Hi everyone!

My name is Jamie and I am new here. I read this forum a lot prior to surgery but never registered. Thank you all for being so helpful with such a huge decision!

I am 36 and married with no children. I have a high level position with a national catering company and have been event planning for over ten years.

I had my surgery on May 11th.

I am posting all over this board today because I really want to get involved and grow a strong community of support.

I decided to start making youtube videos to document my journey.

This is my first one that explains what is happening and why I decided to get the sleeve

Dear Jamie,

I am Shirley and I thank you so much for your video.

I am having my surgery the day after Thanksgiving: in 4 more days. I am excited and nervous because I am a senior and am concerned about complications.

Several things about your video encouraged me. First, I admire that you are open and honest about yourself. We're all I this for much of the same reasons and it's great to have a platform so we can just be who we are. In addition, you were correct in going to the hospital. I too have concerns about clots. I recently had s stent pout in my leg so I have to be on alert. Your message told me not to second guess or delay.

Third, I do appreciate your showing the incisions. I had no idea how large/small they would be.

Thank you, thank you brave girl.

I hope to be hearing from you from time to time. I need someone like you to keep me encouraged as I will be going home alone.

I wish you well in your journey and say a little prayer for me on Friday morning.

Blessings

An update!

Leaving Las Vegas.

On Saturday we dressed up for a night on the town, just like we do every year. Only this year over the course of the evening men and women complimented me on my cocktail dress or told me I looked beautiful.

What was more amazing was I FELT beautiful. I felt like I could smile graciously and accept their compliments with confidence.

Not because I was the thinnest woman in the room or the most lovely but because I am fighting hard for who I am. I fight hard for mental, spiritual, and physical wholeness and health. I feel strong. I feel wise. I feel beautiful.

I feel like for the first time in two decades my outside is starting to match the inside.

I am more proud of that than the number on the scale any day.

Small decisions lead to big changes in a year.r

Jamie you look fantastic you must be so pleased. I had my sleeve 16 July 2015 it's the best thing I have ever done for myself !

Wow! You look amazing! Huge congrats! You must be very close or already at goal!