This is the third time I've started on my WLS journey and I've chickened out twice. God willing and the creek don't rise, I'm going to actually go through with it this time! My name is Bonnie and I'm 46 years old and have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I am in the final stages of my pre-op preparations and should get a surgery date very soon. I'm opting for the gastric sleeve and I'm so ready to make this happen.

I'm a single mom with a teenager and a full time job. I've battled weight and depression for most of my life and I had basically given up. I survived a miserable divorce, was rasing my son entirely on my own, and then my father died of brain cancer. I was in survival mode and only just barely keeping my head above Water. I saw my dad, who took very good care of himself, battle with brain and prostate cancer (not related to each other) and a heart attack. I got it into my head that it didn't really matter how I took care of myself because cancer or other catastrophe could take it away from me in a instant. I also convinced myself that my life wasn't worth living long because I was miserable. I didn't want to live to a ripe old age. I didn't want anyone to have to take care of me in my old age and I didn't want to die alone.

Something changed for me. I have quite a few other health problems and I got some help with lower back pain. I always assumed my back pain was related to my weight and that I deserved to feel the pain. Yes, I was miserable. I was referred to a pain clinic and put on some strong pain medicines while we tried out lots of different nerve block techniques. We found the source of my pain (sacroilliac joint dysfunction) and now I have a treatment plan. I'm not pain free and I am vehemently opposed to taking pain killers long term. The pain must have been clouding my thinking because now that I've received some relief, I can see that I'm missing out on a lot of things that make life worth living.

I'm ready to make a radical change and to become the fun mom that's up for every adventure instead of the tired mom that just wants to stay in bed and watch tv.

So that is my impetus and the force that I am using to propell myself forward. I've been a participant in numerous online forums/groups and I'm looking foward to meeting everyone here!

Edited March 20, 201511 yr by Hedwig Potter

If you follow instructions, you'll be great. You won't regret it!

Hello

MY BMI was a close to yours when I had surgery. It has been an incredibly easy process for me and definitely the best decision I have ever made! Stay the course! It's definitely worth it!

I am sooooo proud of you! Congratulations on your decision for a new life and a better quality of life!!!

I just got my Sleeve done on Monday morning. I came home Wednesday afternoon and have zero issues. I too had planned and started through the process about 8 months ago of getting the sleeve and chickened out. I was a day away from liquid diet (8months ago) and let negative advice change my mind. I said to myself I could change and lose it the old fashioned way diet and exercise. Well 7 months later I was about as big as I had ever been and said I need to fix this before I die. I made an appointment to see my doctor again discussed my issues and made the surgery date that day. I did a two week liquid diet which was very hard for me. I made sure to focus on the goal and the positive things that this surgery brings. During my last weeks before surgery. I looked at peoples stories here and looked at before and after pics. If we could have fixed our disease on our own we would have by now. Eating isn't amazing at first but I am not hungry what so ever. This is the best move I have ever made and I am so happy and excited for the future. My recommendation to you is do it and do it ASAP. Good luck.

Wow! We are quite similar. I am a few weeks younger, single with a teenage son who I feel I've cheated because I haven't been as physically active and motivating for him. I really want to change that and feel under the gun since it is just 2 + short years b4 he'll be off to college ( a great, brilliant kid). I am an appt shy of all requirements with a tentative surgery date of 4/29. Problem is with each fulfilled requirement and as the date draws near, I become less sure about going through with it( though I've been considering and researching for 2+ years). I've always had a weight issue ( currently 5'1" 220, BMI 41) and really "love" food. I so don't want to fail after having my first surgery ever ... It would break me.

A natural procrastinator, I have not yet started the important habits necessary to be successful at this.

Guess I'm just typing out thoughts... In any case, best of luck & health to you.