We all have been scared sometime during this process. I personally I'm the biggest baby just ask my two sons lol. My biggest fear was dying on the table. I finally figured it out, If I die on the table at least I died trying to better my life and the life of my family. Or I could do nothing and die sooner or later anyway. I chose to go for it. I had all the support in the world from my friends, co workers and of course my family. Iam so thankful for that. If you are not getting the support that you need from people that are closest to you, I am so sorry. You will get all the support and positive feedback you need right here.

We all have that one moment when we make a decision that changed are lives. Mine came at a amusement park. Me and my youngest got on a ride and where about to get started but the safety belt was not long enough. I was so mortified, embarassed and ashamed that I had to see my son get off the ride because of me. It still took me a couple of months of soul searching before I decided to have the surgery. I am so glad I did. The day of the surgery I was more anxious than scared. They gave me some meds that I don't even remember the ride to the operating room. I am down from my highest weight of 489 lbs to 263. I feel so much better. I dropped 50 points on my blood pressure in the first month after the surgery. I am a better father, a better husband and a better coach. My wife and two sons can actually hug me and touch their hands.

The one thing you have to is come to terms with your eating problem. I had to. If your thinking about drinking soda or beer or doing other things that got you to where you are currently, You are not ready. I decided that my loved ones are more important than that big bowl of ice cream or going to a all you can eat chinese buffet.

These community helped me. The information and the support here is awesome. Give yourself a chance at a better life. Give your loved ones a chance of future memories. I am so glad I did. Sorry if I rambled.

Respectfully,

Joe

Thanks for the encouragement and congratulations on your weight loss!!

It is a challenge to completely change one's life. Way to go for making such a touch choice and being the person you knew you could be!

Well said! Thanks for your story.

Thanks Joe I start my journey on Aug 31st for some of the same reasons you listed. Your big bowl of ice cream and Chinese buffet just hit me and I am okay with that thank you for your story

Thanks bro

Thank you Joe it helps to know that other people have some of the same thoughts that

I do cheers and congrats on your loss continued success!!!!!!!!'

Parris

Omg you brought me to tears- your words are very inspiring and motivating... Thank you!! I hope to carry this in mind for my surgery!! I really need the support! I have no one to support me but my mom ... Everyone opposes or show no interest in my decision and its heart breaking... So I decided to make friends on here who have or will be experiencing the same life changing goal

I remember avoiding concerts,restaurants and some movie theaters, because I was to big. I recall while on vacation in Texas going to a Houston Astro's game. I was so uncomfortable in those seats even my wife was like these seats are small. I woke up the next with bruises on my hips. We all have felt some sort of pain like this.

I have recently started going to group consultations for people who are thinking about having the surgery. I can tell you it is very fullfilling to tell people how this has changed my life for the better and that they can do it. If you have the chance i would encourage you to ask your Dr. if you could talk to new sleeve patients.

To hear that some of us have people in our lives that are not encouraging or supportive of our decisions is trult sad and unfortunate. I am so lucky to have all the support in the world. My family,friends and co-workers. The great thing about this community is the support and knowledge you can gain here. I would like thank everyone who has viewed this topic and I hope it has helped some people who have had the same situations.

Respectfully,

Joe

THANK YOU for sharing!!

Thanks so much for sharing you Sleeve story it really does help, especially as I am pre-op.

Your honesty is humbling and inspirational, Im getting sleeved on the 15th and my anxiety is kicking in because I have a little girl to worry about however at almost 300 lbs I know this is what I have to do. People like you confirm my decision and make me feel a sense of serious hope.... Thanks

Thanks Joe and congratulations on your amazing success! It's inspiring and you're right - if we aren't prepared to do things differently we aren't ready for this! I am going to be "sleeved" in September and I feel I am ready for this change! I have already given up several things that got me here (coke, chocolate) and already feel better for just doing that. So thanks for your advice - it helps me to feel like I am on the right track!

Thanks Joe for sharing your experience. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I am less than 2 months away from insurance approval. I have days I am so excited to get the surgery and days I am scared to death and wonder if this is really the best thing for me. Reading posts like yours help me feel like I am making the right decision by having the surgery. Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations on your new life!