Hello, I am a 41 year old and have started what I hope and pray to be the last weight loss journey. My weight rollercoaster story is that I was an average sized child but turned into a chubby pre-teen/young teen that lost weight during mid to late teen years but slowly put back on weight in my mid-twenties and have battled it ever since. I was diagnosed with diabetes at eleven years old (on insulin pump now for over twelve years and before that gave 3-4 shots per day) and diagnosed with hypothyroidism in early twenties. I have Hashimotos and now have vitiligo, another auto-immune related skin disorder.

My life story is complex. I had a pretty chaotic and traumatic upbringing which I honestly feel played a role in triggering the onset of my diabetes and other auto-immune issues. Somehow I was able to realize my value and worth in life and went on to make a new way for myself after high school (went on to college, etc.). I have had some set backs including an unexpected and sudden divorce after ten plus years of marriage at age thirty, but even that wound up being a blessing in disguise as at age 36, I met and later married what is now the love of my life and after many, many years of infertility, finally conceived and our dear son was born when I was 39.

I have to say that having my precious son has helped me realize why this surgery is needed. I am 265 lbs. at 5 ft. 7 inches and my weight is holding me back from being an active parent. I want to be healthy and be around for him. I also want to be healthy for ME. I want to be able to bend down and tie my shoe laces with no problem. I want to be able to run after my very active two year old without giving out of breath. I want to fit in seats and booths without being uncomfortable. I want to ride rollercoasters with my boy when he gets older. I could go on and on...

I am in the first stages of pre-surgery appointments. I have completed the endoscopy and the ultrasound. Next week I have the cardiology work up, the nutritionist visit and the pulmonary apt. After that I have to have a psych. eval. and then I can schedule the apt. with the doctor to meet with me and go from there. I am concerned and would like to hear from anyone with type ONE diabetes that has had success and yes, I know that this surgery will not take away my diabetes, but will certainly assist. I also would like to hear from those with hypothyroidism that have had success in losing the weight. I am concerned about whether the thyroid issues will keep me from losing the weight and keeping it off, but I have been told it doesn't cause any problems. I just want a realistic view of what to expect. I am a little nervous about this as it is a HUGE lifestyle adjustment too. I love to eat, despite having to monitor carbs, etc. but know that after this surgery, my love for food is going to be something I'll mourn. I have to be honest!

Thanks for hearing me out! I look forward to this journey and hope to meet some new friends that have similar struggles!

The fact that you have been through so much yet want to go on this journey

attests to how strong you are. Your husband and son are lucky to have you!

My health issues are what compelled me to have surgery as well. I had type 2 diabetes, which is resolved now. Arthritis and a herniated disc in my back,

which was very painful. Losing the weight has mostly stopped the pain. I have hypothyroidism which did not get in the way of weight loss. And a myriad of more issues. My asthma hardly bothers me now. I can go for walks, run up the stairs, cross my legs when I sit! All kinds of things people take for granted. You will not have to mourn your love of food. Just control the portions. It's difficult at first, but such a wonderful outcome. Best of luck

to you and your family.

Thank you for your reply, Maggie0210! I really appreciate the encouraging words. It is also nice to hear that your hypothyroidism did not get in the way of your weight loss. Thanks so much!!!

I only got sleeved 12/29, but I'm down 23 lbs post op (32 if you can't the 1 week pre-op diet), my blood pressure is now under control. I was borderline diabetic, but my sugar levels have been great since the first week! I get tested for my hypothyroidism at thr end of the month, but I can tell you that my energy level, already, is through the roof! My knees no longer hurt when going down or up the stairs. My asthma hasn't acted up yet, either! I also have 5 herniated discs between my lower back and my neck that stopped bothering me after losing just 15 lbs!

As far as food, it will be tough at first, having to only have liquids, purees then soft foods, but that to shall pass and you'll be able to eat again in no time, except afterwards you will get full after just a tiny bit, which I find awesome! Food no longer owns me, and that, by itself, is a huge victory for me!

Big Mama, what made you choose sleeve over bypass? I'm just curious. I have been trying to decide what would be best. I am leaning towards bypass, but would love to hear about your decision. Thank you for the support and I am so happy for you that your health is improving and you are feeling better! I love that food no longer own you too. Yes, that IS a huge victory.

It is a safer and less complex operation, limits ingestion of food and hunger by getting rid of ghrelin( the hunger hormone), you still have a natural digestion that doesn’t cause nutritional deficiencies typically associated with gastric bypass (I'm severely anemic and need all the iron I can get) and it keeps the small intestine and pyloric valve intact. You can lose just as much with a sleeve as you can with bypass, some people lose it just as quickly, too! These are just a few of the reasons I chose to get sleeved! I'm loving my sleeve so far!! =)

Btw, I'm sorry, I didn't realize this post was under bypass! Either way, I'm sure you'll be happy with your decision!

Edited January 17, 201511 yr by Big_Mama