The Candidate

I went in on a Wednesday and was released on the following Saturday. I was able to take a shower on Friday.

Last thing: I was given something in my IV prior to being wheeled to the operating room. I vaguely remember being asked to scoot over from a gurney to the table, and that was it. I don't remember anything from the operating room itself, not even a mask being put over my face. I also remember nothing from the recovery room. First thing: I was suddenly in my room, although I don't remember being put into the bed. I kind of remember saying that my back was hurting and being shown how to access the pain pump. This was my first surgery ever, and in every regard it was so much easier than I expected.

I think you expressed yourself very well, showing how the extra weight has negatively affected your life, and also that you understand surgery isn't a quick fix, but rather a tool to help you regain your health and mobility. If you work hard and remain true to your goals, you will definitely be that positive role model for your step daughter. Best of luck and wishes!

It is so so worth it. It's not just the weight loss either. I've lost so much weight over the years. That part is very doable without surgery. It's the keeping it off that I could never conquer. And to slowly watch yourself gain back that weight you'd worked so hard to shed is utterly soul crushing. I'm six months out from my bypass and only 16 pounds from my goal. What makes this weight loss so different is knowing I can really do this long term. My personal demon was that I was always hungry. No matter how much I ate, or how full I got, half an hour later I was starving again. That's all changed. I still have hunger on occasion but it's nowhere near the monster it used to be. It's like a tiny little tap, opposed to getting hit with a sledge hammer. You can ignore a tap, but a sledge hammer won't be denied. Now I find myself constantly thinking that this must be what a normal sized person's hunger feels like. It's so controllable it's almost surreal. I've given up bread, soda, sweets, fast food, rice and more. The further out I get the less I crave it anymore. I could have never done that on my own. I also exercise daily. I'm 54 years old and this is the first time in my life that I'm in charge of my body, and it's finally working with me. I love eating healthy. I never used to drink Water and now it's all I drink. I feel at least 20 years younger and my health is perfect. I would do this over again without question. As cliche as it sounds by now, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself. I was lucky enough to have no complications and an easy recovery. But with everything I've received in return, even if there had been some bumps in the road, I'm pretty sure I'd still say I'd do it again. We all have to take a leap of faith going into surgery. There's no getting around it. But the way I was existing before wasn't really a life at all. It was more like waiting to die. It was for me anyway. Now I feel reborn! Best of luck to you on your journey. I hope you end up just as satisfied as I certainly am!

Welcome Robin and congrats on your wls decision. It's a life changer, for the better. I would do it all over again in a snap. Learn all you can. Knowledge is the key to a successful post op life. Your new life is waiting, just around the bend. ????

That's an amazing number and you should be very proud! Congrats!

Congrats on the great news!

Congrats on reaching this great milestone!

Congrats on your surgery day! And you can shed those 9 pounds in the meantime. Don't let them stand in the way of your healthy future. Best wishes and stay strong!

Not the pinky! It's a very underrated appendage. ???? Hang in there! You can do this!

Congrats and best wishes on your surgery day! You are going to love your new life!

What a great thread! Yesterday I got my first "you're getting too thin" intervention at work. It was the exact same dire warning that this exact same woman gave me 15 years ago, when I lost the most weight I have ever lost on my own. Of course I gained it all back and more. This is a personal victory for me because for the past 15 years I've tried so hard to get back to that weight again, and never could. This is outside validation that I'm almost there (another 16 pounds), to that size I was 15 years ago. Sometimes you can't see it yourself, so I enjoy the comments, even the roundabout ones. I made a point of reminding her that this is her second go around on the subject matter, as she obviously wasn't remembering. And that just like I said then, I am well within the parameters of a healthy weight according to my doctor. She seemed a bit ruffled after that, and I enjoyed that too. ????

Congrats on your complete make over. You look great!

If you have to find a lump, finding its twin on the other side is the best kind! Congrats on the emergence of your bones. That's a top notch NSV if ever there was one! ????

Reach for the stars! You can do it!

Wow you look fantastic! Congrats!

I have no deductible, so mine was a straight co-pay of $250. This included everything including the hospital stay and surgeon's fee. I paid it the day before surgery. Every plan is different so you will want them to provide you with the bottom line before surgery, in order to avoid any last minute surprises. Best of luck with your surgery. I definitely have zero regrets!

This is indeed a lifelong journey and everyday is another win. You are doing fantastic and should be so proud of yourself. And how wonderful it must be for you and your wife to go through this together. We're always here to help you both and offer encouragement along the way. Congrats!

Isn't he the greatest! I go in a couple of weeks for my 6 month check-in. Congrats!

I'm an RNY, so I have no sleeve related questions. I just wanted to say what a pleasure it is to hear from someone 10 years out. You are truly an inspiration and we all thank you for sharing your insight!

I also went through San Diego Options. My classes were in San Marcos. I had my surgery with Dr. Tanaka on 07/29/15. Who is your surgeon? It was a great experience working with Pacific Bariatric and Scripps.

Great job! You're looking fantastic! Congrats on your amazing progress!

You're going in with the right mindset and attitude. It's a journey well worth the taking. Congrats and best wishes!

I know a lot of us went into this with the primary reason of wanting to regain our health. But the "looking good" is a pretty good bonus. You have a right to feel proud of your new body. Go on your trip and knock'em dead! Congrats!