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I need to do this, no matter what
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I don't know where to start so I apologize in advance if my story is not that easy to follow.
I am a French guy of 42 years old living in Spain (Barcelona) and I have been fighting with overweight my entire life.
I am currently at 280 but went up to 350 several years ago (for 5 ft 11).
I have been told my entire childhood to finish my plate, so no waste (and also the dish, so no left over, right?).
I am also an epicurean and enjoy food, cooking, craft beers (favorite one is from a US microbrewery) and of course wine.
I have been playing rugby for over 15 years so the overweight damage was under control and I also built up some muscles under my layer of fat.
I have been trying all kind of diets, the latest one was called Dukan diet (basically an "all you can eat protein" one) that showed up pretty effective (went down to 220 in a year) but did not help me with my eating disorder....
I thought I was arrived to a decent level and all the cravings I had were not bearable anymore, so back to 280..
I am a big eater. I have always been a big eater. I don't snack, don't have a sweet tooth, but I can eat a full T-Bone and still feel hungry.
I reach a point I can't get me food sick anymore and it drives me crazy to see I can't control it.
I still do sports (cardio and weight lifting) so I consider myself in a decent shape for a big guy like me.
I need a physical barrier to keep the wolf inside of me. On top of eating a lot, I also eat fast. All the don't dos.
I have been reading everything and anything about bariatric surgery. the book from Andy Butler was an eye opener.
I believe that VSG is right for me. I found my surgeon, and I was scheduled for March 22. I even started to post on that.
Then my life took an unexpected and dramatic turn on March 7. Our baby boy of 21 months passed away, My heart is broken since then.but for some reason my decision on the VSG is stronger than never.
I was also diagnosed with pneumonia (bacterial) on March 11 and today I went for another set of X-Ray after a week of heavy antibiotics. I am recovering very well, even if I still cough. I have been doing all of my prep op tests and everything looks good for my surgeon.
It seems I am a go for March 22, but still need to be confirmed on next Monday.
I want to be done with my life as it is today. I want to stop feeling tired in the morning. I believe I have sleep apnea even I never tested for it.
I want to be more active than I am now for my 6 year old daughter. I want to go jogging with colleagues, I want to feel comfortable on a bike. Aisle seats on plane should not be an obsession.I don't want to become a customer of my company that sells products for diabetic people. I want a new me. A new image. Healthier, stronger, dynamic and different.
Obviously I lost my appetite for a couple of weeks now. I am suffering everyday and I don't see how I will be able to ever fix my broken heart.
At the same time, I have the impression I also need to recenter my attention on myself, be a bit selfish and get ready for that incredible challenge that VSG is.
My wife is worried but supportive, my sister thinks I am crazy and my best buddy tried to convince not to do it. I did not tell anybody else and won't. I am sharing here because I believe it is the right place and the people that are making this community are an inspiration.
Everybody has a different story but the common point I noticed while reading is that there is a lot of respect in the comments and no judging.
Please don't mention condolences or that you are sorry for my loss if you post on this. I assume you are if you have a bit of compassion. This is not the goal of my message. I am looking for tips, experience, real life feedback.
I know I am on an emotional roller coaster and that what is coming will be huge, but at the same time, I am convinced I need this.
Thanks.
Mico