I am 46 years old. I have been married to the same man for 24 years and we have a 24 year old son, who has blessed me with a beautiful granddaughter who is 3 years old. All my life I have been chubby. Same old story as every one else. Would loose weight and keep it off for awhile then life would happen and I would go off diet and regain it all back plus a few more. About a month and a half ago my husband had a long talk with me and asked if I would quit smoking. If I quit he would pay for me to have the surgery. I was thoroughly offended. I did not see myself as obese, yes I needed to loose a few pounds but I could always do it on my own. We had an argument about me being overweight. Maybe in the back of my mind I knew there was some truth about it but I did not want to quit smoking. I told him I would think about it. I really thought hard for about two weeks. I thought they would not give my the surgery because I was too small. 5'3 and 215 pounds. Talk about denial. But I decided to look into the sleeve and thought that I can do this. Then I really thought about my quality of life and decided that I definitely wanted this. The only problem was that I had to quit smoking FOREVER. I decided to give the not smoking a try. I was not going to make a promise to him that I could not keep, especially if he is spending that kind of money on me, it had to be long term. After a few weeks of not smoking and knowing that I could do it, I decided to call a specialist in a nearby town, they made an appointment for a seminar September 3, 2013 I had an appointment to meet with the center on September 5th. I met with the nurses, did my psychological testing and she said the doctor was available to see me. I talked with him and found I was a good candidate and I was sent to scheduling. The only time available for both of was September 18th. That was less than two weeks away. So we're off. The next morning I started my 2 week diet with no preparation, went off caffine, and still not smoking. Boy was I a basket case over the weekend. First thing Monday morning had to do gallbladder scan and upper GI. Thursday going for Pre-op class, run bloodwork at hospital, and pre-admit at hospital. Next Wednesday morning I will be in surgery. Within 6 weeks my whole way of life has changed. The only thing that helped me get through it was this website. When I was nervous, scared, unsure, or down right excited. This has been my calm in the middle of the storm. I am hoping to find other individuals to go through this process with me. I really need a friend right now. Husbands, family, and friends don't understand because they have not gone through it. They are very, very supportive but they do not understand.

You will have lots of support if you want it!!

Sounds like you are on your way! That supportive husband is a big boost. Good for him. I was not supportive of my wife when she wanted WLS. I went to a meeting with the surgeon and switched like a low-in-the-polls politician. I ended up sleeving, best choice I have made in a long time.

We are here for you!

Congratulations on making a decision that will change your life forever. What it comes down to for all of us is Quality of Life. You have a supportive partner, and that is the greatest gift of all. I am 5'4" and started my journey at 235. I have gained 50 additional pounds in the last two years, despite my best efforts to lose weight. The weight has started to affect my posture as well as factoring in on other co-morbidities including a stroke in 2010. Although it is inconvenient for you to stop smoking, a stroke or heart attack or abdominal aneurysm is more inconvenient. So, it looks to me like your hubby loves you and wants to have you around a long time. No doubt he will be by your side to encourage and support you through this. Stay on the forum, here. You will find endless tips and help through peoples' individual journeys. Welcome.

Hey support here! We are sleevers sisters, same surgery date 9/18! Good luck!!!!

Good for you!!! I'm still waiting on my date but I'm hoping to have it by today. At least your process was fast..it took me months to jump through all those hoops AND get approved by insurance. I've been at it since January. I'm ready! Good luck and good for you!!!

Congratulations on making a decision that will change your life forever. What it comes down to for all of us is Quality of Life. You have a supportive partner, and that is the greatest gift of all. I am 5'4" and started my journey at 235. I have gained 50 additional pounds in the last two years, despite my best efforts to lose weight. The weight has started to affect my posture as well as factoring in on other co-morbidities including a stroke in 2010. Although it is inconvenient for you to stop smoking, a stroke or heart attack or abdominal aneurysm is more inconvenient. So, it looks to me like your hubby loves you and wants to have you around a long time. No doubt he will be by your side to encourage and support you through this. Stay on the forum, here. You will find endless tips and help through peoples' individual journeys. Welcome.

Thank you for the encouragement, and yes I do have a great husband. I am feeling a little sorry for him because he get the brunt of my emotions. But he stay positive for me. I has been 5 weeks since my last cigarette and I really think I have this licked. Some days its hard but most of the time its ok. Thank you for sharing your journey with me, I really appreciate it.

Hey support here! We are sleevers sisters, same surgery date 9/18! Good luck!!!!

I am having mine done in Lafayette, la. Where are you having yours done? Something a little personal, Have you gotten angry yet. Yesterday I was angry and could not figure out why. I have not reason to be. I am hardly ever angry and it really surprised me. I was even mad that the TV was loud.

I am having mine done in Lafayette' date=' la. Where are you having yours done? Something a little personal, Have you gotten angry yet. Yesterday I was angry and could not figure out why. I have not reason to be. I am hardly ever angry and it really surprised me. I was even mad that the TV was loud.[/quote']

I livr in MA....well I'm so happy, just nervous about the surgery, but not angry! Try to think in your healthy and good looking future,, keep in touch! Do you have a pre op diet? I don't...

I have not met with the nutritionist yet. The nurse told me to exchange 1 meal with protein and eat protein and vegtables (no starchy). So I bought muscle milk and I try to eat more protein. If I am doing it wrong they will tell me tomorrow. But I have lost 5 pound already

When I entered into the 12 week pre-op program for my sleeve, I had no idea how I was going to eat 60 grams of protein a day. I was a fruit-a-holic and maybe got in 15 grams a day. Now, six weeks later, 60 grams is easy, and a few times I have passed 90 grams! My pre-program diet had healthy choices, but it was really lop-sided. I had been wondering for years if I should just go to a nutritionist. Now I am appreciating the delay in preparing for my sleeve. I have learned so much about balance in my food choices. There is another appointment coming up Friday, and when I get on the scale it will show me DOWN 15 pounds. I am not used to my weight going down. This whole process is great, and I am glad I jumped in.