My mom is considering getting a band to sleeve revision done but she is still on the fence because she is afraid. I wrote her this email about my experience and I was thinking it could help others on here as well.

As for the sleeve thing, don't be scared! Don't let fear stop you from doing something good for yourself. I'm so happy I did it! I feel like it completely changed my life or like I'm a "normal" person now. Like the last 25 years of my life were ruled by this food parasite that controlled me and I didn't even realize it.

I was scared too, I remember having a pretty serious conversation with Joel about it

"I'm not sure I should be doing this. I mean I want to be skinny but I don't know if it's worth my life."

"Well you know what they say, you can't have great reward without great risk."

"Yeah I guess"

"You've done your research and talked to a lot of people - just do it."

And now I'm realizing that "wanting to be skinny" was just a small part of it all. Looking at things now I feel like my mentality has changed more than anything. I didn't realize how much I was thinking about food and now other thoughts occupy my mind. I've had a frozen pizza in my freezer for about 2 months now and have no desire to cook and eat the whole thing. Although that sounds stupid, it's a very freeing and different thought than I've had previously.

I actually WANT to eat healthier things because they make me feel better and give me more energy. How crazy is that?? Instead of woofing down $10 of fast food in a setting I will eat a Protein bar because I feel like my body needs it versus my taste buds craving something else.

Anyway, sorry for the long email. I just feel like I know what you are going through with it. Again, check out the message boards on http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/ as there is a ton of good information there (including bad experiences people have had, it's important you know about that stuff too). If you want to talk more about it just let me know, I love you so much!

Very nice...and be sure to SUPPORT her if she has a stumble after the surgery

Thanks for sharing!! I wish my parents and brother were supportive but they're not. I'm so glad my husband is on board! You're lucky to also have a supportive mate and look forward to sharing my successes as I am scheduled for my sleeve this coming Monday--April 25th!