I am a 34 years old and am a teacher in the Philadelphia School District. I am a mother of two beautiful and healthy girls and I am married to their wonderful father. As a teenager, I always struggled with my weight, but never going over 20-25lbs. of what I should have been. When I started teaching I weighed about 155-160 lbs. which was thinner for me. Within the first few months of my new career, I noticed a big change in my physical and mental health. I was always tired, achy, feeling depressed and just didn't feel right. I went to the Dr. with my concerns and after several different tests, I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr Virus (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia. I was put on several different medications and gained 65 lbs from January until September. That October I got pregnant and could never get off the weight I put on from the medicine. Over the years I have added to that weight.

Diabetes runs in my family and my grandmother passed away from it in May of 2010. I want to be here for my girls and be healthy. I want to have the energy to be a fun mom and enjoy all of the things that they enjoy doing. I do as much as I can with my girls but I know I could be doing even more if I had the energy. I decided to change my life for my children.

I am scheduled to get the sleeve on August 9, 2011. I am going to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia Pa. Dr. Beekley who is partners with Dr. Tichansky will be performing the sleeve. Somehow I have found the strength to get me through the first 3 days of the pre-op diet. If I can make it through the next 11 days, then I believe I will be ok. I am really excited about it coming up and just keep trying to think positive about everything. I keep telling my husband to think positive too but he is very worried about the surgery itself. I have decided to put it in God's hands.

I am so glad I have a group of people that I can talk to, that understand what I am and will be going through.

I hope that I am as successful as many of you have been. I wish all of you continued success and the best of luck.

I am a 34 years old and am a teacher in the Philadelphia School District. I am a mother of two beautiful and healthy girls and I am married to their wonderful father. As a teenager, I always struggled with my weight, but never going over 20-25lbs. of what I should have been. When I started teaching I weighed about 155-160 lbs. which was thinner for me. Within the first few months of my new career, I noticed a big change in my physical and mental health. I was always tired, achy, feeling depressed and just didn't feel right. I went to the Dr. with my concerns and after several different tests, I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr Virus (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia. I was put on several different medications and gained 65 lbs from January until September. That October I got pregnant and could never get off the weight I put on from the medicine. Over the years I have added to that weight.

Diabetes runs in my family and my grandmother passed away from it in May of 2010. I want to be here for my girls and be healthy. I want to have the energy to be a fun mom and enjoy all of the things that they enjoy doing. I do as much as I can with my girls but I know I could be doing even more if I had the energy. I decided to change my life for my children.

I am scheduled to get the sleeve on August 9, 2011. I am going to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia Pa. Dr. Beekley who is partners with Dr. Tichansky will be performing the sleeve. Somehow I have found the strength to get me through the first 3 days of the pre-op diet. If I can make it through the next 11 days, then I believe I will be ok. I am really excited about it coming up and just keep trying to think positive about everything. I keep telling my husband to think positive too but he is very worried about the surgery itself. I have decided to put it in God's hands.

I am so glad I have a group of people that I can talk to, that understand what I am and will be going through.

I hope that I am as successful as many of you have been. I wish all of you continued success and the best of luck.

Hi Shell, I am a Shell too. Welcome to VST!

I am not sleeved yet but I expect to have my surgery in the next month or so. I have been on the Kaiser meal plan since the end of April and have lost almost 30 pounds. My blood sugur levels and cholesterol have come way down and I already have so much more energy. I still have a long way to go but I have a taste of success and I'm not ready to get off the loser's bench yet.

Congratulations on your descision to become healthier and extend your life. The members of VST are absolutely wonderful and so very supportive. Make sure you keep us posted on your progress and we will all be sending you prayers and well wishes on August 9th.

Hugs,

Shell

Thanks so much Shell-Bear for the warm welcome. I am really glad that I signed up. Congrats on all of your weight loss so far!