Truth is...After 10 years of reading, researching, attending seminar after seminar, toiling over, fretting, dieting, lifestyle changing, fad diets, pills, starving, and good old fashion- praying...I've made up my mind and sealed my decision with my whole heart to have weight loss surgery. 1 year and a half ago I started the process of preparing my mind, spirit, and body for weight loss surgery. It wasn't until this year in April that I decided that the Vertical Sleeve was right for me. I am 5 feet 11 inches and my highest weight was right around 380 lbs. I got down as low as 280 lbs but didn't stay there long. My weight climbed up yet again!!! I went to my FINAL seminar in the 1st week of April. I chose and met my Surgeon as well as set my surgery date for Friday.... July 13th (my LUCKY and life changing day). I weighed in at 305 lbs. That day, I was given my marching orders of things that had to be done and in what order per insurance. I followed everything to a hair.......except the part where it said I needed to lose 15 lbs by pre-surgery weigh in. See...April is my birthday month. I usually take cruises and Celebrate with my friends the whole month through. Even though I was moving along at record pace with everything else...I gained 10 extra pounds. Now....I weigh a whopping 315 lbs by the 1st week in May. They wanted to push back my surgery date but I promised to get some "get right" and get on tract. *jumping for joy* On June 9th...I met my pre-surgery goal!!! I weighed in at 289.3 lbs. Jaws dropped!!! Sadly...I have to maintain that for another 4 weeks. OMGeezus!!! Y'all pray for me!!! Now it's getting down to the wire. I'm super excited and mildly nervous all at once. Ever heard this quote...? "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." Well... I've been at the end of my rope for several years now....but I tied a knot and I'm hanging on!!!! My name is Lashelle AKA BombShelle!!! I am new to the group (just joined this morning). It's a pleasure to meet all of you and I'm soooo happy to have found you guys. I welcome any advice, comments, concerns, support, questions, and.....ENCOURAGEMENT any of you chose to send my way. I wish all of you success on your own journey to a new you, a healthier you, and a happier you!!!

BombShelle

Bombshelle - I think you will do GREAT! I remember when I was in your shoes and joining this site. While you are counting down the days for surgery, spend your time that you normally would spend eating getting your house ready for when you come home. This site has a list of things you will need to take with you to surgery - search for it or ask for suggestions and you will get a bunch of ideas. Some things I was really glad I had with me - comfortable PJ's that were not tight over my belly, shoes that were easy to put on so I could walk the halls, my cell phone charger, a pen and notebook, lip balm, and hand cream.

One thing that will be really helpful for you once you start losing is to arrange all your clothes by size - you will be changing sizes pretty quickly, and it helped me to be able to find a piece of clothing that fit while I was losing. Just because something fit you one day doesn't mean it will fit you the same way the next week - although now, instead of being tight, they will be TOO BIG (yea!). Also, think about what you are going to do with your clothes as you shrink out of them. THERE IS NO NEED TO KEEP THEM! Plan on how and where you are going to get rid of them. I gave my clothes to a thrift shop that supports a women's shelter - sold some at a consignment shop, gave some to friends, and gave some of my suits to a charity that helps women get back into the job market.

Best of luck to you!

Sharon

Welcome to VST, LaShelle!! It sounds like you are doing well and are very comfortable with your decision! Those things make post-op so much easier! I'm looking forward to watching your journey!

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*•. .•* * THANK YOU SHARON AND LISSA!

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You ladies are amazing!!! I look 4wd to becoming a seasoned vertical sleeve veteran. Have a great weekend.

@ Sharon....Lip Balm!!!! I would have been miserable without it. I go thru tubes and tubes!!!! I did not have that on my check list.

•♥•.¸¸.•♥• ¸.•♥•.¸¸.•♥• BombShelle •♥•.¸¸.•♥• ¸.•♥•.¸¸.•♥•