Every good story starts like this "Well, you see, what had happened was... If only weight loss and gain,and loss and gain, and ..well you get it, was such an easy story to tell! So for me what happened was life. You see, I'm a southern girl. To say that food is a big part of my life is an understatement. I consider myself an eastern North Carolina BBQ expert! I have driven across the state of North Carolina charting my course around the best BBQ restaurants in the state more than once! My mother could out-cook Paula Deen any day (now that's the truth!) My grandmothers probably created every recipe in the Southern Living cookbook collection! Genetically, I am pre-programed to cook (and eat) all that is delicious!!! When we have a pot luck at work everyone wants to know what I made- It's guaranteed to be good. Did I mention I make custom cakes "on the side"? People love my cooking! It's been a blessing and a curse all my life.

I wasn't overweight in high school,but the potential was there! Like most women my weight gain began after having kids. I gained 75 pounds with baby #1, lost most of it fairly easily (I was only 20). Baby #2, I was more careful with that pregnancy, I exercised regularly and only gained 18 lbs! Lost my best friend to breast cancer a year later and ate my weight in "friendship bread" (a delicious cake for those who aren't familiar with friendship bread, make sure you NEVER eat it!!) over the next few months - From September to January I had gained 60 pounds!!! I woke up one morning (literally) and looked at myself in the mirror and didn't know it was me. I was actually startled when I saw myself that day. I decided I had to do something, so I just started walking. Everyday I walked at least a mile or two, slowly I began to jog and then run. I lost 65 pounds over the next year. I ate nothing white- no sugar, no white flour, white pasta, white rice, white bread. If it was white or prepackaged I didn't touch it. I lived like this for about 4 years. If I would slip off my program, I would quickly catch myself and get back on track. I exercised daily , sometimes twice a day. No cake at birthday parties, no splurging during the holiday's, I stayed on a tight leash. At my smallest I was still overweight by 15-20 pounds. I was happy enough with my fitness level, my size and weight but I had to follow my program to a "T". If I slipped I could gain 5 pounds overnight.

I got pregnant with baby #3 at 29 years old. I gained too much weight (60 lbs), and it was so much harder to lose than it was when I had my first two babies. I had so much pain in my feet I could hardly walk some days. Found out I had plantar fasciitis in both feet- OUCH! I needed to exercise, but my feet hurt so bad I couldn't, so I didn't. I slowly began slipping back into bad eating habits. For me sugar is the devil, so are carbs- love that white stuff!! Once I start I can't quit, it's like crack! lol!! I didn't want to go back "there" again so I once again tried to get back on track.I took almost a year. I went back to my program, started exercising again. I was feeling great again. I went through a few changes in my career over the next few years, finally going to work for the government in 2008. I was excited about the new job, but had no idea how much different sitting a desk would be. I had never worked a desk job before.

Over the last three years my weight has steadily increased. I have gained over 50 lbs. in the last 3 years. I was already overweight when I started there, I've tried to control it but it has gotten so far out of control it's not even funny. In the last three years I have: begun taking two blood pressure pills daily, sleeping pills for my insomnia, prilosec for my reflux, naproxen for my other aches and pains and I can't tie my shoes with out cutting of my oxygen supply! I have to stop in between flights of stairs, I am chapped and chaffed in places I shouldn't be, even my rolls now have rolls. I've taken diet pills, every fad diet there is, spent hundreds (maybe thousands) on pills, supplements, exercise equipment and DVD workouts.

Well, I just can't do it anymore. I can't wake up at 4 am, dirve the van for the van pool, work all day for some arrogant SOB, make dinner for my family when I get home at 5pm. Clean up ,check homework, take care of a house and give my husband and my kids the attention they deserve. Food has become my comfort,even though it is the cause of my misery. I'm sick of having no energy, no drive and no interest. I am tired of being tired and I want to be myself again. I have set a terrible example for my sons and I've finally decided that enough is enough!

So.....on July 29th (just 12 days from today!) I am having VSG! I know it will be hard , but it will be worth it to have my life back. Some people won't understand, some will think I took the easy way out, some may even be jealous. i just don't have time to care about what anyone may think about my decision. Either they will support me or they wont.

Please, wish me luck as I do the rest of you. I need all the support I can get, especially at those family gatherings with my own "Paula" and her fabulous meals! I think her feelings are gonna' be hurt when I can't eat her cookin' any more! She'll just have to get over it now won't she?

Welcome! There are lots of GRITS (girls raised in the south) on this forum and we know all about that southern cooking! Congratulations on your decision...it will change your life.

Hey Carolina Girl, My wife & I have made many trips from Williamsburg VA just for the BBQ in Carratuck NC. We always drive home with a few pounds of BBQ & Sauce. So I can relate to you. I'm being sleeved on Tuesday the 26th, because we would drive down to NC for BBQ. Welcome to this board.

Welcome and I wish you all the best in your surgery and recovery. It is an AMAZING ride!!!

Just a follow up... I went to my pre-op appt today and took ole' "Paula Deen" (AKA mom) with me. I guess she decided she needed to know what her one and only was really getting herself into with this surgery thing. I told her, first and foremost, that she had to behave at all times, which I'm happy to report that she did! I was relieved that she finally took some interest in understanding why I have come to this decision and what it involves. My husband still thinks I could do this on my own, and while I appreciate his vote of confidence, I know that he's just full of bologna! He knows I need this, he just has never fought with his weight and can't wrap his head around why I can't "just quit eating". But that's OK, I am a grown woman, and besides the good lord above, I don't have to justify my decisions to anyone.

I thought that I would leave my appointment today with some hint of fear, some small doubt, something that would make me re-think this and ask myself "Is this REALLY what I want to do?". Instead I left with the confirmation that this is the right decision for me, right now. Why wouldn't I do this now, before my health gets worse, before I gain any more weight, before I have to take anymore pills? Why wouldn't I want to take control of my health now? We only get one go around in this world- I want mine to be full to the brim. I don't want to turn into a crippled up old lady who can wipe her own fanny (I know you know what I'm talking about,lol) I want to LIVE what little bit of life I'm blessed with to the fullest!

So off I go to the hospital Friday morning- gotta be there at 5:30 am! So glad I'm the first surgery of the day..... wish me luck!

Hi from one eastern NC girl to another, you'll do fabulous on your day of surgery and after. I had my VSG last Friday and am doing much better than I expected. My prayers and good wishes are with you.

Dear Carolina Girl,

Good luck to you as your surgery date approaches in just three days. You are going to love your sleeve.

I was sleeved last July 13th and I could not be happier with the results. I have a soft spot in my heart for July sleevers. To date, I've lost just about 120 pounds and I am thinner now than I have ever been in my adult life. This surgery has truly been a miracle in my lfe!

Don't let anyone tell you that this is the easy way out. I struggle with this notion on a daily basis, but I know in my heart that it takes guts and determination to take this step. There is no question that it is scary and not without risks, but for me the alternative of living the way I was was no longer acceptable.

Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

Brian

Congradulations on your surgery date! luv your post.

Hey Yall, I just wanted to let everyone know I did get sleeved yesterday and everything went well. I am home and of course very uncomfortable, but not in any real pain. I had a rather large hiatal hernia that had to be repaired as well. Dr said I've probably had it for years. The hardest part has been trying to take deep breaths- boy does that hurt! Also trying to learn how to drink is a challenge, it"s probably going to take a while to get this drinking thing down!

Hi Carolina

I live in NC and know exactly what you are talking about. After 3 children and gaining and losing with each, my weight slowly creeped up as well. I tried for years to work out eat only healthy foods. I would do well for a while and then Celebrate my loss and it was down hill from there. This has been a huge step. First discussing with my husband and children and now making that step.

I am having may surgery on 8/10/11. I am looking forward to my new life.

Hi Carolina

I live in NC and know exactly what you are talking about. After 3 children and gaining and losing with each, my weight slowly creeped up as well. I tried for years to work out eat only healthy foods. I would do well for a while and then celebrate my loss and it was down hill from there. This has been a huge step. First discussing with my husband and children and now making that step.

I am having may surgery on 8/10/11. I am looking forward to my new life.

You are right about one thing cinderall123, this is a huge step. I won't lie to you the last two days have been kinda rough, but if you read this bulletin board over and over again people say the same thing- despite the rough days, they would do this again every day. I am looking forward to the next phase myself. Best wishes to you in your journey. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Congrats on getting sleeved. I hope you heal quickly. Best wishes for a successful sleeve journey!!!

My date 6/1/11.

I wouldn't say I hurt, but I was uncomfortable for about two weeks. Like childbirth...I really don't think much of it now. My body feels so much better! My feet felt wonderful first. Walking is such a freeing activity. It is hard to believe that at age 44 my physical body was in such poor shape. The surgery has really given me my life back!

Hey Caroina,

Thanks for sharing your story. I am from N.C So I know what you mean about the barbeque. I love the eastern Barbeque as well. Yummy. Good luck on your surgery.