Hi everyone -

My name is Tracy. I am 48 and the mother of 10 children, 8 living. I have been overweight since about child #3 but before that I was thin and feel that I was at my most beautiful. I have suffered with terribly low self esteem as a large person and I am SO anxious to start my life anew as a healthy, lean person! Our insurance doesn't cover any type of weight loss surgeries. I did lots of research and attended a local seminar about weight loss surgery at a local hospital before deciding on VSG. Currently, I am at an all time high of 333 pounds, and at only 5'7" I am uncomfortably and unhealthily large. I am paying out of pocket for my surgery and therefore have elected to go to Mexico for my surgery. I am about to schedule it for July 23rd!

I am nervous about having the surgery, having the surgery in a foreign country and having the surgery without my husband (he has to stay to work and take care of our kids and dogs), but I am so excited to regain my health and self esteem that I am ready to go! My husband and family are very supportive and I think they will be very proud and happy that mom is finally healthy and trim again.

My surgeon wants me to do a 14 day liquid diet before surgery due to my high BMI which is 49. I am wondering how that will work, but I have read on here that some did Atkins and then liquids right before surgery. I will have to ask my doc if that would be ok for me. Atkins works great for me, but I can't stay on it longer than about 2 years without really feeling the need to have some of the foods I couldn't have.

Sorry - I am probably rambling now, but I am SO very excited and so very grateful to have found this forum so that I can learn, share and support those in my same shoes! I look forward to getting to know as many of you as possible.

That's great! It WILL be the beginning of your new life! I started at 349 with a BMI of 54 or 55. I did have to do 2 full weeks of liquid diet, but you know what? It's worth the inconvenience. The point of it is to rapidly shrink the liver so it does not get in the way or get damaged by the surgery. If it is not sufficiently smaller, they will just cancel the surgery, or open you up with a full incision. Neither choice is a pleasant thought. It is hard to do for 2 weeks, but keep your eyes on the prize and you will sail through! We're here for you too!

Hi Tracey! I can see why you are so excited. I am having my surgery in Mexico as well and I am scheduled for July 24th but thinking about changing it to the 23rd. I am having it done in Puerto Vallarta by Dr. Joya.

I am 44 but only have 2 boys ages 8 and 9. You are my hero for being a mom to so many! I am a "lightweight" technically although I feel more like a "denseweight".

Current Weight: 199 lbs.

Highest Weight: 220 lbs.

BMI: 33.11

Height: 5'5"

Age: 44

Sleeve Date: July 24th, 2012

Goal Weigh 1: 150 lbs. (haven't seen it in so many, many, many years!)

Goal Weight 2: 135 lbs. (if the God's allow!)

I will be here cheering you on if you need any support along the way. And don't be nervous about traveling to Mexico, I've been lots of times and you are in good hands. I am going completely alone and I have chosen not to tell anyone (but my best friend) about my journey. It is very personal to me and I am only doing it for myself and the life I want for my boys.

Take Good Care,

Katrina