Hi everyone. I'm Eli and in two weeks I am going in for the gastric sleeve surgery and I'm a bit anxious, excited, nervous, hopeful, dubious and ready for the life changes ahead. I'm 40 and I've been overweight since the age of ten. Of course back then it was an extra 10lbs, an extra 30lbs in high school, 60lbs in college and since then I've worked myself up to 308lbs, or about 130+ lbs overweight.

I'm trying to work on myself from all angles to become a better me. Two years ago I quit smoking, I started cycling and exercising on a regular basis. I just applied to go back to school and get a degree in enology (wine sciences) to start a new career that I actually want to do on a daily basis. And of course, one of the biggest changes, I'm getting the surgery and setting my sights on losing 109lbs to get under the 200lbs mark. So far, leading up to the surgery I've lost 22lbs via caloric restriction.

Being overweight has been a tremendous burden on me not only physically, but mentally. I stopped dating a decade ago and resigned myself to a life of loneliness because I just couldn't comprehend that anyone could find me attractive. Perhaps the biggest thing I hope to get from the upcoming weight loss is a renewed sense of self pride. To be able to look at myself and think I'm a catch. To gain self confidence that comes with the hard work and time consuming nature of self improvement. So that's it. I Live in Portland Oregon and love it here. I'm looking forward to backpacking trips and long bike rids, to kayaking and just becoming a busier more life-loving version of myself.

HI Eli! Welcome! I'm Sherrie. I have my 1st appt with my surgeon in about 10 days! I have most of my pre-op stuff already done. So, Hoping to speed this along. I understand your feelings of loneliness. I'm married almost 30 years, and gained so much weight, I may as well be single. (my hubs and I still adore each other, it's just not as physical as it used to be) But that is all about to change with this life saving/changing surgery. I believe great things will happen for you as well. There are some great folks on this site with some great stories to tell, and advice to give. I've been lurking around this site since April. I've gotten acquainted with several folks here (still only via the site), but all good people. Best of luck to you, and keep us all posted on your recovery and results!

@@Eli Alexander Hello and welcome!

Congrats keep going for your goals I have surgery this month on the 23rd as well

Thanks all. I didn't know about this site till last night. Wow, what an awesome find. A compassionate, knowledgable crowd who all seem in encouraging and nice.

I completely relate to your story, Eli. And, yes, this site is an amazing resource full of incredibly kind, supportive, and wonderful people.

My surgery is one month away and I've been working towards getting the surgery since March 2014. It's been a long road, but the time has helped me to get mentally prepared. I'm thrilled that my time is finally here. And yours is too! We have some super exciting changes ahead.

Keep dropping in, getting good info from the forums, and keeping us posted on how you're doing. We're here to support one another!

Mine February 2 and I feel alone I know I'll not have my husband sepport in it and I'll have to fight alone

Mine February 2 and I feel alone I know I'll not have my husband sepport in it and I'll have to fight alone

well you can always find support here. But hopefully you will find a way to get your husband behind you cause it will make the difficulties easier to handle and the accomplishments something you can celebrate together.

Thanks Eli I will go for the sepport group the haspital will provide and just take care of my self

Thanks all. I didn't know about this site till last night. Wow, what an awesome find. A compassionate, knowledgable crowd who all seem in encouraging and nice.

I just joined too

Thanks Eli I will go for the sepport group the haspital will provide and just take care of my self

Im not the best person here to give advise on this subject, as I'm neither female or married, but I really suggest you turn to some of the women here who have been through similar situations. They really may be able to help you gain a perspective you've been overlooking which could help you bring your husband on board. I know that some men might feel threatened, like you improving yourself is the first step towards leaving them behind, or perhaps he thinks he's being supportive because there has been a communication breakdown. There are many reasons, and luckily there is a wonderful group of women here who might just be able to help you improve this situation. My suggestion, start a new thread titled " how can I get more support from family" and then explain the situation. It might not help, but it certainly won't hurt. Good luck.

morning! (It's 7:30am Sunday morning in KCK!!) as far as no support from the hubs...I was there. My hubs was NOT supportive at all.......until it gets closer to being a reality. He kept telling me..."just quit eating, and go to the gym". DUH!! As we all know, our issues are a little deeper than something as simple as that, and this tool can help us lengthen our lifespan, as well as improve our mobility. Some people just don't realize how difficult it can be to not be able to clip your own toenails, or tie your shoes, or (other things I won't bring up) Anyway........my hubs is now my BIGGEST cheerleader! He is researching recipes and trying them out (he recently retired, and has some time on is hands). He got rid of all the breads, white flour, sugary items. He is making plans for after my surgery. He's helping me find yummy Protein powders, he got me Popsicle molds so we can make protein Popsicles once I am home from surgery. He will be waiting for me everyday after work so we can go directly to the gym (or the park if the weather is nice) and walk or ride bikes. He did the research on his own once he determined I wasn't going to change my mind and quit. So, my advice to anyone who's significant other is unsupportive.......ignore them. Continue on your path to good health, and if they truly love you, they'll hop on your bandwagon. (Those are just my thoughts this early Sunday morning). Take care everyone. Sherrie