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My story is similar to many others, but it's mine
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I am 54 years old, mother of two grown daughters, grandmother of 5 grandsons and 1 special needs granddaughter. My weight problems started around the age of 30, after I quit partying. At first I just gained a few pounds here and there. I yo-yo dieted for years. I tried Herbal Life, Weight Watchers, and Jenny Craig. I walked miles, and I got a gym membership. I lost, I quit, I gained it all back and more. I had a hysterectomy in 2007, and my hormones and metabolism went nuts. At my heaviest, I was 283. My husband said if I reached 300, he would leave. I think I wanted him to since there has been no intimacy, or affection for that matter, for well over two years. With no partner, no friends, and the responsibility of caring for my 92 year old mom on my own, I really didn't care anymore. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. I was borderline diabetic. 3 of 4 of my siblings are diabetic and there was prior history of diabetes and heart disease in the family.
One day I received a phone call from a bariatric nurse from my insurance company. She and I talked about all the co-morbidities, and she suggested I look into bariatric surgery. I went to a seminar, and the journey began. I had gone to Jenny Craig for 9 months, so I had satisfied the diet part. I went through all the tests and was scheduled for the vertical sleeve to be done on July 31st.
I drove myself to the hospital that morning, had the surgery and spent the next two days being sick and alone. I had no visitors, no phone calls. My husband was working out of state, my mom was at home alone. I called her when I wasn't throwing up. My daughter picked me up and gave me a ride home in my car. She has 3 kids of her own and doesn't really have the time or inclination to stop by to check to see if my mom or I need her help in any way. She calls if she wants me to do something for her.
I am 6 weeks out today. I'm not sure how much I've lost, but I think it's a little over 35 pounds. I overate at breakfast, so I've felt pretty sick for the past couple hours. I knew half way through I was full, but forced it, took bites that were too big, and didn't chew long enough. I don't often do this, so I deserve to be suffering now. Physically, I think I'm doing alright. Emotionally, I am sad a lot. I often wish I could have lost the weight and kept it off with diet and exercise. I know in my heart, it would never have stayed off because I lack willpower and the desire to be healthy. I figure if no one cares, why should I. I'm working on my feelings. I'm hoping when more of the weight comes off, I will feel better about everything.
So that's the story. Please don't be too critical of me. Good luck to each of you as you go through your sleeve journey.