Good morning all. I've been reading up on VSG for several years now but was never to the point where I was really truly ready to make the life-altering changes required. In that time, I've lost and gained 40lbs twice. I've been put on hypertension meds, and my knees creak when I walk. I've been miserable about my weight for as long as I can remember but wasn't ready to never eat a full meal again, or chug a glass of water when I was parched. But something finally clicked when I was planning a family vacation (which should be the most exciting thing ever) and was focused on "will I fit on the plane? How about the rides? Will I run out of energy halfway through? Will my knees give out?" etc, etc, blah, blah, blah. Not the stuff I want to be focusing on!! So, now I'm ready and I'm signed up for three different information seminars at three local hospitals over the next two months. I'm hopeful to get sleeved around Sept/Oct depending on insurance and doctor requirements. That would be the best timing for me. Unless for some reason they could get me in before the first week or so of June (which I know isn't likely) so I'd be on my way to recovery by the time school is out for my kids. Summer is a bad time for me to be on my butt, with 2 very active boys running around.

If anyone has any tips/suggestions for someone at the beginning of the journey, please share. I'm going to be spending a lot of time on this and other forum soaking up the experiences and knowledge. A little about me - 36 year old mom of 2, married, current BMI 43 . Been struggling with my weight since I was 10. Tried alllllll the things - Weight Watchers, FitnessPal, very low calorie diets (which work, until you eat normally again), etc. The weight always comes back. I'm sure most people here know exactly where I am and how I feel. I do have someone close to me that had the surgery 5 years ago and has been talking me through the overall process but I'm big on getting as much information as possible.

Thank you for your support

Oh, and if anyone has used Harvard Pilgrim insurance and has any info related to that I'd love to hear it


CJ

Edited March 31, 201610 yr by CJ'sready

I think it's great that you are getting all these thoughts down. This will be good to look back on when you are going through the rough times post-op to remind yourself why it will all be worth it in the end.

April 30th

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I've been considering and researching surgery for 2 years, decided to go ahead with it back in February. But, I had a Disney vacation scheduled for this past week (first time we took the kids!) and knew I wanted to be able to fully enjoy the vacation without worrying about anything before getting things officially started. I wasn't horrible about the food, but I definitely ate more (and more Desserts and such) in general than I usually do. Thankfully we walked miles every day and I drank a ton of Water in addition to the Snacks, indulgent meals, and a few fancy drinks throughout the week.

We got back this morning, and on Monday I have my informational seminar. I already have the paperwork and list of requirements; I plan to get my PCP referral in place and get all my tests and appointments scheduled this week.

I didn't have any major weight-related issues on vacation, besides being really really hot and sweaty (but it was 90 degrees and I live in New England where we're still in the 60s for high temps, so I guess that wasn't unreasonable ) . One day I almost got sick due to the heat. I'm sure part of that was due to lugging around an extra 125lbs of fat. My knees and ankles are pretty angry right now, too; again I'm sure due to the extra weight. Thankfully, I fit on all the rides I wanted to, no problem on the plane (I was really worried about getting asked to buy a second ticket but I fit in the seat no problem and even had extra belt to spare, whew!). BUT, I have about 300 pictures and hate the way I look in about 75% of them. The ones I do like, I'm hiding behind my kids. I am so ready to move forward with the next chapter of my life - the "healthy" chapter!

I'm beyond excited to see what the next year brings

Oh, and I also bought a souvenir shirt, but in a size large instead of my current size (2x/3x). I am hoping I'll be able to wear it by next Summer! It's thin material, and very cute. Nothing I've been able to wear in the past and been comfortable. I can't wait until it fits!

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Edited May 3, 201610 yr by SarahSleeve

May 6, 2016

Things I'm looking forward to:

- not having to stretch out my shirt so it doesn't cling to my stomach rolls

- shopping in stores instead of online at plus sized sites. Buying NICE jeans. Not just ones that fit. (And don't even fit well, at that - anything that fits my stomach leaves me with a baggy butt).

- being able to participate in my kids activities without being afraid of embarrassing them with my lack of fitness and body jiggling (ick).

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Edited May 6, 201610 yr by SarahSleeve

May 18, 2016

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Sure do hate waiting! I have a month before my first 3 doc appts. Until then I just wait. I think there's a session I will attend in early June to cover one of the 2 required monthly support meetings, but otherwise I'm just waiting. I did go in and get my official start weight logged so I could work on making small changes and hopefully lose a few pounds before my first appointment but I was told at my weigh-in that I will have to stay above 40BMI until the surgeon appt (which is after all the other ones!!) to qualify with my insurance (I guess hypertension doesn't always work as a co-morbidity). I am about 25lbs from that mark so I have to be aware. I can't see myself losing more than that over the 3-4 month period of appts and such though. So probably won't be an issue. (although the doc requires about 22lbs loss pre-surgery so it's going to be close!!).

Going to start by cutting out extra sugar and Snacks for now. Not going to go too crazy until I meet with the nutritionist next month.

Wish I had done this earlier!!

May 21, 2016

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Took my kids to the local go-kart racing/golf/etc place today due to having some awesome weather. Last year, I could close the seat belt on the go-karts, it was tight but it closed. Not even close today, even though I weigh about the same. Maybe I didn't extend all the straps fully or something, but either way, there I was sitting (stuffed into the seat) next to my 10 year old, having to say "I don't think this is going to fit" Thankfully, they still let me ride with the straps over my shoulders, but how incredibly embarrassing. I cannot wait for this surgery. Next Summer will be amazing. For me and my family.

5/23/16

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Getting closer every day! Took some 'workout gear' before photos today, with stretchy pants and sports bra. Yuck! Sobering to see those photos. I've known for many many years that I am obese, but knowing I'm about to do something to really change it seems to be forcing me to see how I really look and how unhealthy all this fat is. Knowing that my body will change in ways I can't even imagine by this time next year is giving me hope that I won't forever hate my body.

How did I let myself get to this point, over and over again?

I am SO ready for this.

Edited May 23, 201610 yr by SarahSleeve

5/23/16

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Getting closer every day! Took some 'workout gear' before photos today, with stretchy pants and sports bra. Yuck! Sobering to see those photos. I've known for many many years that I am obese, but knowing I'm about to do something to really change it seems to be forcing me to see how I really look and how unhealthy all this fat is. Knowing that my body will change in ways I can't even imagine by this time next year is giving me hope that I won't forever hate my body.

How did I let myself get to this point, over and over again?

I am SO ready for this.

I did that and I am so glad I did. Were the before photos horrible to look at? For sure! Does it make me feel all the more amazing seeing them side-by-side with the after photos? Absolutely! In the end, you will be so glad you did it. I have mine in my gallery if you want to see how drastic the difference is!

I've been fat so long that I don't know myself any other way. How do I do this and not lose who I am?

I can't tell you how much this statement resonates with me. I have never been thin, not since I was about seven years old. Being heavy is just part of who I am, and I have no idea how I am going to wrap my head around being thinner. I sent you a friend request. I am quite a bit behind you so far as the process goes, but maybe we can offer each other some support.

I've been fat so long that I don't know myself any other way. How do I do this and not lose who I am?

I can't tell you how much this statement resonates with me. I have never been thin, not since I was about seven years old. Being heavy is just part of who I am, and I have no idea how I am going to wrap my head around being thinner. I sent you a friend request. I am quite a bit behind you so far as the process goes, but maybe we can offer each other some support.

I'm just getting started with the exception of the introduction meeting and intake paperwork, still haven't even met for my first doc appt (which is about 3 weeks from now, and then I have 3 within a week of each other!).

I'm still nervous about changing. I don't want to change too much, but I know I will likely become more confident and self-assured. However, after a lifetime of being worried about what other people think, I might actually be OK with the boost in ego

@@SarahSleeve

If you want to read more about the effects of this surgery on relationships, there is a board on this site for spouses.

and on ObesityHelp.com you will find similar boards.

Education and Communication are what keeps the relationship moving forward, You will have bumps and hurt feelings and

issues to work through, but "love" is more commitment and Communication than any hot momma in a red lace teddy....Granted, that is not all bad, but Respectful Communication will go a LONG way.

Good Luck on your Journey~

June 15th, 2016

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It's about to begin, for real. I have three appts over the next week - nurse, dietitian, fitness evaluation. I am getting excited, but nervous. Ready, but wishing there was another way I could do this and be successful. But after being overweight/obese for 25+ years, I'm being realistic and accepting that I can't do this alone. Drastic changes are necessary, and those changes are starting this week!

EEK! This may be the last Summer I will live through as a morbidly obese woman!!!!! It's hard to imagine, but it's a very exciting prospect I cannot wait to see my body start to change

June 18, 2016

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First nurse visit done!

Next week:

Dietician

Fitness eval

Scheduled:

Upper GI July 1st

2nd nurse appt July 18th

Monthly support meetings

To schedule:

sleep study

6 weeks lifestyle classes

Mental health eval

4-6 months until I'm on the other side!

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June 15th, 2016

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It's about to begin, for real. I have three appts over the next week - nurse, dietitian, fitness evaluation. I am getting excited, but nervous. Ready, but wishing there was another way I could do this and be successful. But after being overweight/obese for 25+ years, I'm being realistic and accepting that I can't do this alone. Drastic changes are necessary, and those changes are starting this week!

EEK! This may be the last Summer I will live through as a morbidly obese woman!!!!! It's hard to imagine, but it's a very exciting prospect I cannot wait to see my body start to change

I said this very same thing to myself the other day. After struggling for the last four years trying to get the weight off, only to lose some and gain 10 pounds more on top of what I lost.. I know how you feel. The end is near.. while my last nutrition appointment will be mid- September... my surgery should be scheduled with a couple of weeks after that. I am ready. Ready to live the life I have been dreaming about for four years!

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June 24, 2016

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My first set of appointments is complete. Nurse, dietitian, fitness evaluation. They did a body fat analysis at the fitness one, that was not a fun number to hear! But I'm on my way. I have a sleep study evaluation set for the end of July, lifestyle classes to be scheduled for August, and a couple follow ups along with monthly support meetings along the way. My surgeon's goal is for me to lose about 22lbs and hopefully line up surgery for October.

This has been a busy week with all the "first" meetings. Now I just focus on moving more and eating less and making small changes to lead me in the right direction. Also trying different types of Protein drinks. I just bought the choc and vanilla Premier Protein since my local grocery store sells it and it's not bad. I'm used to Protein Drinks, and to me it tastes very similar to the Boost and ON Gold I've been drinking. 30G protein for 160 cals is good so I'm hoping I can tolerate the Splenda in it! (usually gives me a headache).

Up next:

Upper GI next week - hopefully they don't find anything. Reflux means VSG isn't necessarily the best option. I don't want bypass so fingers crossed on this one!

Labs - Blood work as well as an H.Pylori screening

Nurse follow up mid-July for weight check and progress monitoring

Sleep study consult (to see if I should do one) near the end of July - if they do a study and find apnea I have to use CPAP for 2 months before surgery.

Monthly support meetings until and beyond surgery

Off to get my body moving. 22lbs to go!

July 20, 2016

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Been a while since I updated! Lots has changed in the past month. We made the sudden decision to move right after my last post. So that was a stress I wasn't expecting. If all goes as planned we should be moved into the new house and town in another month. I'm nervous about this but trying to stay positive. One good thing is that I should be losing weight pretty quickly right about the time I get settled and start meeting people, so hopefully they will never know me as the fat mom. Kinda like a fresh start all around for all of us.

I had my Upper GI, which showed normal results, and my first monthly follow up. I focused mostly on increasing Protein and moving more, so I didn't lose much but I am determined to lose about 8lbs before my next appt in Aug.

Up next:

sleep study consult end of July.

Support meeting Aug, Sept, Oct.

Lifestyle class August (3 hour class)

Still hoping for a late Sept/early Oct surgery but we'll see how it goes. 18 lbs to go to my pre-surg weight goal!