridicule or dissension and I do not care if my decision is a popular one or unpopular. I know I've shared this before, so pardon me if I bore you with a repeat.

I am a mom, a wife and a successful business owner. I am the VP of my HOA, I have held dozens of positions on the PTA both locally and nationally. I work with my sorority undergrad group, I volunteer at a women's shelter, I work with special needs children. I do mud runs, zumba and am a training instructor at my martial arts school. I organize charity 5ks, lock ins and I used to be a girl scout leader. I was a theater major before I wizened up about my talents and now I am a theater mom. I can't sing, but I can dance when I've had a few cocktails. I can cross one eye while leaving the other one straight. I've been skiing double black diamonds all my life and I am a diamond certified gemologist. I am currently writing a book on my field of business. I have broken my nose 4 times doing stupid things and still don't have a bump. I had a brain tumor. Both of my kids attend special high schools for extremely gifted children and they obviously get it from me, not my husband whom I've been married to for 20 years. I drive a minivan but I prefer to go offroading in a jeep. I am white Water certified in a kayak and a canoe. I have a wicked sense of humor and I hug strangers randomly. I am pro-choice, a libertarian, and a gay right's advocate. I could bore you with more, but I am sure that is more than enough to digest for ow.

I am *so much more* than someone who has had WLS. I would much prefer to learn about the person I am with than explain what a sleeve is. I don't care for my weight loss to be the center of conversation every time I see someone nor do I feel the need to be the advocate for such a personal decision.
When people ask, I tell them the truth. I sought the advice of a doctor and nutritionist. I follow a low carb, high Protein diet. I shake my ass a *lot*. I am eating healthier and have made the right choices for *me* to be successful at weight loss. I owe no one any more than that.

It is up to me to choose how I want to be defined. My choice is NOT as a WLS patient. If you choose differently, so be it. I will not judge you or shame you nor will I try to decide for you. Your body, your choice. Run with it.

Thanks friends! Lots of itching. Pain about a 5. Had an injection I. The spine to numb me up. Works well. Itching is driving me mad!!! Went better than expecteded. No feeding tube! Yay Check back I'm later. Sooooooo loopy!!!

I have my surgery date for Wed the 22nd. Less than 48 hours now for me. I'm excited and nervous as I watch this week's gladiators going in. I am also feeling really well prepared by all those who have gone before. I so look forward to getting on the other side of this. I've had surgeries before, but this is a whole different experience. I have preop class tomorrow morning and then Wed, I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I'm already having trouble sleeping. Can't wait to hear from all those who went in today.

I have my surgery date for Wed the 22nd. Less than 48 hours now for me. I'm excited and nervous as I watch this week's gladiators going in. I am also feeling really well prepared by all those who have gone before. I so look forward to getting on the other side of this. I've had surgeries before, but this is a whole different experience. I have preop class tomorrow morning and then Wed, I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I'm already having trouble sleeping. Can't wait to hear from all those who went in today.

I'm here and checked in!!! Let's do this!! Congratulations to all having surgery this morning!! Before pics   

@ Amylynns we've got you today!!!!

@@Beni Good luck to this weeks Gladiators

Adorbs pre-surgery pictures @amylynns. Time to Rock and Roll .....!

I'm here! Have my lovely gown on. It's this big bulky gown they call The Bair Paw. It connects to a hose to blow either warm or cool air in, whichever you need!

I'm 19 and will be having RNY on the 22nd I have a lot of mixed emotions but I'm really excited. My pre op appointment is tomorrow the 20th at 1:00. Only 2 days until surgery!

Good luck tomorrow Gladiators! You will all come out fine. Sending painless, gas painless, and easy recovery vibes your way!

Oh, a brand new Gladiator going Oct 20th
@SholsLove
Good luck

Hello October Gladiators,
I have been lurking on this thread for quite a while. LOL! I feel like I know everyone. I have been cheering you all on and sending positive vibes your way! You all have answered so many of my questions and you have been a HUGE encouragement during this process for me. I am scheduled for RNY on tomorrow morning (10.20). I am a ball of nerves and soooo EXCITED. I'll post pics on the morning. I'm so happy to be headed toward the losers bench!

Oct 20th
Is @amylyns day, a long awaited step on a long journey. It is also @@VASCRN turn
Good luck gladiators

Happy Surgery Day @@amylynns you be fine!

I went to the same office. I had Dr. Luis Laguna. Small world!

Congrats. I know im excited but getting nervous...

Just got my date for october 29! So excited and scared.

@@Mariew24 Welcome. Glad you could join us, October losers.

Congratulations. So excited for you and I've got my date for October 22nd. I'm preparing and counting down.

I'm on October 22 also-seven days

Hi everyone!
Just came back from doctor's office and have a October 28th surgery date for Gastric Bypass. This is it, the high diving platform. Knees are trembling.
Anyone else in October? Let's keep in touch as we support each other. We have the pre-op diet and getting mentally ready for this.
LET'S DO IT!

I love "Relentless Forward Motion" I am very sure of my decision. I guess there is excitement and butterflies. I want to get this right. I have great support and I am following everything that has been put in front of me. Thanks for the booster.

I highly recommend the Ninja Master Prep Professional. I researched for days trying to find the perfect blender/food processor and I hit gold when I found this thing! Blends perfectly smooth every time and the food processor is awesome too. The blade extends the whole length of the blender instead of just at the bottom so it gets everything (and makes for easy cleanup). I got mine for $50 on Amazon with free shipping. Check it out! (:

I really didn't have a lot of preop emotions. Once I decided that I wanted the surgery, I never looked back or second guessed myself. The night before surgery I did feel exactly like I did the night before I went to bootcamp in the Navy. It felt like it was the start of a new life, a life unlike anything I had ever lived before. It was very surreal when I was being wheeled into the operating room. I am almost 11 months post-op and I cannot wait to see what the next 11 months holds. I get goose bumps just typing this.