Finallyforme

I started this journey in January 2019 after a visit to Joslin for a type 2 diabetes check-in. I knew I was very overweight, but had never been recommended for Bariatric surgery! I thought that was for the “other fat people”, you know, 500+ pounds. I was kidding myself. I took the recommendation seriously and went to a meeting for those interested in Bariatric surgery. I decided I wanted to try some lifestyle and food changes myself before I made such a big decision. It was my teenage son telling me he was worried about me not living through my fifties that kept me moving in the right direction. This is probably the time to tell you that I have always enjoyed healthy eating and usually made pretty good choices with food, except for the times that I didn’t🙄. For me, eating is only a part of the extra pounds. I am the main character in a genetic horror film! The film stars me, before major weight gain, starting off with Metabolic syndrome (that includes Hyperlipidemia (crappy HDL), High blood pressure and high blood sugar), Arthritis (2 surgeries, 1 procedure, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy and stenosis- for almost 2 years, unable to work or even stand for more than 15 mins before excruciating pain set in), PCOS (hormones, fertility drugs, hysterectomy), and finally the cherry on top of the extra pounds? Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. So, after I changed some of my behaviors, food choices and had an RFA of L4, L5 and SA, I was ready for help to move into the next phase. This phase began on December 30, 2019 at 204lbs. I am now 1 week away from my VSG surgery and feel ready and excited about feeling better, eating better, moving better and ultimately being here, not only for myself, but my son. Today is the 7th day of my pre-op diet and I weigh 180.2 lbs. I feel proud and know that this surgery will be an amazingly powerful tool to have on my journey.