Hello,

My surgery date is January 16, 2012. Just like everyone else I am a little nervous. I am 61 (will be 62 in February) and was very thin until around the age of 40. Went from a normal weight of 120 to 198/204. I have dieted using fad diets, diet pills and everything else. Just can't get it off or even keep off the few pounds I lost (very few). I know it is hard for people who have been obese all of their lives but it is also very hard for people who were thin for most of their lives. We are the ones who could always eat anything and everything anytime we wanted. Not so now. I am having the surgery because I have high blood pressure, lots of leg vein pain, snore like a trucker (no offense intended) and wakeup feeling like I am smothering. In addition, I am now built just like my mother who had triple bypass surgery, numerous blood clots in her legs and two pulmonary embolisms. She also struggled to walk for the last 10 years of her life. Many of her problems were from her weight. I am trying to prevent going down that road. Anyway, I have made my decision and have my date so here we go.

My husband had the surgery in August and has done very, very well. I have a daughter who had gastric bypass many years ago and two kids who, for health reasons, really need to be sleeved. Both are thinking about it. My husband and I both use a physician in Gonzales, Louisiana. He does nothing but bariatric surgery and has done lots and lots of it. I may have to have my gall bladder out also but we will see.

Anyway, that is who I am and where I am going. One thing for sure, our grocery bill has really gone down. lol.

Welcome to the forums, we are glad to have you here. It sounds like you are going to have a great support system, that is wonderful that basically you and your husband will be doing this together. I know I was having quite a few health problems that have been eliminated as a result of the this surgery. I truly believe it is a lifesaver. Congratulations on your decision.

Hello and welcome to VST!! that is so wonderful that you have your entire family to go along this journey with you! You will find the more support you have, the better the journey is.

I agree too about the grocery bill... big difference!! And I'm the only one in my household who has had the surgery. So that tells ya how much I was eating... LOL

I am sure you will do well with the sleeve. I was 56 last January when I had my surgery and had an easy recovery. I hit my weight loss goal and then some in just 9.5 months. Good luck!

I was never small, but I spent years and years at a size 14. I was fit and strong, and I miss it every day. I could do about 10 pull ups "in the day". I did several types of martial arts and even fought with swords, lol.

There is something about when you have been a a good level, to gain the weight, and never fully loose it again - it is a bad feeling. I will be OK, however. I will do a pull up again, and I am going to run a Zombie 5k race in Austin, TX next year 12/15/2012! Let's keep each other up to date, and keep me informed of your progress.

Strong, good vibes to you as you start on your journey!

Thanks for all the encouragement ! Can't wait to get rid of the belly. All of my excess is belly and butt. I would have loved to be a health, strong and fit size 14 when I was young. However, I was one of those very thin people who could not walk and chew gum.