amoreno

I am back home - the test showed no blockage - no stents needed!!!! I am officially approved for surgery - here comes life #2!

Today I am facing surgery in my HEART - for a blockage that I didn't even know that I had. I am petrified!! But imagine what could have happened if I hadn't been doing all this pre-surgery stuff. They may never have found this blockage. So, I am so thankful already for my Gastric Sleeve Surgery and I haven't had it yet! I am very scared, very, very, very scared. So, I need prayers, because dying today is not an option.

Thank you - I am heading there now!

Okay - I need some cheering up - weight loss is slow, lost my pedometer. have to re-do my sleep study test (last time the machine wasn't working) and my cardiologist didn't like the sound of the bottom of my heart so I have a stress test on Thursday AND Friday this week. Somebody convince me to stay with this!!!

Dear UsedtobeaSkater! I haven't had my surgery yet - I meet with the surgeon on July9th! I am hoping to have it this summer, however! I am going through the Bariatric Center of Lowell General Hospital. Even as skinny as a rail, I would avoid the Yankee Cannonball! Go for the Boston Tea Party!!! It is much more fun! (and no bruising!)

Dear Ana2212 - There is nothing more beautiful than a baby - I have a picture of the first time we met and she was just as wonderful as she is now. I am soooooooooooooo lucky! And I am doing a happy dance for you and your little one - I think we are both blessed! I look forward to my surgery and from hearing from you again!

Dear AnA92212 You are so lucky - I wanted to have a child of my own so badly and I was the problem! Too fat! At the time I was in Nicaragua and there was no help for me. Fortunately I was able to adopt the most beautiful little girl (she is 15 now) so every time I look at her I thank God that she will not have the genetic makeup of my obesity that has been passed down through the generations of my family. I am getting the sleeve so that I will be able to live longer and enjoy every moment I can with her. I know that your daughter will grow up beautiful too, her parents will introduce her to activity that I wasn't able to do and healthy food. You are so wise and so lucky! Congratulations!

It was very hard to make the decision, like other people have said it felt like I was giving up - and "taking the easy route" - but truthfully I can honestly say that I have been "on a diet" or "dieting" - since I was in grade three - I have a huge wealth of information about what I am suppose to eat. And yet, here I am after dieting for fifty years! I think I have dieted enough. I am doing the sleeve to save what is left of my life. I have missed out on so much due to size issues - and I need to be here for the second half. I don't have my date yet - and I won't find out until July 9th - but anyone who thinks this is the easy - think again, the pre-op stuff alone is pretty tough! - but I am so excited to start my life again. So, Sue - write me back, I probably could have dieted for the next fifty years, but health issue caught up with me and I am done feeling, tired, sick, and shaky from diabetes!

I always thought that I could do this on my own and I did - several times. But I put off surgery for many years. But then everything kind of imploded, diabetes meds went crazy. Sugar levels, Menopause, headaches, narcolepsy, falling down, the shakes, and all these things led me to surgery. If it hadn't been for all this crap I would probably have gone the rest of my life "dieting" - I am glad that there is help for me to live a healthier life. Waiting for surgery in July or August.

Perhaps you could switch to a soy or almond milk for one of your shakes? It would cut down on the diary protein. Don't be depressed - I know that's easy for me to say, but you are just beginning. Don't give up!

I went on the Yankee Cannonball at Canobie Lake Park. The guy pushed down so hard on the bar and told me that if it didn't click I couldn't ride. So I let him smash me under the bar because I wasn't going to get out! It clicked and we survived the ride. However I had a large purple bruise across my mind section for about three weeks. Also for all the people I have had to apologise to for being too fat. Also to make amends for the seatbelt extension that I stole in 1984, because I didn't want to ever have to ask another stewardess for one. I have two beautiful daughters I want to be alive to dance at their weddings and sing to my grandchildren.

Don't let them end your fight - PCP writes a strongly worded letter. If your doctor is on your side - mount your horse and storm the castle!

Dear banksdea - were you depressed before surgery? We're you an emotional eater? Because everything is an adjustment! However regret is a waste of your emotional strength. NO Going back. STAND TALL - Never say die!!!!!!!!!!!! You are stronger than you know!

Okay - I get it ! I am not too old. I wasn't going to let it stop me! I just wanted to know if there was any one else out there and I guess there are. Please keep posting and I will let you know how it goes. Thanks!

Hi I am just starting this journey and I am two weeks into the "diet" so I am replacing one medal with a protein shake. The problem what do I eat??? I find that I have done too many diets when now I have no idea what just am doing? I find I am eating too much fruit and sugar free jello/pudding. Is anybody else stuck? I know that I am concerned enough to make another appointment with the dietician. Any advice??

Me too - just started I am from Lowell.

The doctor can say whatever- maybe she was having a tough day. Don't give up you are doing GREAT!!!! Any thing down is down! Let me just add great job on all of your weight loss.

You all are so encouraging and inspiring! Thank you for writing. I am glad that those that had the surgery are doing so well. I'm excited!

And I am soooo looking forward to the summer!!!!!!!

Every one has been so supportive. I am so glad I wrote! You all have been so kind. Thankfully I am not going to be alone through this. Thanks for your support.

Hi - I live in Massachusetts and I met today with the psychologist! It seems that there are endless appointments, y'all have been very supportive. She recommended a group that they call "The Hungry Head" as a support group. Like Laura4923 I also had to have a sleep test for sleep apnea, so I understand wanting to get rid of the CPAP - I couldn't stand the TEST! But I have been falling asleep at random times! I have also been falling down and my knees and ankles have taken all the abuse. I am actually looking forward to the surgery, because after being on every diet known to mankind I would like to "finish" finally - it has only been 54 years!

Omg this is exactly what I am experiencing, trying to justify the surgery, like I lack willpower, desire, intelligence to lose weight. Actually I was feeling just like a failure. Couldn't "hack it" like somehow surgery is the easy way out. Well I have never worked so hard for something. Don't give up if I do this, so can you

Congratulations, I chose the sleeve because I didn't want anything left inside me - I am assuming that your new Dr will remove it? I bet he/she will be able to tell you what the assault did wrong!

Laura4923, Looks like we will both be done this summer. I am a teacher so I want to use my summer to recuperate. What made you decide to do it?

Hi I have put this off for thirty years because I knew that I had the stamina to lose weight. But then too many medical things happened. Please, if you are seeking the surgery get it before you get all these medical problems.