Post # 1 guys.

Decided to introduce myself here instead of one of the generic pre-op boards. I am just beginning this journey towards weight loss surgery. I am unsure if I will have the surgery. Deep down I know that I need it. 1/2 my family is against it, and 1/2 are for it. Both camps want to talk me over to their side and right now I am caught in the middle.

I met with my doctor 2 weeks ago to discuss my “situation”.

My doctor recommended weight loss surgery.

I went to the seminar last week and it was very informative.

Today I got my blood results and I have high cholesterol and low "T".

2 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a CPAP machine.

I am 5′7″ and I weigh 297 pounds.
I need to lose the equivalent of a baby giraffe

The proper BMI for someone my height (5′7″) is between 118 - 159 lbs.

I am sure that I have a screwed up body image, but I can not imagine myself @ 159 lbs. It seems alien to me. I certainly could not imagine 118 lbs. I think I would look like a prison camp survivor. (no offense to anyone). I think I would look extremely unhealthy. But, how is that different from how I look now. I look unhealthy now. I am trying to justify a different weight. 200 sounds good. 200 is a 97 pound loss. That makes sense to me. Unfortunately 200 lbs. is still considered obese for my height. I would not be morbidly obese, but I would still be obese. I have to get to 190 lbs. before I am only overweight.

This is a lot to wrap my head around.

Thanks for letting my vent and release as a way of introduction. I am not normally a "whiner".

When I am not pouring my guts out on weight loss boards, I am a Realtor in Jacksonville Florida, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider, and a lover of chicken wings and beer.

Mike

(BigHarleyGuy1)

Mike, You have only one body and one life. Both of them are EXCLUSIVELY YOURS.

YOU need to feel good. So only YOU can decide.

I was against having this done for years until i just woke up one day and decided that i was TIRED of losing ground and wasting my life. I'm less than 20 days away and i CANT WAIT!

I know its going to be hard. I know i'm going to have issues. I KNOW i have a long way to go. But I'll get there and the REWARDS will be SWEET!

Insurance will not cover me.

I am going to Mexico !

Surgery date 8/10/2015.

@@BigHarleyGuy1 I had my sleeve done in Mexico. Good luck... It is a good thing

Congrats on your decision, I highly doubt you will regret it. Once you get used to it, WLS is a pretty easy (and very effective) way to lose weight and keep it off.......in my opinion. I'm only 6 months or so out but it feels longer because so much has changed. Life is infinitely better!

Way to go in decision making, Harley! If the idiot insurance can't see the long term savings, screw 'em and get it done anyway....10 weeks out today, over 60#, off all blood pressure meds, off 90% of my diabetes meds, more flexible, just worked 8 hours in the heat in my garden and orchard yesterday, so much easier than before. It is worth it!!! August will be here soon.

@@BigHarleyGuy1 - Final few days, how you holding up?

your big day is coming up. hope all the pre-op stuff is going well. keep us up to date! best of luck!!!

Best of luck to you !!!!

Hope everything went really well.

Update !!!

Had the surgery on 8/10/2015 with Dr. Carlos Altamirano in Tijuana.

The surgery, recovery, etc went GREAT.

All is good.

Came home and went right back to work (Real Estate).

I am down 35 lbs including the pre-op.

Feel great. Eating my mushiness and puree.

Thanks.

Mike

@@BigHarleyGuy1 Weigh to go!!! Look forward to hearing about your success!!!

Update !!!

Had the surgery on 8/10/2015 with Dr. Carlos Altamirano in Tijuana.

The surgery, recovery, etc went GREAT.

All is good.

Came home and went right back to work (Real Estate).

I am down 35 lbs including the pre-op.

Feel great. Eating my mushiness and puree.

Thanks.

Mike

Well done, sir.....very well done !!!!!

Harley, this is only about ONE PERSON!

YOU

Look in the mirror and ask that guy.

Are you healthy? Are you Happy???

If your answer is no to either..... Find an answer. It MAY be this surgery, it may be something else.

But life is too short to no get those 2 things RESOLVED!

Good luck!

@@BigHarleyGuy1 - Congrats. I have been reading your posts and with your attitude and dedication you will be contributing your own stories to: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/219760-sex-oh-my-god-sex/ in no time at all. Welcome to a great chapter of your life.