I started my journey looking into the VSG in June, after a doctor appointment that showed me at my highest-ever weight. I was crushed and after years of battling, my PCP referred me to Bariatrics. I am a Kaiser member and must say that I have been extremely pleased with the manner in which they treat and support patients. I went to the two required orientations and hit the ground running. I officially started my new lifestyle on July 10 and have not looked back.

When I had my surgeon visit in late July, I was happy to be informed that I had already achieved my surgery weight. My next assignment was nutrition, then psych. Psych is where everything fell to hell in a handbasket. I was put on a six-month delay because I admitted to having issues with binge eating. Also, because the psych was worried about my GF not being supportive. (that last part really ticked me off. This is about me, not her). At any rate, I was crushed. Despite this, I have stuck to the plan and just the other day met with a psychiatrist. I know I am mental when it comes to food, so I understand that need.

Here is the kicker... Since July 10, I have now lost over 45 pounds, just by following the bariatric meal plan. As I sat with the psychiatrist, I came to a realization. I am not going to have the surgery. I will continue to attend support groups and psych appointments to help me cope with my food issues. But, I think I can do this. I have never been this successful. I am absolutely terrified at that the usual will happen and I will gain it all back, plus some. However, I think that if I can maintain the bariatric program and keep my mind in the right place...I can do this.

I plan on reading posts here as well to keep me motivated. If there are any Sacramento area people out there that need support, or can offer some...I am all ears!

I don't take many pics and post far fewer. But, I'm pretty happy, so here they are.

Great job with losing so much during the trial period, that's awesome. I am sure you're going to continue to do great [emoji4]

Congratulations! Honestly, if I was in your place and losing at that rate I wouldn't have the surgery either. It's definitely a "last resort" for me. Keep me the good work!

You are so brave and strong! Congrats on coming this far!

Congratulations to you [emoji173]️ you will continue to do amazing all you need is faith in yourself

Congratulations to you [emoji173]️ you will continue to do amazing all you need is faith in yourself

You look amazing and that is not easy to achieve, you have to be much stronger than you think. Stick with the program don't let yourself go back to where you were and then you can avoid the surgery. Congrats

Thank you all for the support. I am actually thankful for this bump in the road. It helped me realize that I can do this. I'm not trying to be vain, but I had to take a pic in a suit the other day. The contrast between the two is pretty awesome. I have never felt so proud. I know it will not be easy, but I am really hoping and working on staying on track.

Thank you all for the support. I am actually thankful for this bump in the road. It helped me realize that I can do this. I'm not trying to be vain, but I had to take a pic in a suit the other day. The contrast between the two is pretty awesome. I have never felt so proud. I know it will not be easy, but I am really hoping and working on staying on track.

Congratulations! You did an amazing job. Sometimes that psych visit will put things into perspective. Keep up the good work and I like your positive outlook. Definitely use the surgery as a tool for a last resort. [emoji4]

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Good luck and stick with the counseling too. This battle has many complicated facets - emotional eating, genetics, etc.

Maybe look up books by Geneen Roth - she writes about intuitive eating and battling binge eating etc.

Those of us that choose the surgery do so because we have lost weight but need this tool to keep it off. It resets our metabolism and offers the needed restriction to maintain the loss.

Keep us posted.

It's a great side by side. You are doing an amazing job without this particular tool. So glad that you got the right tools to help you achieve your goals.

You look awesome! Keep up the good work!

On 9/20/2017 at 2:10 PM, Just_Jim said:

I started my journey looking into the VSG in June, after a doctor appointment that showed me at my highest-ever weight. I was crushed and after years of battling, my PCP referred me to Bariatrics. I am a Kaiser member and must say that I have been extremely pleased with the manner in which they treat and support patients. I went to the two required orientations and hit the ground running. I officially started my new lifestyle on July 10 and have not looked back.

When I had my surgeon visit in late July, I was happy to be informed that I had already achieved my surgery weight. My next assignment was nutrition, then psych. Psych is where everything fell to hell in a handbasket. I was put on a six-month delay because I admitted to having issues with binge eating. Also, because the psych was worried about my GF not being supportive. (that last part really ticked me off. This is about me, not her). At any rate, I was crushed. Despite this, I have stuck to the plan and just the other day met with a psychiatrist. I know I am mental when it comes to food, so I understand that need.

Here is the kicker... Since July 10, I have now lost over 45 pounds, just by following the bariatric meal plan. As I sat with the psychiatrist, I came to a realization. I am not going to have the surgery. I will continue to attend support groups and psych appointments to help me cope with my food issues. But, I think I can do this. I have never been this successful. I am absolutely terrified at that the usual will happen and I will gain it all back, plus some. However, I think that if I can maintain the bariatric program and keep my mind in the right place...I can do this.

I plan on reading posts here as well to keep me motivated. If there are any Sacramento area people out there that need support, or can offer some...I am all ears!

I don't take many pics and post far fewer. But, I'm pretty happy, so here they are.

I love seeing progress pics, and when they are before the surgery it is even better!! I myself "go under the knife" Oct 16th and I am so torn now that everything is booked and paid for.. I sure hope you keep kicking ass and great job!!

Edited September 27, 20178 yr by buttebear76

Wow! Very good! You look great!

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18 hours ago, buttebear76 said:

I love seeing progress pics, and when they are before the surgery it is even better!! I myself "go under the knife" Oct 16th and I am so torn now that everything is booked and paid for.. I sure hope you keep kicking ass and great job!!

Thank you so much for the kind words. If I would have not of had the delay, I would have completed the procedure. I am so sick of the back and forth, life-long battle with the weight. I plan on staying on this path I have started down, but I know it will be difficult without the benefit of the surgery.

I know that I need to continue the steps by going to groups and meeting with my psych to make sure I stay focused and address those food demons (and his friends) that float around in my noggin. Tomorrow is another step in that journey for me.

Good luck with your journey. I wish you all the success in the world!