The Candidate

Welcome! I am 53 and more than likely won't be getting my surgery until sometime next summer. I've already jumped through several hoops, and now I have to wait until next month for my required 24 weeks of classes to commence. Given the holidays I probably won't finish them until sometime in May.
After that there's even more hoops and tests, but I'm hoping for no later than a July surgery. I'm trying to pass the time in between learning and preparing as much as I can.

What a wonderful and uplifting story, both you's and your son's. It's never too late to turn your life around. It's all about the journey and the goal and you definitely have the right mindset to get you where ever you want to go. Your pictures are beautiful! I can't wait until I have my own surgery.
Please keep us posted. I wish you all the best!

Yes, I am going in with eyes wide open and it is very scary.
I draw a parallel on this to childbirth. I remember as an expectant mother that other mothers, including recent ones all came up roses as well. When asked "how your delivery went?" Every single person said it went really well. For me it was the most horrible gruesome thing I had ever gone through and mine was a fairly normal delivery. Really well, is not what I would describe childbirth as. Yet, I would do it again. But I felt lied to by everyone, even my own mother, who probably was the most honest of the bunch. Everyone seems to think everything is wonderful and rosie. It is odd to me, as I am not wired that way. If you ask me I will tell you the truth. It will be a balance answer about pros, cons, and what the expect. After that experience I tend not to trust others assessments. I read between the lines and have to dig a hole to China for the truth.
I fear I may not be able to cope and that I will be miserable all the time more then anything else. But the alternative is just as bad. Obesity kills and robs you of the chance of having a normal life. So, I have to give it my best shot. It is a leap of faith into the great unknown but it is also a leap of HOPE, one that I do not possess in my current situation. I hope things will workout in the end just like having a baby. Mothers do die in childbirth, some have horrible complications but we all know it's worth it. Many before me had WLS and they ended up okay. Look at everyone on this site post surgery. They are real and their stories inform our futures. You can't grow (in our case shrink) unless you try.

Life after surgery is great. Im now 6 weeks post op and down 30 lbs. No pain at all anymore. I was cleared to workout recently, but basically only cardio type stuff because im still not allowed to lift over 10 lbs. It is very strange at first to eat so little, but you get used to it quickly. It nice not to be so fixated on food like I used to be. Before surgery there was always a thought in my head about what the next meal would be, but now, I barely think about it. I just keep planning my meals at work. At dinner I mostly eat eggs or fish to keep the Protein high for the day. I have discovered that some senses have changed. There are foods I used to like and hate now and I think my nose is way more sensitive. Good stuff smells amazing and bad stuff gives me an instant headache!!
I see my surgeon next week and I'm hoping that I can have some more food options opened up to me!! I've also discovered that Kaiser and my surgeon are clearly not on the same page as far as some things go, it's hard to balance what the right thing to do is, when two different people are telling you different things. I tend to always side with the surgeon though!! He is awesome...I hear all three at Pacific Bariatric are great, but Tanaka was fantastic.

I wish I had words of wisdom, but I'm at a loss bc i have nothing but the opposite... Support, encouragement, and thrills. I will tell you how I celebrated my 100 pound milestone this week. I handed/mailed all four of my kids an envelope with a crisp new $100 bill.... No note, no explanation ( my kids were never used to us doling out money... We never did). So at first they were dumbfounded and completely puzzled. It didn't take long before one of them figured it out... You should have seen the text messages going off between them! Now they can't wait till I hit my next milestone! As far as the lack of support from your husband, I'm guessing you may need support from group counseling or a counselor to help you figure out how to handle this as you continue to lose. Things are changing. Some people resist change. They just can't or don't want to handle it. Best of luck as YOU continue to become healthier.

What if the Frontier Airlines person comes over to an executive who's 6'6" and an ex-football player who's not "fat," but just built big, to say they'll have to buy another ticket if someone sitting next to them feels crowded?
What if the college basketball team that's traveling to an away game (most of them are over 6'6" tall with legs and arms that stick out far in all directions) gets the same treatment from the Frontier Airlines person? How does that play?
What if a mother is traveling with an active one- or two-year-old child who will be sitting in her lap as the plane flies across North America. Should the mother pay extra to get the kid his own seat so he doesn't crawl across the other two passengers in that row or kick the seat of the unfortunate passenger sitting in front of them for six hours?
No?
Only fat passengers should have to pay extra?

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

I appreciate the kind words.
I am happy to share my experience if it can provide help, encouragement, motivation or just a positive attitude for anyone else who is choosing to embark on this journey along with us.

I did. I started out at 419.
I know the feeling though, as I often saw these goals of people wanting to lose 70 or 100 pounds thinking to myself that wouldn't even make a dent in what I need to do.
When I sat down and thought about things I thought to myself if there was any way I could lose 200 pounds I'd be ecstatic. Unfortunately the more I read, the more I started doubting that it was possible. So I then convinced myself I'd be "happy" if I could lose 150 or more.
Luckily, as I progressed, I got to that point and realized there was no reason for the pessimism. I finally was able to reaffirm that my original goal was legit and as long as I stuck to the plan it would be achievable.
Fast forward to last week (9/24) I actually hit that goal, weighing in at 218.6 that morning. I've since lost a few more pounds, though I'm not trying to alter my goal, nor am I really doing anything to push myself any further, just continuing to eat the same way I have, keeping up the exercise routines and living this MUCH happier life. Eventually my body will settle into whatever the new me is supposed to weigh, but as long as I don't slip up and start going back up, I'm more than happy where I'm at right now.

I'm not over 400 pounds and I'm in the early stages of pre-op, and a newbie to boot, so I know next to nothing about the journey you're hoping to make.
I just wanted to offer my encouragement and tell you that you are all heroes in my eyes.
@@winning_by_losing you are a role model for us all!
The best of luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress.

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

Thanks for all the support.
The crappy part was I just for out of OKC on the same airline with no issues. Same seat assignment even (I always select a window so I'm only crowding one person). And this happened in the terminal, before we even boarded the plane! It wasn't the stewardess, it was one of the ticket attendants at the gate. She literally walked over to me, asked what flight I was on then asked if I could come with her. I'm writing a complaint letter. I could understand if the person seated by me complained, they didn't by the way. But this was before I'd even gotten on the plane.

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

Ummmmm....can we just talk about the fact that everything she said is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!?!? As someone who HAS done my research and has lived in the WLS world for quite some time now, she's correct. Half of lapbands ARE in fact removed, and the long term success rates of lapband are much less than that of gastric sleeve or RNY. Everyone is so freaking quick to get insulted these days and I wish you would just stop it already. She spoke her opinion, which by the way was riddled with fact after fact, and you guys all get your panties in a wad? Grow UP already.

I won't lie. I fight head hunger as much as the next guy or gal. I more than occasionally give in. Well, last night, after going to bed, my mind drifted to the pantry where the "treats" I keep for the grandkids dwell. The fat little devil on my left shoulder told me it would be ok to have one. The skinny little angel on my right one told me what a fool I would be, after all, yesterday was my fast day and I did so well. These two little mini-me's kept me awake for well over an hour arguing about the pros and cons of treating myself. It's after midnight, so it's no longer your fast day. Yeah, but its solid carbs and will make you crave more. Yeah, but who cares, you had your fast day....Anyway, finally I managed to drift off to sleep. About an hour later, I was awake again and they resumed their argument. Those zebra cakes were calling me. I finally did manage to get to sleep and made it to the morning without giving in. But when I awoke, one of my Chihuahuas was missing and I had a horrible taste in my mouth. Oh.....he was just under the covers . Cheers to fighting the demons off one more night.

Ken, your story touched my heart deeply. Your courage and perseverance is a shining example that as long as hope survives, so will the human spirit to rise above all that life sometimes throws at us, no matter how bleak it might seem. Please continue to update us on your journey.
I wish you and your family the best of luck for the future.