My Journey

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Like many I have always had a weight problem. Chubby kid, that grew into a chubby teen and eventually turned into a morbidly obese adult. The one thing different is I always thought I was cute. I was't ashamed of my curves and had an active and happy social life. However in my 40's things started to change. I got uterine cancer and was told that excess weight could put me in a line for a recurrence. I would diet on and off, losing and gaining 30 - 50 lbs each time. I was a frequent exercisers but slowly things like walking became more of a challenge. At 45 I had a wake up call. I got a severe bout of facial shingles that completely knocked me on my butt. I promised then and there to do better for myself. I joined a gym, began working out and once again lost 35lbs. Then I got sick again and regained it all plus 10 more. I have multiple allergies and between that and the after effects of older illnesses, I was on a cycle of get better, get sick, regain. A friend of mind had GPS and did really well. I decided to investigate for myself. I looked at 2 local hospitals programs, gathered my information and decided between the GPS and the sleeve. I decided the sleeve was for me and went with my friend's doctor. My process couldn't have been easier. They provided me with a binder that listed all the testing I needed to have done.The doctor sent in the request for authorization to my insurance company ( I was approved on the first request). I didn't have to lose any weight pre-surgery. They quite literally walked me through the whole process. I had a vena cava filter placed as a precaution and on 09/18/14 I had the gastric sleeve done laproscopically. Hospital course was a breeze. I was walking in recovery. In fact I had to pee and they asked if I wanted a bedpan or could I walk. I opted to walk. I had to go so bad, I practically ran into the bathroom and the nurses laughed. I was in the hospital for 2 days. Only mild pain, no worse than a bad cramp and not gas pains at all. They arranged a visiting nurse since I live alone. She discharged me after my 2 week follow up since I was doing so well.

I am 6 weeks post op. I'll be having my vena cava filter removed as soon as possible. So far I'm down 32lbs and feeling great. My biggest challenges are being a vegetarian with food allergies on an already limited diet, but I am making it work! Best decision I ever made. In fact, I wish I had done this sooner.

[mz.newlife54 103]

Hi. Congratulations on your decision and your weight loss. May u have continued success.

[haleytrim 244]

Blerdgirl, thank you for posting. I am sorry for your previous health challenges, but so grateful that you posted. It is such an inspiration to read that you have been able to overcome. Thank you.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I don't feel bad about my previous health issues. I learned valuable lessons from them. When my allergies became bad I started keeping a food journal. It helped me kick sodas, and processed foods. The journey also helped me identify my food intolerances as well. The arthritis in my knee lead me to joining a gym Water aerobics kept me active and my knees flexible. Even though I was big, I could still walk long distance and I no longer limped. All in all I like to think these things also led me to making the decision regarding the sleeve.

Edited November 11, 2014 by Blerdgirl

[haleytrim 244]

You are ahead of me with the sleeve. I will have mine done on the 17th. Keep posting and I will follow you. You can be my guinnea pig. LOL

[camden1928 10]

Thank you for sharing, I was sleeved today mild sleeve pain but as pains galore, hoping for a bit of relief!tomorrow

Will be watching/following your road to success

[kikicoates78 220]

Walk walk walk Camden. That's all u can do to beat the gas!!

[Quest4TheNewMe 225]

Thanks for sharing. I go in for surgery on Thursday.

Do you have a history of DVT's? Is that why they did the IVC filter? I work in the medical device field, so I find this stuff interesting!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Thanks for sharing. I go in for surgery on Thursday.

Do you have a history of DVT's? Is that why they did the IVC filter? I work in the medical device field, so I find this stuff interesting!

I think just a a precaution. I have no history of DVT's and my veins were all clear on scan. Hope your surgery goes well!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Thank you for sharing, I was sleeved today mild sleeve pain but as pains galore, hoping for a bit of relief!tomorrow

Will be watching/following your road to success

Thankfully I was sleeved laparoscopically so no gas pains for me. Just keep walking and you'll be fine!

[kikicoates78 220]

That's how they do it laparoscopically is they blow u up with gas ???? walk walk walk. It super sucks. But that's all u can do.

Edited November 14, 2014 by kikicoates78

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

That's how they do it laparoscopically is they blow u up with gas walk walk walk. It super sucks. But that's all u can do.

I didn't have any gas pains. I was up walking in recovery.

[kikicoates78 220]

I was too! They were all shocked. But I only had minor gas pains, I'm a nurse and was determined to beat the gas! I made hubby go home at bed time and got up the day after surgery and showered and was dressed ready to go home by the time hubby got back!

[swimbikerun 1,040]

Hey there

You wouldn't happen to be a part of No meat Athletes' Academy would you?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Hey there

You wouldn't happen to be a part of No meat Athletes' Academy would you?

Not yet. I follow them on Facebook, but I'm not in shape enough to join just yet. It's one of my goals.