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

Day 2 started. Rough night at the hospital. Can't really sleep on my back to start with. Lots of gas. Had to pee 3 times and I did joy drink one glass of water. I guess the IV are working great . I start to feel some acidity in my stomach (light burn). Will check with the nurse. I have a drain that remains very low. I guess it is a good sign. No cravings, but would love a glass of water and to be able to brush my teeth. I hope I can stand up today!

You will feel better soon. Takes a couple of days, and you will be tired. The one incision where they remove the stomach is the one that usually gives you pain, but it will be gone soon too. I'm sure they will have you up and walking today. Do you get to leave the hospital today? Here in the US you only stay one night, or maybe not at all. But that is our wonderful insurance companies driving that.

I couldn't sleep on my back either. I accidently slept on my stomach on the 4th night. And I finally slept well and it helped so much with gas. I'm not suggesting it, but for me it felt great.

I should stay a few more nights in the hospital. 2 may be 3. It is part of the package I paid. No insurance for me. May be it is s good thing. My surgeon really wants to ensure everything is ok (no leak, etc). Since he's done a few VSG (over 900) I will do what he tells me to [emoji4].

I would love them to remove the drain so I could at least sleep on one side. I guess I have to be patient. I also feel a bit of reflux and acidity in the stomach. I need to bring that up today too.

Yea they can give you a PPI for that.. I have it every once in awhile.

I got extra medication for the acidity and it is gone . No pain . They also removed the drain for a pocket on my belly. Way better.

Hi Mico

Your story is really interesting. I am Australian but have lived many years in Europe as I'm married to a Swiss.

Europeans approach food quite differently to Americans. Food us so culturally important in Europe and is a major focus of family and socialising. Even though the food is good and nutritious ...as opposed to fast food...its easy to consume too many calories of "healthy" food.

I battled with my body image all my life although i didnt really have an obesity problem until 20 years ago. After years of being anorexic my bidy just rebelled against food and i strated to gain weight at about 5 kilos a year for 10 years. I need to lose 50 kilos!

I had a gastric band operation in 2009. Initially i lost 30 kilos and was going well, but then i gad probkems with my band and started to gain all the weight back.

My gastric band has to be removed and i am going to have it revised to a mini gastric bypass.

I tecommend you look into thus surgery and compare this with the sleeve gastrectomy. All reports show the mini bypass as the "gold standard" in Weightloss surgery.

Please do some research as thete is more tgan 15 years of excellent data to support the bypass. Good luck with your journey. I lost my mother just before a gastric band revision procedure and i understand your pain and longing. I can only say it does get better day by day. Blessings Julie x

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I got extra medication for the acidity and it is gone . No pain . They also removed the drain for a pocket on my belly. Way better. ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1458743265.224780.jpg

Gosh Mico you dont really look overweight in your photo! Good luck with your journey and resisting those delicious spanish churros!

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Thanks for your kind words Julie. I made up my mind with the sleeve a long time ago . Bypass looks very appealing but I could not take supplements all my life ( I am terrible at taking prescriptions) and the dumping syndrome was a no go. My issue is on quantity to fill full. I am a social person and enjoy dinner out with colleagues and friends. I will be happier when I am done with half a starter and not have to eat the entire bread basket, 2 heavily dishes and some time dessert. I want this life gone. If the mini bypass works for you great. I am convinced the sleeve is the tool I need . Blessing to you too. Mico

I got extra medication for the acidity and it is gone . No pain . They also removed the drain for a pocket on my belly. Way better. ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1458743265.224780.jpg

Gosh Mico you dont really look overweight in your photo! Good luck with your journey and resisting those delicious spanish churros!

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Thank you. I have never been a fan of churros. However, Fideua, cured ham and cheese, tapas and chuleton are more my sins. I lost weight over the last too weeks (not much of an appetite with what happened) and it will help me with my journey.

Thanks for your kind words Julie. I made up my mind with the sleeve a long time ago . Bypass looks very appealing but I could not take supplements all my life ( I am terrible at taking prescriptions) and the dumping syndrome was a no go. My issue is on quantity to fill full. I am a social person and enjoy dinner out with colleagues and friends. I will be happier when I am done with half a starter and not have to eat the entire bread basket, 2 heavily dishes and some time dessert. I want this life gone. If the mini bypass works for you great. I am convinced the sleeve is the tool I need . Blessing to you too. Mico

So glad to hear that you have had your procedure Mico and I'm sure you will have success. I look forward to seeing your progress on the forum! Like Europe, Australia is very focussed on eating good quality food...so it has been hard living with my gastric band all these years. Time to move on now so i will see what happens and beat some of my health issues. Bon voyage!

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Really pleased you had your op and that you are doing ok. It's onward and downward for you now

Really pleased you had your op and that you are doing ok. It's onward and downward for you now

Thank you. Beginning of the journey. I don't know what to expect but I am determined to succeed. Can't wait to go home .

Got my first drink today (infusion). Went ok. Was pretty scared to drink though. If everything ok, I am getting out tomorrow.