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.

I never liked red meat except for junk food like cheese-steaks and hamburger. I tried vegetarianism as a teen but went back to eating chicken and seafood in my 20's. Then I developed a seafood allergy. Looking back I think I always had an intolerance, but it became lethal in my late 20/early 30's. When I gave up seafood I went back to vegetarianism. Unfortunately I was more of a junk-a--tarian than anything else. I ate too many white, processed carbs and junk food instead of focusing on whole, healthy plant based foods. About 5 or 6 years ago my allergies got progressively worse. I was feeling worse and worse and gaining weight at a crazy rate. I started reading up and adjusting my diet. I've improved my eating habits and have no desire to ever eat meat again. Seafood is not an option since I am now anaphylaxis levels allergic. There are even days when I think about adopting a vegan diet.

For now I am firmly vegetarian and plan to stay that way.

Junk-a-tarian! I like that word. That would of described my diet to a T. Veggies pizza and veggie burritos don't exactly scream healthy. Just because I wasn't eating meat didn't mean I was eating healthy.

Vegan - I tried it for about a month back in the day but it was just too hard for me.

I only eat cheese, yogurt and eggs that are non-vegan now. There are some alternatives I want to explore but since I need the protein right now it's on hold. Once I am able to fully explore eating as a vegan, I'll make my decision.

Cool.

I am a member of No meat Athlete. They give me great Protein sources since I'm stuck with turkey and chicken and by using veg. type Proteins, can get more protein in that way.

I'm so excited to find your thread. I'll definitely be following your progress, be sure to keep us updated! I'm interested in getting the sleeve as well.

Edited December 18, 201411 yr by islandsneezer