Thursday, May 20th, is a big day for several of us that frequent the forum, CraftieChristie (and also for her husband?) and of course for me. Thank all of you for the posts to the forum, it allows me to see ahead the trials and tribulations, the rewards and punishments, the good, the bad, and the ugly side of bariatric surgery and particularly the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

Being a retired military officer I have never shyed away from adversity but you ladies (and men) are an inspiration. You have faced your worse enemy and kicked its a--.

I, for one, am excited about the prospects of success while being fearful of failure. Dreading the unknown but more that willing to take that first step. I know there is no turning back now and because of everyone here on the forum that led the way, I am grateful. Please keep us in your prayers or thoughts, there can never be too much of that kind of support.

Jerry

Good Luck Jerry with your surgery and recovery!

Failure is also a word I don't take lightly. I was so frustrated when I was gowned up and prep'd for surgery that I could not stop crying. How could I fail at something so easy as losing 50+ pounds???? I have had few other failures in my life, why couldn't I do this on my own?? Fortunately, the gal I was sharing a room with at the time was amazing - almost like the mother I never had, and she held my hand and talked me down. Then the nurse walked by and the valium in my iv helped too! LOL

Congrats to you for taking the plunge! I am sure you will be glad that you did!

Thank you for your service as well. My grandfather was a Major in the Army, my father retired Air Force and my 22 yr old son will graduate from flight school next month and serve as a Black Hawk pilot.

Best of luck to all of you! You have made a good decision, and I can tell you've done your research. The thought of this procedure is actually worse than the reality. You still have a regular stomach, only smaller. It appeals to me that I can take all of my medications knowing they will be absorbed properly. That I don't have to worry about some foreign object moving or slipping down my stomach. And, all the issues surrounding the gastric by-pass. The sleeve is great. Just my personal opinion. I am looking forward to welcoming you all to the losers bench. :001_cool:)

Jerry, I am so excited for you and the others as your date is so close. You have such a good attitude I'm sure you will do great. Best of luck.