Well I started the process last night. I attended the first seminar that is supposed to begin this long journey. It was not a decision I have arrived at lightly. I have struggled with weight all of my life. There were about two years in my life right after a really ugly divorce were I actually achieved my goal weight through exercise and diet. But now ten years later I find myself heavier than before. I have lost some weight in recent months but, I am pretty sure I can not do this for life without some help. I started seeing a psychologist to try and work on some of my underlying issues with food. Today I am going to try to start a diet that will look somewhat like a life after surgery would look like. I would be a liar to say I am not scared. It is hard for me to admit that I can not control my weight without surgical intervention. To me that is a big failure. I know I am not alone and I know other have the same struggle but, as someone who is generally successful at things in life it is hard to have this one area I can not control. To complicate this matter I am or at least was a proud man. So much so that I can not admit to people that I want to have surgery. For me, I am starting to see comorid problems associated with weight. High blood pressure, depression, and possibly even early signs of gout. I want to stay alive to see my kids grow up.

It takes a lot for me to even write this down in a forum. For me as man it is hard to admit I can not control this without help. Reading posts on here has been an inspiration and hopefully, God willing, I can someday add my stroy to the list of successes.

I am sure this process takes a long time and the surgery group that I am using has a long arduous process to complete before you can have surgery. I just hope we can start this journey soon, lest my courage fail me.

CR

I hear you! I am feeling the same. I went to my seminar a few weeks ago and have my consultation appointment today. The only people that know I am even considering this are my husband & son, and my 2 besties. One of which is in the same boat as we are... I wish we could do it together, it would be great to do it as a team. I think when she sees what is possible, I hope she does the same. My other friend is super supportive, and knew my from my rocking bod days. She knows exactly where I am at.

Stick with it, you won't be sorry. I applaud your courage! It gets easier, this forum is wonderful!

Welcome CR. I totally undersand where you are coming from when you talk about wanting to do this on your own and having a hard time admiting that you need help. I guess the best way for us to look at is that we cannot always be successful in everything that we do on our own. Everyone needs help with something from time to time... and weight is just one of those things we need help with.

The foolish man realizes he has a problem and does nothing to help himself, the wise man realizes he needs help and makes the decision to get that help and live a long happy life. I have decided not to die a foolish man and it sounds like you have too... Congrats on your first steps!!!

For me my new life starts next Wed. (surgery day)

I think you are really going to like this forum, there are a lot of great people here.

Welcome cr, It also took me a while to come to terms with the fact that I need help loosing weight. I guess that maybe a big reason why I disclosed my procedure to a select few. You should know that what your doing takes a lot of courage, so many people choose to act like they do not have a weight problem. Not me, I'm a fighter and I'm gonna fight my weight problem with everything I got, or at least go down trying.

Thanks for your encouragement. I plan to see this through and hope the insurance process moves speadily along. I have good insurance and according to them I prequalified/certified so now I am just waiting on GHP, the surgical team handeling the process. The medical world never moves as fast as I want it to move.

Gene1970 good luck next Wednesday. I am sure that has to be an exciting and nervous time. Keep posting so we know how you are doing.

Thanks CR, yes it is an exciting time... and I do go through phases of nervousness and thoughts of "what I am I doing"... but it seems everyone here has had those feelings. I try to stay focused and tell myself that I did a lot of research before starting this journey and KNOW that this is the right choice. I will try to post as soon as I can after surgery.

Hi CR. are you from NY? Just curious, because I also attended a seminar last night and am ready to begin the process. It is going to take a long time and it will seem overwhelming at times, but I think anything worth having is worth fighting for.

It took me over 3 years to decide to have WLS. I don't think any of us wake up one day and just decide it is something we are going to go get done. I would make up my mind, then change it. Back and forth and back and forth I went. 30 lbs heavier and $100's later spent on diets and trainers I have arrived at the point of NO RETURN. I am being sleeved July 2 and am glad I am going for it......FINALLY. I am nervous, but I am at peace with my decision. it is not the easy way out. We are all saying we are committed to the lifestyle changes that must go along with WLS. Give yourself a huge pat on the back because you are looking out for YOU :0)

Sent from my iPad using VST

FutureSleve,

No i am not from the NY area. I am from Michigan. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I was gone for a long weekend with the family.

Good Luck

CR

Well inital consult, blood work, and pshsyc eval all passed and now just waiting on the paperwork with the insurance. I hope they can turn this around quickly. But, knowing insurnace companies they will take their sweet time.