I, like most of us here, have many reasons for wanting (and needing) to lose the weight. In addition to the typical comorbidities (i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and asthma), I also have an almost debilitating spinal condition, permanent nerve damage in my spinal cord. I had an accidental fall in a bath tub some years ago that I thought at the time was a non-issue, but over the years the after effects slowly but surely began to take hold of my body (neck pain, excruciating back pain, sometimes numbness/weakness in my legs and arms, etc.). Walking up the stairs in a normally manner became a problem and then walking itself became difficult and I was forced to begin using a cane (which I’m still in denial about – I have become an expert at holding on to objects, walls, and people to keep me from becoming unbalanced and possibly falling). After years of being misdiagnosed (myasthenia gravis, MS, Lyme Disease), I was finally diagnosed with nerve damage of the spinal cord, which I was told is permanent. So, in addition to being in pain 100% of the time over the years and not being able to do much in terms of exercising, I was slowly adding on the pounds…230 pounds on my 5’ 2 ½” medium framed body. My turning point was I thought about being in my home and a fire breaking out and not being able to quickly get out. That scares me much more than going under the knife. I’m having the surgery on 2/25/14 and I’m never looking back, only forward.

Following are some of the things that I am looking forward to being able to do post-op:

• Walk without the use of my cane or assistance from others.
• Walk up the stairs like a normal person.
• Walk long distances without tiring so easily, hell, maybe I’ll be able to run – am I expecting too much?
• Wake up in the morning and being able to honestly say that I feel good.
• Being able to sleep in any position besides my back.
• Be able to seat in any seat (no matter the height) and not struggle to get out of it.
• Not being the one that everyone has to wait for, help or make special accommodations for.
• Not be afraid to go certain places because of fear (are their steps? will I be able to sit comfortably? Is there a lot of walking?)

These are just some of the things, and there are many more, but these are the ones most important to me. I’m going to begin putting this body back together again, get strong and live my best life starting now! I deserve it dammit!!!

You go girl and feel those dreams. it was a fall in a bath tub that brought me totally down as well. The effects were devastating and the weight packed on as well. I could not walk for more then ten min. before I broke out in a sweat from the pain. i could not stand to even cook dinner for my husband. He took over all the shopping and house chores... I felt so useless and thought in a year i will be in a wheel chair or worse. DEAD!

All the things you mentioned have been my reward for this long and difficult journey and like you said much more....I will always see this as a new lease on life and as a chance to live again...which i am thank goodness!!!!!!!!

Hoping the same for you hun!

Awesome post!

I would bet on you overcoming many or all of these obstacles. Some, your added strength and lessened weight will take care of. Some will take much work and compensation from strengthened surrounding muscles. One thing is sure, your life will improve tremendously.

Your obstacles are more challenging than mine were. The after effects of cancer treatment left me far overweight, tired, sick, depressed. My granddaughters pushed me in a wheelchair around Universal Studios. I could not fit in the rides. I just watched the world go by.

A year after surgery my bravest granddaughter and I were running to the rides. I fit in no problem. Life did a 180. No more, sick tired, depressed. Grampa was alive again making good memories for the ones I will someday leave behind.

You have fight in you...good. Fight for life the way you want it and the way you want it for those you love, You can do it!

Awesome post!

I would bet on you overcoming many or all of these obstacles. Some, your added strength and lessened weight will take care of. Some will take much work and compensation from strengthened surrounding muscles. One thing is sure, your life will improve tremendously.

Your obstacles are more challenging than mine were. The after effects of cancer treatment left me far overweight, tired, sick, depressed. My granddaughters pushed me in a wheelchair around Universal Studios. I could not fit in the rides. I just watched the world go by.

A year after surgery my bravest granddaughter and I were running to the rides. I fit in no problem. Life did a 180. No more, sick tired, depressed. Grampa was alive again making good memories for the ones I will someday leave behind.

You have fight in you...good. Fight for life the way you want it and the way you want it for those you love, You can do it!

Wonderful Gman....that brought tears to my eyes!!!!!!!!!!

Great goals, and very achievable. I too am sick of being the one everyone waits for. My gait became very slow before surgery. It's nice to feel better and to have more energy. Best of luck to you!

I, like most of us here, have many reasons for wanting (and needing) to lose the weight. In addition to the typical comorbidities (i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and asthma), I also have an almost debilitating spinal condition, permanent nerve damage in my spinal cord. I had an accidental fall in a bath tub some years ago that I thought at the time was a non-issue, but over the years the after effects slowly but surely began to take hold of my body (neck pain, excruciating back pain, sometimes numbness/weakness in my legs and arms, etc.). Walking up the stairs in a normally manner became a problem and then walking itself became difficult and I was forced to begin using a cane (which I’m still in denial about – I have become an expert at holding on to objects, walls, and people to keep me from becoming unbalanced and possibly falling). After years of being misdiagnosed (myasthenia gravis, MS, Lyme Disease), I was finally diagnosed with nerve damage of the spinal cord, which I was told is permanent. So, in addition to being in pain 100% of the time over the years and not being able to do much in terms of exercising, I was slowly adding on the pounds…230 pounds on my 5’ 2 ½” medium framed body. My turning point was I thought about being in my home and a fire breaking out and not being able to quickly get out. That scares me much more than going under the knife. I’m having the surgery on 2/25/14 and I’m never looking back, only forward. Following are some of the things that I am looking forward to being able to do post-op: Walk without the use of my cane or assistance from others. Walk up the stairs like a normal person. Walk long distances without tiring so easily, hell, maybe I’ll be able to run – am I expecting too much? Wake up in the morning and being able to honestly say that I feel good. Being able to sleep in any position besides my back. Be able to seat in any seat (no matter the height) and not struggle to get out of it. Not being the one that everyone has to wait for, help or make special accommodations for. Not be afraid to go certain places because of fear (are their steps? will I be able to sit comfortably? Is there a lot of walking?) These are just some of the things, and there are many more, but these are the ones most important to me. I’m going to begin putting this body back together again, get strong and live my best life starting now! I deserve it dammit!!!

Whoa, girl! Reading this sort of have me chills. My fall was on ice and I hit a curb. The docs kept saying I was "bruised" until I demanded an MRI etc. like you, I was walking with a walker ( not a cane). I used one for a little over a year, but then I started taking Lyrica and it was like a miracle drug to me. I still hold on to walls, etc, but I don't need the walker. I use the railing to pull myself up stairs. My left leg goes numb quite often. I can walk for limited time until it's just unbearable. My list of ailments mirror yours so completely that your post really hits home. I have that same post-op list too. Good luck to you. I know we can beat this.

Wonderful post, Sandee!

At 12 weeks post op (has it really been that long????), I can say I feel awesome. Better than I have in years - not only physically, but mentally. I wake up in the morning and feel good - no headaches, no aches and pains (unless I had a hard workout the day before LOL), and I look forward to what the day has to offer. I no longer feel like I'm trudging thru my life - I'm living it and I'm happy. That's a 180 degree change from 4 months ago.

This is an amazing journey - I know that it's not all sunshine and lollipops every day and I have ups as well as downs, but I can tell you the good/great days outnumber the bad ones 10 to 1.

I wish you all the success and happiness!

You guys are the best! Thank you for your kind words, and yes, Gmanbat, thanks for making me cry like a baby

I just saw this post and I only want to wish you all the best with your outcome; you don't have long to wait until your date and we are all cheering for you! I believe you will do everything you desire and more...please, keep us posted!