About 16 years ago, I was legally blind in one eye and the other one wasn't very good either. I couldn't wear contacts because I had a severe astigmatism but also because I just can't put my finger in my eye. I was wearing coke bottle glasses and I'd have to feel around for them every morning when I woke up like Velma on Scooby Doo. I had thought about getting corrective laser surgery on my eyes, but I was scared of all the things that could go wrong. I live in California... what if there was an earthquake when the laser was on my eye? What if it hurts a lot. What if they mess up and I lose what little vision I still have? What if... what if... what if. I am always thinking about things like this and have a lot of sleepless nights.

One day I finally decided that if I'm going to be blind anyway, I may as well have a few years of decent vision before it happens. When I did it, I had 20/20 vision for the first time in my life. I wanted to kick my own butt for not doing it sooner. It was like a miracle.

Now, 16 years later, I kept telling myself I was just not strong enough and I failed to lose weight in every diet because I lacked dedication or heart. I got the gastric sleeve done on September 21st and I'm down 45 pounds in 7 weeks and counting.

The AMAZING thing is since the day after my surgery I have not taken a single bit of my medicines. No insulin, and no pills for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. and I've been checking my blood pressure and blood sugar every day and it's at about 110. Prior to the surgery, even with insulin and pills, I could never get my blood sugar below 200. This is equally miraculous as when my vision was corrected in a single day and I am equally kicking my own butt for not doing this sooner. I suffered for so long needlessly. The bulk of my medical problems were fixed in one day!!!

I have to stop being afraid and just do what's best for my health and I hope you will learn from my example so you can avoid the suffering I went through.

I can't describe how happy I am.

Obviously the surgery isn't magic and losing weight and keeping it off requires a lot of discipline, exercise, planning, control, and will power, but I'm thrilled that I am having money I would have spent on meds, and I'm saving money on food. I'm buying better and more expensive food, but I eat a lot less of it. I am also spending a bit more on fitness related stuff like my new FitBit Charge HR.

Anyway, I am just having tons of regret, and I think a lot of you do too.

Edited November 7, 201510 yr by Radar

It's been a weird day for me and your post made me cry. I feel the same way. "If only I had done this 10 years ago." However there are no "what ifs". There's only now and I am determined to live it to the full.

@@Radar, it is so good to read your inspiring and encouraging story. Fear of the unknown keeps so many of us paralyzed and stuck in unhealthy and uncomfortable situations. I for one need to learn to willingly take more risks.

Oh @Radar... just when we all needed your post! I'm having my surgery Monday afternoon. I started this journey when I was married to my ex... and we've been divorced 10+ years. I wasn't "fat enough". Then I started it again 2 years ago but my PCP wasn't supportive. On April 1st of this year, I finally took control of my own life and met with my Bariatric Surgeon. I kick myself for not following through in the past. I've missed out on so much. But Monday is a new start for me. And 2016 is going to be the most incredible start to a more active life.

Thanks for your post tonight. I needed it!

~Lisa

You're going to do great Lisa! You will have some discomfort at first, but it will be gone quicker than you think. As FDR, one of America's greatest Presidents once said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

I'd also recommend THIS thread because it will help you know what to expect.

Edited November 7, 201510 yr by Radar

I loved your post Radar. I regret not having done this sooner but we can't change it and thank goodness we are doing it NOW!! Your story is inspiring

Great thread.

Excelllent post @@Radar

I share those same rerets......why did I wait so long ???????????????????????????

I feel same way

SO needed that now...

Even tho I've need on just about every diet and plan out there,

I am waffling right now.

Last year I was 40 pounds less than I am now..

And I just dropped 8 pounds in 6 days

But I've got to remember the sleeve will be a tool to help me get and keep the weight off

I had the same doubts right before surgery because I lost 23 pounds in 2 weeks before surgery, but I have lost and gained hundreds of pounds before and I needed something to stick. It takes a long time to develop healthier habits and to drastically change your entire lifestyle. The sleeve gives me the inability to cheat, or the inability to cheat very much before I feel sick and stop the bad stuff. I think this will last long enough for me to get into the habit of eating right and doing exercise regularly.

I think the exercise is starting to stick, but I still struggle with sticking to the diet, especially when I am surrounded by Halloween candy, family BBQs, etc. but as they say, it's about progress, not perfection. We're not in a sprint, we're in a marathon.

Radar

You and I are so similar..

It seems when I start the naughties, it's hard to stop..

I have firmly decided to have the surgery