RPC324

Just clocked out of work for the last time. Got final physician approval yesterday and all systems are go for Monday. Pre-op liquid/protein bar diet has not been bad. Not much hunger except late in the day, but been supplementing with some broth and sugar free jello and ice pops. One week off after surgery, followed by one week of computer-based training at work where I'll get to take it easy. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

Update: I'll be on 2 weeks optifast starting Monday. Pre-op testing a week prior, then the green light. I'll have one week vacation followed by one week of computer-based training at work (as opppsed to field work), which is why I planned this when I did. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm scheduled March 21. Seeing the surgeon today to sign some paperwork and discuss the pre-op liquids, probably starting Sunday or Monday. Process has been largely remote. This will be my first time actually meeting the surgeon in person, started the process in November, although we are only out in March because I scheduled the surgery to make it more convenient around work obligations. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

March 21... coming in at low BMI (~37), waiting on the official start date for liquids, which I don't anticipate being as long as some others. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

So as the new year hits, again weight loss is on the list of resolutions. I am taking a more serious look at surgeries, especially the sleeve. Currently 33 years old, weighing in about 250 lbs, BMI hovering around 35 at the moment. Been heavy for most of my adolescent and adult life. My heaviest was 280 and I decided to get serious in the spring of 2013, lost 95 lbs over the course of 2 years and change using weight watchers and biking. Fast forward 5+ years from then, and I've gained back a big chunk. Since then, I've taken a promotion which means less physical demand, more office work, driving around for field inspections, and losing my bicycle commute to work. Add to that a wife, 1-year-old and another on the way, and it's not a great recipe for weight loss. I have a family history of heart disease and personally have controlled hypertension on a small dose of a calcium channel blocker. My cholesterol was borderline but did improve following a recent low-carb diet. Managed to lose 12 lbs in a month doing low-carb and Intermittent Fasting, but then got quarantined for a Covid exposure at work (luckily negative), plus stresses of home life and that loss is pretty much gone. My oldest brother had successful sleeve surgery around 2 years ago after years of being way bigger. I'm considering it, but the wife isn't quite on board yet. She still thinks that I could do it on my own, but I'm not confident in achieving and maintaining that previous weight loss just based on life circumstances. Baby #2 is due in July. I think this next 6 months is the time to make one last diet effort at major loss before taking a serious look at surgery and getting the wife to go along with it. I want to be here for my family and I'll gladly give up pizza and beer for them.

Update: It's about 6 months since this post, and I made the decision to pursue the surgery. Wife is on board too, since it will help to alleviate other health issues I have. New job stress, wife having an awful pregnancy (but healthy baby boy!), and now the stress of chasing after a 2-year old and infant haven't helped the weight loss. Hoping for a 3-6 month window to surgery depending on insurance, which works out as I'll have more vacation time at my disposal in the new year. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app