My joints are increasingly painful, especially my knees. I don't sleep so well these days, I feel like my body is crushing itself and I prop up knees and elbows to stop too much rolling and squishing. Too much weight is stopping me from exercising even though I used to enjoy swimming and doing the cross trainer (well, I used to enjoy the way it made me feel afterwards at least). When I sit on a chair I am so embarrassed if it creaks and I worry that things will break. I don't have as much to lose as others on here (BMI 34) but things are getting worse and I worry that diabetes is just around the corner. Until a few weeks ago I had given up on myself and felt ashamed but now I have hope again because I've been learning about VSG. What are the right reasons for doing it? Am I doing it for the right reasons? - I want to feel better, fitter, stronger, more confident. I want to feel proud when I look in the mirror or at photographs, not ashamed and embarrassed and loathing myself.

I am 4 months post-op - I had similar problems as you. I knew my body could not withstand more weight. My joints always ached, I was diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome (because we didn't want to call it diabetes yet), I was unhappy, exhausted all the time and I was emotionally a wreck.

For me, the sleeve was the answer to the question I had been asking for 25 years. I tried to lose weight countless times and would have marginal success, but gain it all back plus a few more pounds for good measure. I was unhappy and felt defeated.

So, in August, 2013, I decided to have VSG. It was a decision I did not take lightly (no pun intended). I was scared. I went thru lots of emotions, I changed my mind countless times. I was scared, nervous, mad - name the emotion, I had it. I had my surgery on November 14, 2013 - I call that my re-birth day.

I'm down a total of 62 pounds - 44 since surgery. Here's how my life has changed:

I don't think about food all the time - in fact, I have become one of those people that forgets to eat!

I can walk for 6 or 7 miles without stopping and without feeling pain

My headaches are gone

I sleep better

I do not nap every day

I have more energy

My mood has changed - I am happy, truly happy

My relationship with my husband and son has changed for the better

I am stronger mentally and physically

When I went into this journey I said I hope that my only regret is that I didn't do this sooner - I can honestly say, that's true.

Only you know if VSG is for you - you need to evaluate the risks, lifestyle changes, financial impacts, etc. For me it changed my life and I'm glad I did it.

Best of luck to you!

My surgery is Monday, one of the big contributing factors for me was hip and knee pain. I have a family history of diabetes so I know that's around the corner. A vsg seemed like a better option than a hip/knee replacement. My bmi was 41, my insurance will only cover weight loss surgery for bmi over 40 or 35 if I have a comorbidity. I'd look into what your insurance covers.

This is your life. You live it the way you choose. The reasons you gave are all beneficial to your quality of life. Congratulations on taking the first steps to a healthier you!

My joints used to ache a lot too. I couldn't sleep because my hips hurt so bad. I'm 16 months out now and 110 pounds lighter. I've added yoga to my workouts and for the first time in years I feel amazing! I'm limber,feel light, and most importantly, I don't ache anymore!

Your post recites many of the feeling we all have. It emphasizes obesity's dangers, lost hope and the wishes for simple, basic desires.

So you want to know if the sleeve is the answer? You already know the answer. Losing the weight and getting healthy is the answer. The sleeve is merely a tool to get you there. It will assist you where you have failed in the past. I needed something that would help me with the first step and continue to do so longterm.........Something to.keep me from endlessly stuffing food in my big mouth. That being accomplished, it allowed me to get on board and start doing the rest. Choosing healthy, moving......., exercise, changing bad habits and enjoying the results.

You know what you want. The decision is up to you.