On August 3, 2010 (also my brother’s birthday), I had VSG Surgery. The surgery went well and physically I felt better than I expected. However it is a bittersweet victory because my mother passed away that same afternoon. I had the surgery because I wanted to be healthy I didn't want to go through all she has been through. When I spoke to my mother about the surgery she was so supportive. The memorial was that following Friday in Florida and I was unable to make it (that in itself brings many unwanted feelings from my childhood). I thank God that I was able to spend a week with her in July. There were so many emotions I can't even begin to express. I know that she is in a better place and she is no longer suffering and she is whole again.

It is so ironic, that as I began my new life hers ended. By then, she had suffered so much she had brittle diabetes, congestive heart failure, was at end stage renal failure (on dialysis 3X times a week), had both legs amputed above the knees and had been back and forth between hospital and nursing home since October 2010. I did have the opportunity to speak to her about having the surgery, and she told me that it is a stupidity to chase after food and to do whatever I need to do so that I don't have to go through what she has. I was borderline diabetic, high cholesterol. I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and before the surgery my legs swelled so much that the right leg looked the same size all over. I had to walk with a cane because I could not put weight on them. I had this surgery because I didn't want to go through all she has been through and want my life to be healthy in every aspect. . I can kind of feel that I did this as a tribute to her memory; she was full of life and I hope to double, triple, even quadruple the quality of my life.

Now, fast forward one year. I still miss my mom, but I am glad that I had this surgery. I have lost over 120 lbs. I feel great. NO MORE CANE!!! I exercise, 30-60 minutes, 5 days a week. I am amazed at how good I feel. I have more energy, my clothes feel much better. I am fortunate to have a loving, caring husband as well as others who care and have been very supportive of me. I am not going to say that I wish I had done this a long time ago (I believe that everything happens in God's timing), but I am glad that I did go ahead with it.

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She is looking down on you and she is so proud of you keep up the good work!

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What an emotional rollercoaster of a year you have had... grief is a difficult thing to deal with, but after major surgery... you have not only succed in coming to terms with the loss of you mam, but also the loss of your stomach and the comfort that food brings... well for me anyway!

It is good to hear you be so positive about the last year and congratulations, not only for the weight loss and your gain in health but, also in a great outlook in life.

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May God comfort, bless and keep you. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot bear! Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted! I cannot imagine............:angel:

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Sorry to hear about your mom. It's good that you were able to prevent the same thing happening to you - I'm sure she's happy for you now.

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Lola, tears of sorrow for your loss and tears of joy for your victories. God will bless and keep you close...Kathe

My mom also was diabetic as well as my grandmother and my aunt, who were all overweight as well. My mom has been gone 3 years this December and I know she would have been super excited for me to have this surgery. I can't wait to have it done and hopefully prevent being diabetic myself.

I wish you well. I know how difficult and scary this can be. As you know this was the main reason I had the surgery. I am a year out and one of the things to my continued to success for me is to be consistent. I try to consistently exercise 5 days a week 30-60 minutes, in the mornings that way it is out of the way. I started out by walking up and down my driveway (at first I could only do one time) then when I completed 20 minutes consistently, I started going to the park. Now I do my exercises in my office (I walk around the cubicles) before any one gets here. So depending on when I get here I do 30 or 60 minutes (30 minute walking and 20-30 minutes using the walk away the pounds DVD). I also keep track of what I eat (I could use more consistency in this). I have a smartphone and have downloaded apps that track exercise and food intake. There is a website that corresponds with the food intake on my phone. It is www.fatsecret.com. You can use this site even if you don't have a smart phone. Keep in mind that success requires a new lifestyle for your new self. I believe that as long as you are consistent you can succeed. You can do it! When is your surgery? I you have time you could begin getting used to an exercise regimen. Also make sure you get enough Protein and supplements. Sorry I didn't mean to write so much, but I hope this helps.

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My mom also was diabetic as well as my grandmother and my aunt, who were all overweight as well. My mom has been gone 3 years this December and I know she would have been super excited for me to have this surgery. I can't wait to have it done and hopefully prevent being diabetic myself.