I expect to have the surgery in or about June of this year. I should finish the classes my insurance company requires me to take in late April. Now that I've made the commitment to myself to have the surgery, I am really looking forward to it. I've weighed more than I should for the last 16 years, with my weight increasing year by year. I have gained 50 lbs. in the last 9 years. If only that was all I had to lose! Combine that with the roughly 100 lbs. extra pounds I already had, and I have managed to double the weight I weighed all through my twenties.

The point that weight loss surgery is only a tool (a common refrain from every health professional I'm encountering) is much appreciated. I started the GBS protocol in 2011, starting the required health education classes, going to an information seminar, etc., but I took a break from it because it was clear to me that the surgery and lifestyle changes that followed were not to be taken lightly. So, after several months of really thinking it over, I have decided to do it. It's a combination of factors that led to my decision. I have had three spinal surgeries due to a car accident. Losing weight would put so much less pressure on my back. My sister becoming a diabetic and saying, "You're next!" Fearing that if I don't get this weight off, I will see my health slip away while I sit on the sidelines. Not being around for my kids because I chose staying overweight? Oh yeah, it's time. It's definitely time.

Welcome and good wishes!

Thank you for the good wishes! I'm diving in with both feet. I am trying to learn all I can (the good, the bad, and the ugly) about VSG. I'm concentrating more on making subtle changes now in preparation for the surgery rather than daydream about how wonderful it will be to weigh significantly less. I know it will come with work and committing to the post-op protocol. I have talked to people who had WLS and have kept the weight off, had it and gained most of it back, and those who gained it all back and then some. Like I said, trying to find out what not to do.

I expect to have the surgery in or about June of this year. I should finish the classes my insurance company requires me to take in late April. Now that I've made the commitment to myself to have the surgery' date=' I am really looking forward to it. I've weighed more than I should for the last 16 years, with my weight increasing year by year. I have gained 50 lbs. in the last 9 years. If only that was all I had to lose! Combine that with the roughly 100 lbs. extra pounds I already had, and I have managed to double the weight I weighed all through my twenties.

The point that weight loss surgery is only a tool (a common refrain from every health professional I'm encountering) is much appreciated. I started the GBS protocol in 2011, starting the required health education classes, going to an information seminar, etc., but I took a break from it because it was clear to me that the surgery and lifestyle changes that followed were not to be taken lightly. So, after several months of really thinking it over, I have decided to do it. It's a combination of factors that led to my decision. I have had three spinal surgeries due to a car accident. Losing weight would put so much less pressure on my back. My sister becoming a diabetic and saying, "You're next!" Fearing that if I don't get this weight off, I will see my health slip away while I sit on the sidelines. Not being around for my kids because I chose staying overweight? Oh yeah, it's time. It's definitely time.[/quote']

Welcome and congrats. I completely relate to the back issues.