Figured I’d go ahead and say what’s up instead of just lurking. I'm Jamal, 36 from Kansas City. I’m fresh on this journey, haven’t had surgery yet, but I’ve been reading a lot, trying to get my head right before I take that step.

I’ve been overweight most of my adult life. Tried the usual: keto, low-carb, meal plans, gym memberships that turned into donation centers. You know how it goes. What’s different now that I’m finally tired of starting over. I want to do this the right way, with support, and by learning from people who’ve already been through it.

I’m still doing research, but I’m leaning toward VSG. I’ve got a consultation next month, so I’m trying to prep mentally and get honest about the habits that got me here in the first place. Food has always been my comfort, and I know surgery’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who posts updates, progress pics, even the stuff that didn’t go so smooth. That’s the kind of real talk I need.

I’m thinking about tracking my experience through writing too not just for me, but maybe for people like me who don’t always see themselves in the typical weight-loss stories. If I do start a blog, I’ll definitely share it here.

Appreciate you all.

What you said about gym memberships turning into donation centers had me cracking up, been there, done that. Honestly though, you’re already ahead by taking the time to prep and really think it through..

VSG was my route too, and yeah, it’s not magic, but it gave me the space to finally change stuff for real. Glad you’re here. You’re in good company.

I second that the bit about the gym membership turned donation centre also made me giggle ?

We have all indeed been where you are now and you are taking a massive step forward to putting yourself first, and I truly respect that. What I respect even more is the fact you are taking time to get informed about your options and the reality before making a firm decision!

Surgery, like most things, isn't a 1 size fits all 100% guaranteed fix, but y'know what, it got me out of that slump of "just starting fresh on Monday", and gave me the tools I needed to change my life.

Absolutely excited for you!

4 hours ago, Bypass2Freedom said:

I second that the bit about the gym membership turned donation centre also made me giggle ?

Me as well, though I have to admit I was a little slow on the uptake! At first I was wondering why @JamalR93 was donating old clothes to the gym! I suspect this was just my frame of mind since I just recently did another sweep of the closet looking for old "fat" clothes for donation to Goodwill.

@JamalR93 Welcome! I'm impressed by your approach. Too few people actually seek to really understand both the good and bad of bariatric surgery before charging in. I think you'll do well since you already know that this is just a tool and the real change is the one that has to happen between your ears.

Welcome!

I don’t post much but I’ve been in my surgeon’s program since January when my insurance stopped paying for my GLP-1 medication. I’ve spent the last 6 months checking all the boxes so that I can get VSG, on Friday I submitted my final lifestyle check in with the dieticians, so hopefully the ball is going to be rolling here for me soon!

16 hours ago, AleBrooks said:

What you said about gym memberships turning into donation centers had me cracking up, been there, done that. Honestly though, you’re already ahead by taking the time to prep and really think it through..

VSG was my route too, and yeah, it’s not magic, but it gave me the space to finally change stuff for real. Glad you’re here. You’re in good company.

Haha right? I swear I kept my old gym running for like two years just by not showing up. Glad I’m not the only one!

Appreciate the kind words. I’m trying to do it different this time, not just jump in without really understanding what I’m getting into. Good to hear VSG helped you make some lasting changes, that’s exactly what I’m hoping for. I know it’s still gonna be work, but I’m ready for that.

On 6/23/2025 at 6:43 PM, Bypass2Freedom said:

I second that the bit about the gym membership turned donation centre also made me giggle ?

We have all indeed been where you are now and you are taking a massive step forward to putting yourself first, and I truly respect that. What I respect even more is the fact you are taking time to get informed about your options and the reality before making a firm decision!

Surgery, like most things, isn't a 1 size fits all 100% guaranteed fix, but y'know what, it got me out of that slump of "just starting fresh on Monday", and gave me the tools I needed to change my life.

Absolutely excited for you!

Haha that gym line really hit home, huh? I’ve made so many “fresh start Monday” promises I lost count.

Thanks for the support it means a lot. I’m just trying to take it slow and do it right this time.

Glad surgery helped you reset. That’s the kind of push I’m hoping for too.

On 6/23/2025 at 10:52 PM, SpartanMaker said:

Me as well, though I have to admit I was a little slow on the uptake! At first I was wondering why @JamalR93 was donating old clothes to the gym! I suspect this was just my frame of mind since I just recently did another sweep of the closet looking for old "fat" clothes for donation to Goodwill.

@JamalR93 Welcome! I'm impressed by your approach. Too few people actually seek to really understand both the good and bad of bariatric surgery before charging in. I think you'll do well since you already know that this is just a tool and the real change is the one that has to happen between your ears.

LOL! Now I’m picturing a donation bin right next to the treadmills ?

Thanks much, I need that kind of encouragement before taking any big steps.

On 6/23/2025 at 11:31 PM, kellsbells0182 said:

Welcome!

I don’t post much but I’ve been in my surgeon’s program since January when my insurance stopped paying for my GLP-1 medication. I’ve spent the last 6 months checking all the boxes so that I can get VSG, on Friday I submitted my final lifestyle check in with the dieticians, so hopefully the ball is going to be rolling here for me soon!

Thanks for the welcome! Goodluck and keep us posted!

VSG helped me, but changing how I deal with food was the real shift. Start tracking now, what you eat and why. That mental prep pays off later.

pro tip: take lots of pictures (and body measurements) now and during. and save your biggest pair of pants...you'll understand later

good luck!

On 6/25/2025 at 7:11 PM, PorkChopExpress said:

VSG helped me, but changing how I deal with food was the real shift. Start tracking now, what you eat and why. That mental prep pays off later.

Thanks! Appreciate that.

On 6/25/2025 at 10:07 PM, ms.sss said:

pro tip: take lots of pictures (and body measurements) now and during. and save your biggest pair of pants...you'll understand later

good luck!

Thank you!?