Applebootom9

Good Evening, I just got my VSG date: August 10th so many thoughts, looking forward to connecting with you all
IG: @charlesburkley

It's been a process...
First I was pre-diabetic and given the "you need to test your BS, lose weight," etc. - and I went into denial for several years.
Then I was rejected for an operation because "your BS is not controlled." - and I grudgingly started meds... which made me gain even more weight (diabetic medications are evil that way).
After years of taking metformin, I get sent to an endocrinologist for additional meds, and eventually have to start self-injections (first Byetta, and eventually insulin). My A1C gets better for a while, and then worse.
Then I break my foot, spend 6 months in a boot, have surgery, and spend 3 more months in a boot. I get released from the boot (hurrah!) and realize I have to learn to walk all over again. During 3 months of physical therapy I end up spending a lot of money, both on the PT and having to buy my meds... so much that I end up meeting my healthcare deductible in the first three months of the year.
But the final straws:
1. While heading to our last exotic cruise, asking for a seat extender for the first time in my life, in First Class of all places.
2. While on the cruise with my spouse (who is also large), on a bus tour through a hot, sweaty climate, I finally snapped and said out loud, "You know I love you more than anything in the world... but dammit, I'm tired of being physically pressed up against you anytime we travel anywhere."
And so I decided to pursue WLS once we returned to the states. On month 3 of my (wasteful, pointless) 6 month insurance requirement. We have one trip planned later this year (right before my probable surgery), and dammit that will be the last time I'll have to deal with being pressed up against someone (anyone) because I'm just too damn fat to fit completely in the seat.

Just got back from a beautiful family vacation in Maui. We've been there a few times but on this trip, it was quite noticeable how much my weight was a factor in what should have been a perfect trip.
I couldn't snorkel as long or as far as the rest of my family. I was tired every day and took naps while the rest of the family was at the pool. I hated the way I looked in my bathing suit and all the pictures.
All of this has just added to how much I need this surgery, now more than ever. I don't want to take another family vacation where I can't keep up!!
Plus I would like to walk down the airplane aisle walking frontwards and not sideways!! And the seat extender--ughhh!!
I've been going through all the pre-op work ups and now just waiting for insurance approvals.
Please oh please...lets get this done sooner than later!!
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I had a series of straws. It started when I realized that I don't think I have ever seen a 70 year old who was my size. Because people my size don't often live that long. Then after gaining back 40 pounds I spent 9 months losing I signed up for a surgery orientation class last October. Two days before it, I cancelled. I wasn't ready to take such a drastic step. I wanted to give myself one more year- one more chance to lose it on my own. Then my bloodwork came back pre-diabetic. Then my blood pressure was borderline hypertensive on multiple occasions. Then I was told my back issues would not resolve without weight loss. Finally I spent a week on a cruise with my best friend who had VGS surgery 2 years ago. She looked amazing. And we talked. And when I returned at the end of January I signed back up for the orientation class.
Scheduled for surgery July 18
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My name is Amber, I think my "final straw" was when my husband got sick, and I had to care for him. I thought about my daughters who are only 8 and 12, and what their future would be if both of their parents were sick or worse dead. I would never want them to know that feeling so I decided to change my life around. It has been one of my best choices.

When you don't feel self conscious eating in public. I can't be sure it wasn't all in my head, but when I was obese and ate in public I would get lots of disgusted stares coming my way.
The other day I was eating on the train as I was racing between meetings. I apologised to the person next to me. They looked me up and down and said that I looked like I needed it!
It is really, really weird having people see you as a thin person. And it is very sad too that you are treated differently...

At age 21, I was 5'2 and weighted 140 pounds. In the next 7 years, I gained another 60 pounds, I lost my will to live, got in to severe depression and there would be days when i wouldn't even bother to brush my hair. My younger sister took care of me as if I were her baby. People who looked up to me for my sense of style or fashion choice would comment on how i had let myself go. I wasn't as big as some other people I came across but my health issues were pretty much damaging me internally. I couldn't fit in to anything and no matter how much I dieted, the weight came back. In the last three years, I became insulin resistant, pre diabetic and developed the periodontal disease. I also hadn't had my period for over two years regardless of how many times I was put on promethium and Metaformin.
When my skin color started changing due to the over production of melanin in my body and my doctor told me I could save my teeth for 10 more years maximum unless I had a surgery for 7000 dollars, I figured it was best to take care of the root of the problem rather than that. Imagine being told you will have to wear dentures in ten years at the age of 28..
I did it. I booked my appointment, spoke to the only person who supported me, ignored everyone else and got the surgery done in Mexico. I didn't show it but I was scared as hell. I knew things were going down hell anyways so whatever risk I was going to take was inenvitable. At the end, the surgery wasn't bad at all. A piece of cake in comparison to the emotional pain I had been going through all these years.

When my thighs was too big to close roller coaster bar
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Your clothes will actually stay on the hanger with out slipping off!

Where did you read this? Most research shows that women with breast cancer have lower b-12 and B12 lowers your risk for breast cancer.
B-12 is essential for many bodily functions.
Don't just stop taking it ask your Dr.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b12/evidence/hrb-20060243

Mexico wonderful experience since I'm a RN I'm very critical about my Dr's I went to Long Term VSG Dr Maytorena in Tijuana. I had diabetes and was on 2 meds for that and insulin at night along with 2 blood pressure medication and sleep apnea those things are gone and I feel wonderful.

Thanks so much. Appreciate the response. We only have 3 doctors here in Memphis. Dr Woodman for both Baptist and Methodist hospitals and Drs. Wagner and Weaver at St. Francis. I work at Baptist so my ins will not pay for me to go to St. Francis. I only have the option of dr. Woodman and he is a brilliant surgeon I hear, but from threads he has horrible follow up and a bully. I am going to call Nashville areas centers to see if my ins will pay and what other options I have.
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I wouldn't be nervous about not getting a response. You can research DR on healthgrades.com, vitals.com, obesityhelp.com to name a few. You can also google to get the physician look up web address for TN, you can search any doctor check their education, experience, any complaints, etc. I don't live in TN but my state has a website for that so I'm sure other states do too.

I had the nasal B-12 at first. Then I switched to sublingual. No differences in labs.

@BigTink looking great keep up good work

NewBeginings I don't get the shot my GP wouldn't give it to me I buy the soft chews from GNC

@@BigTink2LilTink awesome! We see it too! Keep up the good work! #inspiration
VSG 6/17/2016

So 7 months of gym work and I'm starting to see the differences.

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Hi
I am 2 weeks from my surgery date. Pre op appt tommorrow.
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I'm down 100lbs now 95 to go to get to my goal weight I started at 310 made it through holidays they give good recipes and tips on this site that help with holidays helped passed those cannied yams I baked a small sweet potatoe sprinkled a little Splenda on it and I was satisfied I could only eat 2 forkfuls but I felt like I wasn't missing out

Yes you will begin to feel better the B12 will give you energy I'm 16 months out now and have had some challenges I was cleared to exercise when I was in week 3 and on soft diet grits and farina /cream of wheat were my best friend

Call your insurance company first and find out what they cover regarding bariatric surgery and you shouldn't have any problems down the line.
VSG 6/17/2016

I'm two weeks out on Saturday. That first week I felt dizzy too. Would get light headed doing very little. I was wondering how can I get out and walk like this? Didn't hear of anyone else having this problem. Called my bariatric support person and she said it was the low calories. To stay hydrated and rest. This second week, I'm not light headed anymore, but I get tired very easily. I have my two week post op appt tomorrow. I know with increased calories I'll feel better.
VSG 6/17/2016

@@OutsideMatchInside that sounds exactly right..it's been hard getting in calories because I'm on the clear liquid diet..broth and Popsicles have nothing..I'm on the diet for another week
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You know you have lost weight when you can sit in NYC train seats and people don't have to wonder if your to big for them to fit. There no longer giving you the funny look, Yeah!