Hello everyone. My name is Vicki and I'm 43. I live in NC. I have been trying to lose weight for years. Last year I walked 2 miles almost every day. I never lost much weight which in turned made me go through depression. I saw my family doc and started taking a diet pill. I lost 10 pounds in a week. Yay for me. The pill made my heart race and I had to remember to take it everyday. Then my doctor told me about weight loss surgery. I have been doing my research. I am a perfect candidate. I still haven't decided on the way to go. I would love to have your input. Please if you will, share with me your story. Thank you in advance.

I am 51 with a bmi of 51. I have been trying to do it on my own for over 30 years and I am tired of food and tired of being big and want a life in the last half of my life. I chose the gastric sleeve because I have friends who have had it done with much success and it seems to be the safest. I am not choosing the LapBand because I had another friend that nearly died with her band. I will go for my surgery on June 15th and I am so ready that I would go tomorrow if they could get me on the schedule that soon.

Whatever choice you make has to be your own. And you need to know that it will probably be the hardest thing you will ever do. But from what I have seen it could be the best thing if you follow the plan.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Thank you Maggie. I will be thinking of you on June 15th. I hope you will have great success.

@@Vicki Felton I live in NC and have started the process. I want the sleeve to be more healthier and to be here for my son when he get older. I'm a ball of mixed feelings and scared as heck. But I have heard this will be one of best decision of my life if I can get thru it. I'm ready to take control and start living life at 39 years of age. Good luck on your decision! My mind is made up just scared on this journey!

Hi Vicki! My name is Ali and I'm 30 yrs old with a decision to have the sleeve done. I started my journey on June 3, 2014 and just made my surgery date of June 4, 2015. I, too, was told I was the perfect candidate and after a few years of hearing that from my doctor, I decided to take the plunge. I've been heavy my entire life and always thought I could do it myself too, but last year I decided to admit to myself that I need the help. I first wanted the band but I don't want the option to go back to the way I was. I know I cannot do it on my own. So I opted for the more permanent tool to help me for the rest of my life. I know if I talk myself out of this surgery, I'll end up just following in the same direction I am going now, and I can't help thinking of myself in 20 yrs saying, "I wish I did this sooner", which is what I hear a LOT of people tell me at support groups. Whenever I find myself thinking "I can't go through with this", I just look at old photos of myself to remind me of how bad I let myself get. I'm not doing it for looks, I am doing this to be healthier, but I like to have a physical reminder of who I am doing this for: me.

So that's my story in a nutshell! I hope it helps you figure out whatever path is best for you!!

I am 43 and am waiting for that final call for the surgery date.