Hi! My name is Amanda, I'm 29 years old and I'm new here. I've been a long time lurker but never joined until I finally made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. I currently live in Southern California and have chosen to go to Mexico to get the surgery done. My insurance doesn't cover WLS and the couple of surgeons I have met here in Cali have all made me feel like I was just $$$ to them since I would be cash pay. I will be having my surgery on March 22, 2013 and am excited yet nervous. No one in my family supports my decision as they all think I should just eat better and exercise. I've been told having the surgery is the "easy way out". Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks to everyone for all the support and knowledge you share here!

Welcome amanda! I'm 31 from central Florida and getting sleeved in Mexico February 18th! You know what's best for you and when it comes down to it you are the one that has the final say in your health and at 29 your getting a head start on the rest of your life.

As my PCP put it, WLS is not the easy way out, it is the toughest decision we will ever make and it is a forever decision we will be changing our lives in such a drastic way that it's not always easy. But we are all strong and will be better off in the end!

I know it's tough without family support but that's why we are here, to get the support we need from people that are in the same position and understand our day to day struggles. I'm sure along the way you will find someone on here that will be in Mexico at the same time and that's always a plus to find someone to communicate with that you will be able to connect with once you are there.

Welcome and good luck with your journey!

See you on the losers bench!

Welcome Amanda! I understand the lack of support because I am a "low" bmi people think I should just exercise more. Problem is I have busted my buns exercising and dieting for numerous years to only see the weight and then some come back. Thankfully my mom has had wls because she was morbidly obese and understands my struggle. I find the people who think I'm taking the easy way out are those who have never struggled with weight or want to keep me down. But I know without a doubt that I'm making the best decision for me so haters can hate

Welcome Amanda, I don't think think at all that getting the sleeve is the easy way out! I know for me I knew what I needed to do but it was so easy to fall off the band wagon! I have found that now post of inlet a week it has made me way more aware of what I am eating. My meals have become very planned out and they are really small so I have to pick and choose good foods that give me the nutrients that I need. The protein, calcium are the two major things I look at!!! Honestly I can say it is easier but not easy!!!! My family is beginning to realize that as well as they see me trying to figure out what is good!!! Good luck in the future!!!

hello my name is Tina. I have decided to get the VGS now just looking for a surgeon. My BMI is 35.1 and makes it difficult to find a surgeon in Ohio that does't give me the look!!!!! besides my insurance requires me to have 2 core health issues. ANd if that isn't enough I have to jump through 6ths mths of hoops to get to the surgical date. I dont want to wait 6mths. I want it now. I have been seeing a psychologist for a year and continue to be unable to stick to a diet plan through trying to control my eating. Im an addict. I live to eat and feel out of control. I am unhealthy, tired, depressed and can't motivate myself to work out because my back hurts all the time. how did you find your surgeon?

Help me!!!!!!!