Hello all-

So glad I found this website--it's always less daunting to know you're 'not the only one' out there and can discuss what's going through your mind (which works overtime with big decisions like this)

I meet my surgeon tomorrow morning with hubby and my sister to set a date. April 3 is being strongly considered, at my request and the surgeon's office OK, as my Easter week off will minimize the need for lots of sick time.

My background is that I've always been the 'big one'. The youngest, yet largest sibling. The big, funny friend. The mom who can't jump into the mix for anything too physically demanding. The overweight bride. The airplane passenger they all dread sitting next to--and who prays that she won't have to ask for an extender. Ugh...I'm sick of all those labels. I'm ready to start fresh and get healthy.

I have sleep apnea, take BP meds, have knee pain, back pain, and am on anti-depressant. I'd like to eliminate those eventually. I have finally decided that my love affair with food is not so 'lovely' and I want to see how the other half eats. I have a loving, (thin) husband who is very supportive but doens't really 'get it' the way we all do..he is very supportive of whatever I do though and I'm very thankful for that. I have to boys 7 and 10 years old who need a mom with more energy and confidence. I want to be able to set a good fitness example for them too (and maybe show up in some of their childhood photos..lol)

I actually started this process, in Buffalo NY, in November 2010 with original intentions for surgery in early 2011. They'd put me on S. Beach diet as part of their pre-surgery requirements...I'd done very well on s. beach and the surgeon gave me the choice as he felt I was an excellent candidate but since I was having success did I want to try on my own? I did try on my own and eventually (again) failed at weight loss. So I"m back...but this time for the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy as I'd, over my year, heard several stories of how the lap-band required a great deal of maintenance and had some pitfalls along the way. Maybe it was meant to be that I waited as my insurance carrier, which covers the VSG now would not have last year.

So, cross your finger and say your prayers for me that I get my surgery scheduled and I can join you all in the Quest for a new beginning. I'm ready. Nervous about surgery but definitely ready. Moreso than ever before.

Thank you for any advice or support you can lend me. I've told a very select few people (a couple close co-workers, friends, and family) and plan to keep it to myself generally.

Amy

good luck!!! I think I almost cracked when I got my surgery date---lol it's a weird feeling being so excited for something but so nervous all at the same time! I, too, have a wonderful hubby that is thin and supportive..but just can't fully understand all of these emotions. It's like going through a really bad break up with food. But it'll be okay when we get a brand new awesome relationship with new cute clothes, right? Anyway---good luck girl! :]

The big, funny friend. The mom who can't jump into the mix for anything too physically demanding. The overweight bride. The airplane passenger they all dread sitting next to--and who prays that she won't have to ask for an extender. Ugh...I'm sick of all those labels. I'm ready to start fresh and get healthy.

So, cross your finger and say your prayers for me that I get my surgery scheduled and I can join you all in the Quest for a new beginning. I'm ready. Nervous about surgery but definitely ready. Moreso than ever before.

Amy

hi amy

i'm glad you did find this support group. We are all tatally awesome

in my case, and probaby some other peoples too, i can relate to so much to what you said, that fat funny friend, person on the airplain needing an extender for the seatbelt...

I know i can't wait for that healthy road to continue. I know you'll be right next to me and we'll run to the finish line.... corny i know. Oh well thats my middle name

So many of your morbitities (msp) knee pain, sleep apnea, need for BP meds, back pain, knee hurts, they will all be helped and maybe some might even disappear.

Unfortunately, many sleevers are not covered w/insurance for the surgery. So glad you did wait, and now you are covered. So life is good, never forget that.

It will be great meeting w/ your surgeon. You have great support too from your family,, thats really important. Most of us get nervous at time approaches for surgery, thats totally normal.

good luck

kathy

How exciting! You sound ready. Best wishes on your journey it's the best!

Thanks for all the supportive responses. I'm nervous but ready. I'm finding some interesting developments in the folks around me that know about it. Namely, my sister (normally supportive) is kind of back-pedaling about being with me the day of surgery. This causes some stress as my husband def can't be there if it's happening April 3rd...who did you all have with you the day of surgery?

There are so many conflicting emotions running though out everyone who loves us and ourself. Just take it one day at a time and embrace who you are today! Everyone is totally fearful when making this decision and thinking about all the complications that can happen. But there are a small percentage of people that actually have any kind of complications. Try to be thankful for this opportunity. It is the best opportunity I have ever made.

Surgeon visit went very well! I'm scheduled for surgery April 3 at 7:30am! It was a productive morning---my husband and sister both came with me for any information needed and I got my meeting/exam with surgeon completed, blood work done, chest x-ray, EKG and heading back tomorrow for the pre-surgical education session.

Anxious, excited, and relieved all at once. All these high-strung feelings are making me tired...lol.

I'd lost 9 lbs since my visit in late February, to boot.

Thanks again for all the supportive chat ) I was going to start a new topic/thread to 'announce' my news but couldn't figure out how...lol.

Amy

Congrats!